ENTPs, or Debaters, are quick-thinking and outspoken; they aren’t hesitant to challenge the established quo. In fact, they have no problem disagreeing with just about anybody or anything. Those with this Myers-Briggs personality type are rarely happier than when engaged in a heated debate, especially if it gets into controversial territory.
However, you are missing the mark in assuming that all Debaters are disagreeable or hostile. Au contraire, mon amis—ENTPs are excellent sources of entertainment thanks to their great knowledge, curious mind, and cheerful sense of humor. They just like lively debate and discussion in a loud-ish manner.
Let’s see how the Debater’s personality traits translate into the world of dating and romance!
The Debater Overview
It’s common knowledge that ENTPs have independent minds. For those with this personality, no concept is too sacrosanct to be challenged, no value too foundational to be questioned, and no norm so vital that it cannot be disobeyed or, at the very least, subjected to scrutiny. Debaters sometimes go against the grain of their convictions to get a feel for the world from the other side’s perspective.
In the opinion of ENTPs, most people are too compliant and too willing to blindly adhere to societal standards, demands, and expectations. Debaters take delight in the battle of challenging the status quo, and they enjoy having a chance to champion the underdog and highlight the contributions that might otherwise be overlooked. Their restless minds force them to question the way things are and drive them in imaginative new directions.
The personality type is made up of these four character traits:
- (E)xtraverted
- (N)Intuitive
- (T)hinking
- (P)rospecting
While people with the Debater personality type like creative problem-solving and big-picture planning, they often want to avoid getting their hands dirty and actually putting their plans into action. This seems reasonable, as debaters often have an excess of thoughts and ideas swirling about in their heads to execute them all. Yet, Debaters may fail to realize their full potential unless they dare to choose what matters most to them and work toward achieving that goal.
How ENTP Characteristics Apply to Romance and Dating
Do y’all like to argue? Then dating a Debater might be for you, as you will be discussing a lot. By no means will every disagreement be mean or hostile–in fact, most of them will be the ENTP relishing being a contrarian just to be one.
If there’s one thing that can be said about ENTPs, it’s that they’re constantly pushing the boundaries of invention and creativity in their personal relationships.
Debaters place a premium on personal development, and even before they’ve met the person they’ll spend the rest of their lives with, they daydream about all the ways they can help each other grow and expand their horizons.
This might be daunting if they are paired with the wrong person, but look out if they meet a romantic interest who shares their enthusiasm for questioning things—it might get loud (but in a good way). Debaters search for this type of potential in a partner from the very first date, testing the limits of their openness to new ideas and willingness to break with tradition. Being in a relationship with a Debater is never dull, as they are always looking for ways to use their energy and imagination to surprise and excite their significant others.
Relationship Preferences
Most people who identify as Debaters are highly sociable and romantic as heck. And although they want to be in a relationship, they don’t want to deal with the emotional turmoil it can bring.
ENTPs gravitate toward romantic partnerships and relationships with people who are self-sufficient and reserved since they can handle issues by themselves without requiring a lot of emotional support from their significant other. Typical ways for ENTPs to express their affection for others include meaningful conversations and engaging in mutual interests and activities. They thrive in a partnership where everyone has room to pursue their desires and hobbies.
Casual dating allows young ENTPs to explore a wide variety of experiences and relationships. They learn through their experiences over time who they’d like to be with and what they’re looking for in a partner. Emotions are a challenge for Debaters—while they have no trouble understanding and empathizing with their partner’s emotions, they have trouble recognizing and accepting their own. They may even enter a relationship uncertain of how they feel about the other person. While ENTPs have a reputation for being wandering daters as young adults, they can be relied on for lasting love after they’ve settled down.
Tips for Keeping Debaters Interested
To even register on an ENTP’s radar, you’ll have to get over their social obliviousness first. As bright as they are, Debaters are not often thought of as the most emotionally aware people. Giving an ENTP crush plenty of proof of your interest will help you attract them!
In reality, ENTPs value evidence and are skeptical of claims made without supporting arguments. They could get the impression that you’re flirting with them, but they won’t take action unless they have proof. So, unless an ENTP receives much clearer indicators of affection from an admirer, they will stay quiet. For such voracious conversationalists, they won’t make a peep until you tell them you are into them.
So speak up if you want to keep a Debater coming around!
Boredom is the number one killer of a potential relationship with an ENTP. If things start to slow down, they quickly shift their focus to something new and shiny since they are habitual novelty seekers. You’ll have to work hard to retain their attention and interest since they don’t handle boredom well (or at all).
Things to Consider When Dating an ENTP
To win an ENTP’s affection, you must accept that their thoughts and feelings will constantly revolve around their most recent ideas. You’ll only make things worse for yourself if you attempt to distract them from this goal— give them the time and space to explore whatever idea they are stuck on or, better yet, show genuine interest in their thoughts. They will recognize your interest and will most likely find you more desirable as a result.
Quick thinkers and slick talkers, Debaters can be challenging to keep up with. This person’s fantasy world is having a lively debate with someone else about the pros and cons of a certain viewpoint. You will get their respect if you can successfully debate an ENTP’s views and show them another perspective. Because of how highly they regard intelligence, they look for life-long partners who share their enthusiasm for learning and critical thinking.
It’s important to keep in mind that ENTPs don’t take arguments or conversations personally; rather, they see them as a sort of intellectual exercise that gives them an energy boost. The ENTP is not the kind of partner you want if you tend to become emotional during disagreements.
The ENTP’s very nature is to test limits, and they will do so with or without your permission. The Debater’s objective is to learn as much as they can about the people in their lives, so they’ll pry for specifics about what makes someone tick and then put their interpretations to the test. ENTPs will keep pushing the boundaries until they meet pushback, so if you are a reserved, private person, the Debater will drive you to drink.
ENTP Compatibility with Other Myers Briggs Personalities
The ENTP will most likely find dating and relationship compatibility in the following personality types. They may not always agree or even like each other, but there’s a good chance they’ll click since they have so much in common.
INFP – The Mediator
The ENTP enjoys the INFP’s cheerful attitude and the positive energy they bring to the relationship. Together, they make a comforting duo, with the ENTP providing logic to the INFP’s feelings.
INFJ – The Advocate
The ENTP and the INFJ are a perfect match. The ENTP is attentive to the INFJ’s quiet confidence, and the INFJ appreciates the ENTP’s objective view. These two get close by talking about things that make them think and feel.
ENFP – The Campaigner
The relationship can be amazing and balanced if both partners work on being more expressive and less blunt in their use of reasoning, despite the ENTP’s tendency to view the ENFP as too sensitive.
Least Compatible Personality Types
The ENTP is less compatible with the following personality types and more likely to have personality conflicts.
ESTJ – The Executive
The only thing that two ENTPs and two ESTJs have in common is that they are both extroverted; the differences in their worldviews can present significant obstacles when it comes to a romantic pairing.
ISTP – The Virtuoso
While the ENTP may get frustrated when the ISTP criticizes them for being unimaginative or slow, the ISTP’s down-to-earth realism is a great asset to just about any partnership. But this couple has trouble expressing their feelings for one another, which is quite a big red flag when it comes to relationship compatibility.
ESFJ – The Consul
It’s possible that an ESFJ and an ENTP might get along well due to the former’s tendency for peacekeeping. Still, the latter’s discomfort with the former’s lack of a value for honesty would undercut any potential for unity. Another thing that the ESFJ needs is consistency, which the Debater, with their more open and philosophical outlook, can’t really provide them.
Final Thoughts About Dating a Debater
Those with a Debater personality frequently bring their partner along for the ride, not so much out of a sense of obligation but rather because they want to share in the fun. Debaters are demanding and excitable because they see change or stagnation and don’t believe in a happy status quo.
Although the energy of ENTPs is appealing, it may wear out the most tolerant romantic partners if they are constantly tested to be better. Many individuals, even Debaters, need a minute to catch their breath and chill the f out, but this is not something they are likely to do. If their constant energy is returned, the result could result in a spectacular relationship that is strong, in-depth, and full of fire.
And that’s not up for debate.
