Don't have much recent experience, but from what I recall from dating an ISFP years ago:
- ISFPs tend to be more present in the now, so can be helpful for INFPs (who can be so future-focused they miss the good stuff while it is happening).
- ISFPs are even better at rationalizing than we INFPs... can be scary to see in action.
- ISFPs are attuned to emotional nuance... makes for a great Fi connection and a sense of being understood emotionally.
- ISFPs tend to be less tuned into theorizing and abstract arguments, so one can feel a little lonely intellectually, depending on how much your interests overlap.
I ended having to be the "adult" with the ISFP I dated, so had to be the one to keep track of time, expenses, commitments and other practicalities; however, that could have been more about the individuals involved than type generalities.
If my monologues tended to wander off into the abstract and theoretical, he could go into great detail about options and details about his hands-on projects. We were perfectly capable of boring each others with our interests (and how we talked about them) if we weren't careful.
Still the physical and emotional connection was great. Also his hands-on "jump in and figure it out" approach was handy on occasion. I'd want to read up and prepare before I tried something, while he was more willing to jump in and figure it out himself.
I'd say it can make for a great relationship, but does mean someone has to be willing shoulder the practicalities despite it not being a natural strength.
The ISFP I dated (and still know) definitely struggled with school. He had severe test anxiety, and basically gave up on education by the time he reached high school. He managed to drift through high school and graduate, but had definitely checked out long before. He also has had a hard time finding a job (or career) that was both fulfilling and paid enough to live (not that that's an uncommon problem).
I could tell he was often very frustrated with me. I would tune out if he went on long winded conversations on thing's he's talked about many times before, then randomly and unknowingly cut him off and start talking about something completely different. He tended to be a bit more of a hermit, and though i value quiet and solitude, i also value adventure and want to go out into the world to explore. So, I often felt as though I was left to venture alone. But, the fact that we both valued solitude and independence, we were able to give one another plenty of space without feeling crowded. So there was a nice understanding in that department. We could each do our own thing. Both of us being introverted feelers, we could sympathize and comfort one another on a level unlike any other. So there was definitely a lot of emotional attachment to one another. We often felt as though we inspired each other. Me being a more quiet type and more insecure about opening up, he was able to coax me into sharing because he made me feel comfortable and unjudged. And when I went off into my playland of goofing off and being weird, he was able to keep up since he was empathetic and could tap into that energy in me, being just as silly and goofy. I'd say, I would definitely like to find another INFP love in the future. I've been with an ESFP and an ESFJ. Though they were fun, they often lacked the depth I felt inside or the empathy I sometimes felt I needed.
us isfp's are nice!! ...unless you prove to us either untrustworthy or worthy of a duel. there are soooo sooo few people on my "hate" list. you've got to really cross your boundaries with me or my friends to make it to that list. i, in particular, am typically so welcoming to people. too welcoming. and even if i don't like you right off the bat, i typically allow redemption.
