Your Perfect 'Type'?

Is There a Perfect Match For My Personality?

There is a strong link between personality 'type' and relationship satisfaction. Sharing the same personality 'type' often allows for greater communication and this is perhaps the single most important component of a satisfying relationship. Individuals of the same or similar 'type' often find it easier to 'get' one another.

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator personality assessment tool allows individuals to discover their unique personality 'type'  and the 'type' of their intimate partners. As mentioned in earlier articles, What is an MBTI® Personality Assessment and How Will It Help Me? ,  'personality type' is determined by having individuals provide their best guess at self-reporting their 'type' and by answering an online questionnaire. Personality 'types' are represented by 4 letters which represent preferred ways of interacting with our world. Couples can share some, none or all 4 preferences.

Who's with Whom?

Quite often the more preferences shared by a couple, the easier it can be to communicate. Shared preferences are reported by Tieger and Tieger as follows:

• 10% of couples share all 4 preferences (same personality 'type')
• 20% of couples share 3 preferences
• 35% share only 2 preferences ( most common)
• 25% share only 1 preference
• 10% have no preferences in common

What About Opposites Attract?

The old concept the 'opposites attract' is often true, especially when it comes to our love relationships. People are often attracted to their opposite. This seem to be particularly true when it comes to the Extraversion/Intraversion preferences and the Judging/Perceiving preferences. It would appear that we are naturally attracted to individuals who are somewhat different from ourselves in these personality areas. It is almost as if we feel 'rounded out' by partnering with our opposite. Each of the partners supplying the strengths that the other is missing.

So Why Does My Opposite Drive Me Crazy?

Well, it appears that while we are attracted to opposites in some aspects of personality, we are most attracted to those who have similar ways of observing and collecting information from the world around them(Sensing/Intuition) as well as those individuals who make decisions in a similar fashion (Thinking/Feeling). These dichotomies are  like the cornerstones of communication. They represent how we understand the world, formulate and communicate our thoughts, move towards conclusions and make decisions. It is no wonder then, that sharing these aspects of 'personality type'  might prove beneficial.

Are We Doomed If We Don't Share Enough Preferences?

Of course not! Still, it shouldn't come as a great surprise to anyone that individuals who report having  successful relationships often do share the same letter preferences for collecting information and making decisions. These individuals feel on the same 'wave-length' and often do settle down together. However, that does NOT mean that individuals with fewer or no preferences in common can't still have great relationships. What is truly of paramount importance is a willingness to understand your partner's needs, as well as your own, and to make a concerted and caring effort to communicate these needs in ways that each personality 'type' can understand. Communication might require more effort, but it is never impossible when partners make it a priority.

To book an appointment with Arlene, contact:

info@the sdrc

 

www.integralhealthclinic.com

 

or email

archclarkbrown@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Relationships and Personality

How Can MBTI® Help My Relationships?

Whether you are just starting out in a new relationship or have been in a long-standing relationship, an MBTI personality assessment is extremely helpful in creating an understanding of what you need in a relationship for it to be fulfilling. An MBTI personality assessment will point out your personality similarities, differences and basic natures. We are not all the same! Understanding one another ALWAYS helps. Many people, after having learned more about themselves and their partners, are able to determine how best to improve their communication styles; help heal past misunderstandings; correct detrimental patterns of behaviour; or at the very least, move forward with their eyes wide open.

My Partner is from Another Planet- The Gender Debate and MBTI

There's no denying that men and women are different. Some women do fit the stereotype of being sensitive, emotional, nurturing and open, just like some men fit the male stereotype of being tough, strong, emotionless and competitive. These differences can create barriers to good communication which is the leading cause of relationship conflicts, resulting in frustrations between partners. However, research has shown that only 30-40 percent of the population is represented by these stereotypes. The other 60-70 percent of the population is not accurately described by these gender stereotypes. Hmmm.

Not convinced? Consider same sex partnerships. Shouldn't they understand each other easily and have very few communication difficulties?

So if it isn't gender that accounts for most relationship challenges, what is it?

 

Way Beyond Gender

You guessed it... Personality type! So many of our differences can be attributed to personality type. We have different energy levels; structure our lives differently; gather information in different ways; and, make decisions using our unique styles. We move through the world in a way that is most comfortable for us. This might be similar or very distinctly different than our partner's approach. Our personalities are made up of fundamental characteristics that impact the way we interact and communicate in our relationships. It goes WAY beyond gender.

Rather than relying on gender stereotypes to explain our relationship challenges, personality type helps create a clearer picture of each individual and what their motivations are.

Is There a Perfect Personality Match For Me?

 

Are there personality combinations that will ensure a successful relationship? Are some types more naturally suited to each other? Can opposites stay together? You would think that if you shared the same personality type as your partner that your relationship would be a resounding, long-term success with both partners happily skipping off into the sunset together. Conversely, you might assume that having the opposite personality type to that of your partner, would  mean a relationship full of struggles and unhappiness. Interestingly, this may or may not be the case. Sometimes sharing the exact same personality type with your partner can present its own set of challenges in that both partners would have very similar strengths and very similar weaknesses. Bonding over the similarities is easy....covering the bases with shared weaknesses can be problematic.

Now What?

The bottom line is that understanding your personality type and the personality type of your partner, will give you a much better chance of creating a happy, successful relationship that provides both partners with what they need to feel fulfilled. It is also important to remember that any two people, regardless of their personality types can still have a great relationship. The key to success, is understanding one another. This is where an MBTI assessment becomes an invaluable tool.

To book an appointment with Arlene, contact:

info@thesdrc.com

www.integralhealthclinic.com