Out of all the personality types, INTJs have the most difficulty in the area of mating. Not because there is something wrong with them, per se, but because they regard the selection as a rational process, a matter of finding someone who meets their physical and intellectual requirements. They desire a mate of the mind: someone smart, preferably genius, harmonious, and above all else independent, able to stand up to their formidable personalities. The INTJ will figure out very quickly, usually by the first or second date, whether or not a relationship has a future. If not the INTJ will not waste time toying with courtships of little promise; they are done and they will not look back.

Masterminds rely on their heads rather than their hearts when dating, and thus are often accused of being cold and calculating when breaking things off. However, contrary to popular belief, INTJs are deeply emotional, even romantic types. They are extremely difficult to read as they tend to not be emotionally expressive, distrusting emotions as illogical whims that seek to subdue them. Thus, the INTJ might feel waves of deep feelings over a break-up, yet seem distant and frigid where they used to be close and warm. The INTJ values their privacy above all else, and while they might have shared in the past with a person of trust, once that bond is broken, the person is no longer a confidant, walled off from their inner world.

Another unfortunate problem for the INTJ is their infinite patience when it comes to dating. They are meticulous, developing intimacy rather slowly. A person may pique their interest, but they are unhurried, studying the ins and outs of the relationship, dipping their toes in one at a time for lengthy intervals. A year may go by, then two, and when they finally decide they actually are in love, the person of interest may have already moved on. Thus, many INTJs do not get married until the latter years of life.

Despite their difficulties in the dating world, once the INTJ does find someone worthy of their personal investment, they make loyal and passionate mates. They view their mate as a partner with whom they can explore the world of ideas, a sounding board, an extension of their own mind. Autonomous, yet still together. That special person holds a crowned place inside of their hearts, an individual with whom their love extends endlessly and exclusively.

INTJs feel pledged to the relationship with or without a marriage license, and do not hold to societies standards of mating behavior; rules and formalities hold little pressure for them. They might put up with the ceremonies, licenses, and other hubbub to please their family or mate, but generally they simply do not care. What matters to the INTJ is individual commitment, a personal contract they strictly adhere to.

INTJs tend to view sexuality the same way they view the standards of mating behavior. They might not care for what society tells them, rather their own set of sexual ethics are carefully considered and strictly adhered to. Usually, as a matter of personal preference, they view sexual promiscuity with distaste, though they generally are not reluctant to explore their sexuality within the context of a seriously committed relationship. INTJs abhor public displays of affection, seeing them as a lack of self-control. However, in private they have no qualms with being physically demonstrative, a place where they can let loose without the eyes of the world on them.

In conclusion, INTJs make wonderful mental and loving mates. If you are fortunate enough to have one in your life, remember their need for independence. They love theories, hypothesizing, study, and personal advancement. But do not mistake their abstract, highly focused way of life as indifference. It sometimes takes a gentle reminder for them to pull their noses from their books and join the family circle, typically which they are happy to do.

If you happen to be an INTJ, remember that not everyone holds to the same need for efficiency in what they do and say. “I love you,” may seem obvious or redundant, but not always to your loved one. It may be a stretch, even annoying to have to do so, but affectionate words go a long way for many.

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