Your Biggest Struggle in Relationships, According to Your Myers-Briggs Type

Ashley Abramson
Aug 07, 2018

Romantic relationships can be hard. Whether you’re casually dating or currently committed, you’ve probably experienced the way being involved with other people can bring our biggest personal struggles to the surface. Think of your relationships like a mirror: In the context of how you interact with those closest to you, you can see your weaknesses in a new light, identifying areas of struggle to help yourself grow, both in connection with your partner and as an individual. But where’s the best place to start? By considering your personality and all its unique tendencies — and, of course, your relationship history — you can begin to pinpoint your relational weaknesses.

Before you get too far, remember: Most of the time, your biggest struggle is directly linked to your most powerful strengths. If you struggle with, say, being clingy, that can mean you’re dedicated and committed, which is a good thing! And if you find yourself being controlling, you probably have a keen sense of responsibility and a direct leadership style. Curious about how your personality surfaces with your significant other, for better or for worse? Here’s our best guess for the biggest difficulty for you to overcome in relationships, based on your Myers-Briggs personality type.

ISTJ: THE LOGICIAN

You love to be right. Practical and direct, this personality type cuts straight to the point — and the point is almost always the most logical one. While the ISTJ is dependable and reliable, they can also be perceived as reserved and unemotional, which can cause problems in relationships. This personality’s greatest weakness? They love to be right, sometimes at the expense of being sensitive or considerate.

ISFJ: THE DEFENDER

You’re emotionally closed off. With a strong desire to serve and protect their loved ones, the ISFJ is one of the most supportive personalities out there, offering emotional or practical assistance whenever they’re needed. So what’s the issue? While ISFJs are generous and kind, this shy personality struggles to open up emotionally, which can make it hard to foster intimacy in relationships.

INFJ: THE ADVOCATE

You’re meddlesome in your partner’s life. The INFJ, like the ISFJ, is a big-hearted giver, fueled by intuition and empathy. But therein lies the INFJ’s struggle. Yes, this personality knows how to emotionally care for their loved ones, but the INFJ can also be meddlesome and intrusive, assuming they intuitively know what’s best for their partner.

INTJ: THE ARCHITECT

You come off as arrogant. Intellectual and creative, the INTJ is obsessed with being strategic and efficient, which can definitely benefit relationships. But it can present problems when this type of over-the-top intellect comes across as arrogant or even cynical, especially as they’re getting to know someone new.

ISTP: THE VIRTUOSO

You are uncommitted. The down-to-earth, vibrant, free-spirited ISTP is motivated by new experiences and needs lots of freedom to explore. But since this personality is always looking for something *new* to satisfy their senses, they can also be flighty and uncommitted, much to the frustration of their doting partner.

ISFP: THE ADVENTURER

You guard your emotions. ISFPs are also motivated by a desire to explore and experience the beauty around them; because they are highly emotionally intelligent, they love the sense of possibility that relationships bring. While they are emotionally in tune, ISFPs typically focus on their partners and guard their own emotions, which can delay the creation of authentic connections in a relationship.

INFP: THE MEDIATOR

You’re overly sensitive. The MBTI’s poet, this personality type is soulful, artistic, and highly sensitive. Of course, this sensitivity can add depth and color to a relationship, but it can also be cause for conflict. When an INFP feels hurt (which might be more common than other personality types), they tend to withdraw, sometimes causing their partner confusion or frustration.

INTP: THE LOGICIAN

You’re too passive in the relationship. INTPs love to learn. Intellectual and well-read, this brilliant personality always has something interesting to share. But they are also very shy and reserved, which means they tend to wait for partners to initiate things in relationships out of fear of rejection. This can cause the relationship to feel emotionally one-sided.

ESTP: THE ENTREPRENEUR

You’re impatient. Bold, adventurous, and always engaging, the ESTP craves excitement in every area of their life — which also means they are easily bored, even in (and sometimes because of) a meaningful relationship. This personality’s biggest struggle, rooted in its desire for adventure and enjoyment, is impatience.

ESFP: THE ENTERTAINER

You’re not fully present. ESFPs light up a room, and the same goes for their relationships. Fun-loving and enthusiastic, they bring much-needed energy and vibrancy to the table. However, their highly emotional side, paired with their need for new experiences, can make it difficult for the ESFP to be fully present or committed in a relationship.

ENFP: THE CAMPAIGNER

You get too serious too fast. Passionate, spontaneous feelers, ENFPs take having fun seriously, but they take relationships seriously too… Sometimes a little too seriously. While the ENFP’s enthusiasm and devotion are well-intentioned, they can come across as “too much too soon,” overwhelming a partner in the early stages of a relationship.

ENTP: THE DEBATER

You’re hard to satisfy. The ENTP’s innovative, inventive personality brings momentum and fun to any relationship. This personality loves to grow alongside their partner, learning new things and overcoming obstacles. But, as you can imagine, the desire for constant self-improvement can manifest as constant discontentment, especially if a partner doesn’t share this core value.

ESTJ: THE EXECUTIVE

You’re too direct. The ambitious and visionary ESTJ probably has a 10-year plan for every aspect of their life, and relationships are no exception. The trouble comes when conflict arises: In the heat of the moment, the ESTJ usually stays levelheaded, but this can come across as overly direct or even brash, potentially offending a significant other.

ESFJ: THE CONSUL

You avoid conflict. Harmony is key for the ESFJ, who is known to offer faithful support and devotion to their partners. Still, this altruistic type is far from perfect. While the ESFJ brings an element of peace, they’re also conflict-avoidant, meaning that their fear of confrontation and the impact it could have on their relationship can keep problems stewing.

ENFJ: THE PROTAGONIST

You’re overbearing. Diplomatic leaders to the core, ENFJs love to help their partners accomplish goals and overcome struggles. Because they’re so intuitive and emotional, this personality picks up on potential issues with the relationship early on, which can result in them becoming overbearing and meddlesome.

ENTJ: THE COMMANDER

You’re insensitive. ENTJs are in it to win it. Strong-willed, goal-oriented individuals, they know where they’re going and how to get there. But this future focus can lead the ENTJ to miss out on crucial moments early on in a relationship, resulting in the perception that they’re ruthless or insensitive.

What challenges you most about relating to others? Tell us @BritandCo!

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OMG, Tom Holland & Zendaya Are Officially Engaged!

The 2025 Golden Globes were filled with plenty of surprises (like the fact Demi Moore won her first ever acting award?!) but one thing I never saw coming was Zendaya showing up to the red carpet with what looked like an engagement ring on THAT finger. And on January 6, TMZ confirmed Tom Holland and Z are officially engaged!

Tom recently spilled that working with The Drama actress (and simply being in her life) is "the best thing that ever happened to me." Eek! This is one celebrity couple I want to be together forever, and if you're wondering "are Zendaya and Tom Holland engaged?" then you've come to the right place.

Here's everything you need to know about Tom Holland & Zendaya's engagement, and Zendaya's engagement ring.

Did Tom Holland and Zendaya actually get engaged?

Tom Holland and Zendaya engagement rumors have been circulating for quite awhile, and the internet freaked out when Z showed up to last night's Golden Globes with a diamond ring on her finger. TMZ reports that Tom popped the question in between Christmas and New Year's at one of Z's family homes. Their source also says the "romantic and intimate" proposal was private between the couple — which sounds exactly like something they'd do. The source also notes that the fiancés plan to get through their impressive upcoming Hollywood schedule before wedding planning.

While the ultra-private couple hadn't announced their engagement before the awards show, one recently-engaged LA Times reporter shared a moment with the actress, and the publication reported that Zendaya showed off the ring with "jazz" fingers, and when the reporter straight-up asked if she was engaged, Z "smiled coyly and shrugged her shoulders mysteriously."

Zendaya wore a custom orange Loui Vuitton dress to the awards show, as well as a gorgeous Bvlgari necklace with a blue Paraíba tourmaline at the center. However, the LA Times notes that Z's diamond ring was left out of the Bvlgari press release listing the rest of her jewelry.

Does Zendaya have a ring?

@sswagath tomdaya engaged ?? #tomdaya♬ original sound - seb💖🪩🐆⚡️

Zendaya's new ring was the star of the show at the Golden Globes, and for good reason. People reports that the recent addition to Z's jewelry box looks like a Jessica McCormack 5.02ct East-West Cushion Diamond Button Back Ring. The piece is "set in a Georgian style cut-down setting," (which, given Z's low-key and classy style would totally fit her vibe!) in a 18k white and yellow gold band.

In a viral TikTok, Zendaya can be seen showing off her new ring (reportedly to producer Amy Pascal) with a huge smile on her face.

Did Tom Holland and Zendaya get a house together?

A source recently told Life & Style that Tom Holland and Zendaya are "basically living like a husband and wife already."

“For Tom’s part, he’s seen up close how settling down, getting serious and having kids has changed [friend Robert Pattinson],” the source continues. “Tom wants that life for himself and Zendaya, sooner rather than later.”

Tom and Zendaya clearly enjoy life out of the spotlight and one of my favorite things is seeing this couple out for walks with Z's dog Noon! Here's hoping they'll be able to walk their dogs for as long as they both shall live. ;)

What do you think about the news Tom Holland and Zendaya are engaged? Check Brit + Co for the latest updates on your favorite couples — and check out Selena Gomez's beautiful engagement ring!

This post has been updated.

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'The Last of Us' Season 2 Is Coming Sooner Than Expected

I've been anxiously awaiting news on The Last of Us season 2 release date ever since that crazy season 1 finale in March of 2023. ICYMI, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) have returned to Jackson but unfortunately, all's not well that ends well, because Joel is hiding a huge secret — and it's totally shaken Ellie's trust in him. I love this reluctant duo so much and I'm already making plans to visit my best friend so we can watch (and rewatch) the premiere together.

Here's everything we know about The Last of Us season 2 release date, plus the new The Last of Us trailer.

'The Last of Us' season 2 trailer teases lots of terror.

We've already gotten our first look at Kaitlyn Dever's Abby (a character fans of the game love to hate), but this is the first time we've gotten to hear her — or see her Firefly pendant. We also catch a glimpse of Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) dancing during what appears to be an iconic game scene and Tommy (Gabriel Luna) helping defend Jackson from the infected.

While season 1 was full of earthy tones and tons of light vs. dark imagery, The Last of Us season 2 is already showing off a much more aggressive color palette with blacks and reds that underscore just how explosive things are this season (and judging by the flares, I mean that quite literally).

When can I watch The Last of Us season 2?

Yes, The Last of Us season 2 release date is coming sooner rather than later and the show will hit Max in April 2025. We're still awaiting confirmation on whether we'll get all the episodes at once, but I'm guessing it'll be another weekly release schedule to bring us from the spring through the summer.

Is Last of Us season 2 coming?

Yes, The Last of Us season 2 is on its way! The show was renewed in January of 2023 after the pilot aired. The game sequel opens five years after the events of the first game, and Joel and Ellie's relationship has splintered because of Joel's secret: his promise that Ellie's immunity couldn't be used for a cure is actually a lie — and he murdered an entire hospital of Firefly rebels to save her life.

When Ellie finds out Joel lied to her — and when a certain someone finds out Joel's responsible for the massacre — their worlds implode.

Bella Ramsey told Vanity Fair "it’s really a story about revenge and a continuation from the first season about the dangers of unconditional love."

Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal teased to Deadline that The Last of Us team “are always going to find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have, and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format like a television show."

Check back here for the latest The Last of Us season 2 release date news! And read up on the other most-anticipated TV shows coming in 2025.

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3 Key Things Super Compatible Couples Never Argue About, According To Experts

By now, you may be able to recognize signs of gaslighting or other toxicbehaviors, but do you know how to take everything you've learned and become a super compatible couple? According to experts, there are a few key things super compatible couples rarely argue about — even with whatever faults each person brings to the relationship table. While the topics these couples avoid may not surprise you, the reason why they're able to avoid them might. But first, let's talk about what makes couples more compatible than others.

Dr. Brooke Keels, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, LPC-Supervisor, Chief Clinical Officer at Lighthouse Recovery, has this to say: "Couples are compatible when they share similar values, goals, and know the best way to communicate with each other." Notice she didn't say these couples are just alike.

More so, she explains that "it's about how well they handle differences, whether they can support each other through tough times, and how they connect emotionally." Dr. Keels adds, "when there’s respect, trust, and a good balance of give-and-take between them?" Dr. Keels believes this gives couples a better chance "to be in sync."

Scroll down to see the topics you'll rarely hear compatible couples arguing about!

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1. Long-term goals like marriage aren't often a cause for concern.

Have you ever dated someone that made you wonder what you saw in them once you pay attention to certain red flags? You may have found yourself arguing with them about everything from religion to reproductive health, leaving you feeling dizzy afterwards. But Dr. Keels says compatible couples are more likely to be aligned on "whether they want the same things out of life."

Her examples include:

  • Relocating for careers
  • Family planning
  • Finding somewhere to settle down in general (i.e. apartment, condo, different state, close to family, etc.,)

"This common ground lessens the chance of fighting over these big topics," Dr. Keels reiterates.

Vlada Karpovich

2. There's a lesser chance arguments about weekend activities occur.

We're no strangers to indecisive moments where we couldn't agree about what to do on the weekends with our partners, but Dr. Keels says compatible couples don't always run into this issue. "When you enjoy similar activities or have overlapping hobbies, you're more like to find ways to unwind together, rather than feeling disconnected or frustrated by each other's choices," she adds.

While it varies from couple to couple, you and your partner may enjoy the following:

  • Buying tickets to watch the latest college basketball or football game
  • Going to a 'Paint and Sip' class for fun
  • Having a mini outdoor picnic
  • Visiting a national park if it's on your couple's bucket list
  • Spending a day at a local arcade

The possibilities are endless, but all that matters is that "this mutual understanding makes spending time together feel natural and fun," according to Dr. Keels.

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3. Communication styles aren't causing a daily disruption.

Some people have a more direct way of communicating while others may be passive or even passive-aggressive. Less arguments aren't happening because compatible couples communicate the same however. "When they both understand each other's communication style — whether it's direct or more subtle — it helps avoid misunderstandings and frustration."

Here's a couple of examples:

  • If you're having a bad day that has nothing to do with your partner, they don't take it personal when you prefer some alone time.
  • If your partner says something they perceived to be a joke, but you didn't, you're less likely to immediately accuse them of being insensitive. Instead, there's a higher chance of asking what they mean by something and expressing why you didn't like it instead of arguing.

Compatible couples "know how to express their feelings and needs in a way that the other person can easily understand" which makes "it easier to resolve issues calmly," according to Dr. Keels.

Alex Green

Are couples better (or more compatible) because they don't have a lot of arguments?

Well, no. That's actually a stretch because everyone has arguments. "Even compatible couples can argue about everyday things like chores or schedules. No matter how well they get along or how "in sync" they are, little annoyances can still pop up here and there, and cause some tension between them," Dr. Keels shares. "The difference," she points out, "is that they're usually better at handling these moments and keeping them from turning into bigger problems."

The other thing she's seen couples argue about is money. "It's such a common stress point because everyone has different habits and priorities when it comes to spending or saving," she says. But, guess what? "Compatible couples tend to approach the conversation with more understanding and a willingness to find a compromise," she continues.

If you feel like you and your partner aren't on the same page, it may not be time to break up just yet. We've learned that that it can take time to effectively communicate with a romantic partner or understand them. Compatibility is great, but it's not an indicator that a relationship will be smooth sailing!

Keira Burton

How can I have healthier disagreements with my partner?

Like we said, getting to a point where you and your partner aren't consistently hurting each other's feelings during disagreements takes time as well as skill. No one's born knowing all the answers so don't think your relationship is over because you're still figuring things out.

Dr. Keels says one way you and your partner can work on the kind of disagreements you're having is by "knowing how to communicate/compromise." Look, we heard your sigh and know it's probably the antithesis of how you feel. We struggled with compromising, but you don't get far in life thinking that everyone else has to bend to your will all the time.

"Even if they don’t see eye to eye all the time, healthy couples listen to each other's perspectives, and look for solutions that work for both of them. It’s not about 'winning' the argument and getting to say who's right, but finding common ground so they can move forward together," adds Dr. Keels.

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Also, "staying respectful event when things get heated or when you're upset" is a way to have a productive arguments, according to Dr. Keels. What happens is that "healthy couples avoid yelling or saying hurting things during disagreements," she says. This means no cursing or raising voices to the point your next door neighbors feel they have to call the police to do a wellness check on you.

"Instead, they just focus on the real problem and stay calm, which helps them work through the issue without hurting each other and the relationship," Dr. Keels says. And in the event you and your partner can't find common ground in a given moment? She highly suggests you "take breaks or pause when things get too heated."

Couples who do this "know when to step away and cool off before continuing the conversation," she adds. There are times where it's difficult to have a proper conversation when you're anxious or angry, so it's always better to revisit the topic.

Dr. Keels agrees and says, "This gives them a chance to cool down first so they can properly think things through, and think of a solution that works for both of them without saying anything they might regret."

Visit more of our relationships articles to find more advice about navigating friendships and love.

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The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Season Just Started – And These 2 Flavors Won’t Return Next Year

The next best thing after Christmasis not New Year’s – it’s Girl Scout cookie season! We just can’t resist stocking up on Thin Mints and Tagalongs every year. In the spirit of getting a taste as early as possible in 2025, we’ve got our eye on everything related to this year's season.

Get your cravings ready, because we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the 2025 Girl Scout cookie season.

When will Girl Scout Cookie season be in 2025?

Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA just announced that cookie season kicked off on January 7, 2025! Girl Scout cookie season typically runs from January to March, though the exact dates depend on the region you live in.

Several Girl Scout regions announced the dates for their season ahead of the "official" start. You can likely anticipate similar dates for other parts of the country:

Last year, in-person cookie sales started as early as January 9 while online sales began on February 16.

Where do I buy Girl Scout cookies?

Girl Scouts of the USA

You can buy Girl Scout cookies in-person or online. Oftentimes, troops will set up shop in front of grocery stores or malls. Once the season starts, you can search for in-person booths here. Many troops also offer online ordering, so you don't even have to leave the house.

How much will Girl Scout Cookies be in 2025?

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The cost of Girl Scout cookies will vary based on the region you buy them in. In 2024, the price per box ranged from $5 to $7, amidreported price raisesdue to inflation.

Several regions have already addressed pricing ahead of the 2025 Girl Scout cookie season.

Girl Scouts of Arizona Cactus-Pine announced their first cost-per-box price bump in nearly a decade, citing rising production costs. All of their boxes will cost $6, but specialty cookie flavors like Girl Scout S'mores and Toffee-tastic will go for $7.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois have all of their boxes priced at $6.

Meet The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Flavors

Girl Scouts of the USA

There are currently 12 Girl Scout cookie flavors, according to Girl Scouts. Their list includes the same cookies that were available in 2024. From Thin Mints to Samoas, we are so excited. Here’s the full list of cookies:

  • Adventurefuls
  • Caramel Chocolate Chips
  • Samoas (AKA Caramel deLites)
  • Do-si-dos (AKA Peanut Butter Sandwich)
  • Girl Scout S’mores
  • Lemonades
  • Lemon-Ups
  • Tagalongs (AKA Peanut Butter Patties)
  • Thin Mints
  • Toast-Yay!
  • Toffee-tastic
  • Trefoils

We’re also holding out hope that a new flavor will be announced ahead of the 2025 season (a la the famous Raspberry Rally)!

Are there any Girl Scout cookie flavors leaving the lineup?

Girl Scouts of the USA

Yes, sadly, there are two Girl Scout cookie flavors that won't be coming back after the 2025 season. Girl Scouts of the USA announced that the Girl Scout S’mores and Toast-Yay! cookies will be retired after this year, so now's the time to stock up if you're a fiend for those flavors.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest 2025 Girl Scout cookie season news!

This post has been updated.

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Blake Lively's Team Just Responded To Justin Baldoni's Lawyer Calling Her Claims "Outrageous"

It Ends With Us might have premiered in August 2024, but Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's behind the scenes conflict continues to unfold in the new year. What started out as rumored drama escalated into legal issues when Blake filed a lawsuit against Justin on December 20, claiming his behavior on set was “disturbing" and “unprofessional," adding "improvised gratuitous sexual content" after the actress had already signed onto the film — all in all facilitating a "hostile work environment."

Here's why Justin Baldoni's lawyer called the claims "outrageous" — and what Blake Lively's team had to say.


Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's conflict is reportedly more than a "feud."

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After Blake filed the suit, and the New York Times published messages between Justin Baldoni and his team, reporting they were behind a smear campaign against the actress, Justin responded with his own $250 million lawsuit against the NYT. Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman told People the claims are "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt."

But on January 6, Blake's legal team came back with another statement, holding firm that "this is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation,” they said in a statement to People.

“As alleged in Ms. Lively’s complaint, and as we will prove in litigation, Wayfarer [Studios] and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively for simply trying to protect herself and others on a film set. And their response to the lawsuit has been to launch more attacks against Ms. Lively since her filing.”

“Sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry," the team wrote. “A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied. Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim. These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct."

“Most importantly, media statements are not a defense to Ms. Lively’s legal claims," the statement continues. "We will continue to prosecute her claims in federal court, where the rule of law determines who prevails, not hyperbole and threats."

And their costars are speaking out.

Both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have found support from previous costars. Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, and Alexis Bledel, who starred with Blake in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, released a statement in which they "stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation."

"Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice," the statement reads. "Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding."

They continue that, "We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can still face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe work environment. We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others."

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Brandon Sklenar, who stars in It Ends With Us as Atlas, also supported Blake, linking to the NYT story on Instagram with a heart emoji. "For the love of god read this," he said.

Meanwhile, Justin's Jane the Virgin costar Gina Rodriguez told People in September that "sweet, sweet soul" Justin is "my brother forever. Forever and ever."

Stay tuned for the latest It Ends With Us (and Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively) news.

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