Think aloud
You know when you meet someone and you go, “Oh, he’s that type of a person”? We never give it much thought, but there are a number of different personality types.
Thanks to Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs, we can now name all of the sixteen personality types. These were created to help people understand themselves better.
If you’ve recently met someone and would like to find out more about them, you can do so by diving into the Myers-Briggs personality inventory.
Some details might not add up and it would be weird if they did, right? It would feel as if we’re robots designed to think and feel a certain way.
However, you can find out how each Myers-Briggs personality type handles a breakup. We know these can be hard and, understandably, you’d be concerned about that part.
If you’re thinking of ending things with your partner, you’re probably wondering how they’re going to take the news. Also, you’re not even sure what your reaction will be, so how could you predict your partner’s?
It’s all different when you’re playing it out in your mind, trust me. Been there, done that. It always turns out to be a different case scenario.
If only I looked into some of these personality types, I could’ve anticipated those dreadful moments. Breakups can be unpredictable, so knowing how these personality types deal with them can bring a small dose of comfort.
It’s important to not delve into this article with prejudices because trust me, it probably won’t meet your expectations. Also, it’s important to note how there isn’t a superior or inferior personality type.
We’re all different and that’s totally fine. We all deal with our troubles in the best way we know how. So, without further ado, let’s see how different people deal with a breakup based on their personality type.
How each personality type handles a breakup
Some of the Myers-Briggs personality types will efficiently handle a breakup whereas others will come across bumps in the road.
It certainly isn’t the happiest moment of anyone’s life. However, if something’s meant to be, it will find a way to last. Here’s how the personality types usually feel and behave after splitting up with their significant other.
INFJ
You could say INFJs have a bit of a hard time grasping the fact that they just lost their partner. No matter if they’re the dumper or the dumpee, they tend to be a bit lost afterward.
An INFJ might daydream about getting back with their ex, which can stop them from moving on. This can affect their life as there’s a possibility they will withdraw into themselves.
People with this personality type experience things and feelings on a deeper level. They’re known for their introverted tendencies, so it’ll take some time to come out of their shell after a loss.
ENFJ
For an ENFJ, handling a breakup is all about distraction. At first, it might feel as if they’re refusing to accept the fact that they lost someone they loved.
However, this tactic always works out for them in the end. They somehow manage to keep themselves busy enough for the wounds to heal.
If they can, they’ll include everyone in their grieving stage. An ENFJ won’t be afraid to reach out to others for some advice or help. Thanks to their extroverted personality, they manage to handle a breakup pretty well.
INFP
People with this personality type are typically kind of slow in processing the loss of a loved one. INFPs tend to be deeply connected to people they love, which makes parting a lot harder.
Ending things with their partner is never an easy thing to do. Therefore, it’s likely that INFPs will try to mend things one more time before making that final decision.
They’ll try dodging the harsh truth and will eventually get caught up in an inevitable circle of sadness. Actually, they tend to make things harder for themselves than they already are.
ENFP
Breakups for this personality type always differ. They behave according to the situation. It implies that if their relationship wasn’t that serious, they’ll be completely fine.
On the other hand, they might struggle with letting go of the person who meant something to them. ENFPs are not used to dealing with these types of defeats, so a breakup is quite a challenge.
They’ll want to get over it as soon as possible, so they’ll likely skip the grieving part. This behavior comes to bite them in the face once the dust settles.
INTJ
INTJs are the type of people who will try to make the best out of things. Even if they’re dealing with a breakup, they’ll try to learn from their mistakes.
Also, they don’t give up that easily even if they decide to split up. This personality type handles a breakup by finding reasons for it. It has to make sense, otherwise, it’s unacceptable.
No matter the consequences, INTJs will always require closure. That way, they’ll know that there’s no going back and that’s how it’s supposed to be.
ENTJ
I’m not saying ENTJs don’t break up ever, but they really spend a huge chunk of time choosing their partner. They will investigate and analyze everything so that they find their perfect match.
Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. When ENTJs see that the relationship has come to the brink of its existence, they’ll still want to fight for it.
Just like ENFJ, with whom they share extroversion, people with this personality type will try their best to keep themselves occupied. They may lose track of what’s happened along the way, so it’s important they surround themselves with their loved ones in order to receive the right support.
INTP
INTPs might make this hard on themselves. Although unnecessary in most cases, they will try to examine anything and everything that led to this point.
Their behavior post-breakup might make them shut off from the rest of the world. However, due to their introversion, it’s only expected of them to crave some alone time.
Still, they might be able to avoid getting stuck in a dark place if they just talk to someone they trust.
ENTP
If your ex-partner is an ENTP, seeing them after a breakup might be a bummer. It’s because they tend to think of ending things as being set free.
It’s like they’ve found this freedom they’ve been yearning for all along. This behavior might be disheartening to you, but their freedom would likely be short-lived.
After this episode of salvation, they might reminisce about the good old times they shared with you. This brings along the feeling of nostalgia.
ISTJ
Just like any introverted personality type, ISTJs are really picky when it comes to their partner. They don’t open up that easily, so it’s an even bigger struggle to lose that person.
Their introverted tendencies will eventually result in them trying too hard. ISTJs will do all in their might to keep the relationship alive, although they subconsciously know it’s impossible.
Just like INTJs, they need closure to help them cope with the loss of their loved one.
ESTJ
This personality type is another example of how things can come back to bite you in the face. Although they’re extroverts, leaving their partner and relationship behind can take its toll on them.
However, they won’t admit that it’s bothering them. Instead, they’ll put on a mask as if to tell the world that they’re completely fine after a breakup.
This is far from the truth and that’s why it can be problematic for them. While their partner’s moving on with their life, an ESTJ will still have a hard time reconciling to the split-up.
ISFJ
Talk about taking the blame for everything. People with this personality type are always deeply affected by a breakup.
It doesn’t matter if they’re the dumper or the dumpee, they’ll need some time to recollect themselves. The worst thing they do is point fingers at themselves for not having been able to prevent the separation.
Due to wrongful self-blaming, ISFJs have a hard time handling a breakup because it takes a lot of strength to pick up the broken pieces.
ESFJ
As for ESFJs, they have this healthy coping mechanism: They’re not afraid to face the truth and know when to call things off.
For them, everything’s how it’s supposed to be. They won’t be overjoyed by the breakup, but they won’t fall into depression either.
Instead, they’ll find a way to grieve, most probably with their friends. After that, ESFJs move on with their lives without looking back.
ISTP
Sometimes, moving on too quickly can cause an adverse effect. ISTPs tend to do just that: skip any crying and jump into the next relationship.
This might look brave and bold to some, but it’s not something you want to do. That ignorance will eventually catch up to you.
Moreover, you’re teaching yourself that it’s okay to just accept things without giving them a second thought. However, you’ll find that most times, you can learn from your previous experiences.
ESTP
If we’re talking about a dumper edition, it goes without saying that ESTPs will relish the breakup. They’ll find ways to celebrate the split-up by going out with their friends.
However, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. If an ESTP has been dumped by their partner, it’s hard for them to accept that.
Even though they’re extroverts, ending things abruptly can affect them long-term. This can potentially cause them to retreat from new experiences and relationships.
ISFP
This personality type tends to sugarcoat things. They might not feel comfortable with the fact that they’re losing their partner.
However, an effective coping mechanism should be able to fix things. ISFPs are introverts, so they won’t really seek others’ comfort.
Instead, they’ll likely find comfort in their room. It will serve as a safe zone until they’re ready to trust someone again.
ESFP
ESFPs are all about positivity. Therefore, it’s safe to say that this personality type handles breakups rather well.
Of course, they’ll feel sad at the beginning, which is only normal and to be expected. But they won’t dwell on it for too long and waste their precious time.
They know when it’s time to say goodbye and they won’t desperately beg for any more chances.
