Socionics Relations

Socionics Relations

Relationships are one of the main human values because people are social, pair-bonding, and family-oriented beings. Intertype relations are seen as a potential opportunity and predisposition that can guide us on what to do in various kinds of relationships and allow us to see the full range of choices. Most people in these relational scenarios are like the blind—they automatically repeat the same patterns and mistakes over and over. If you understand which relationships work for you and which don't, it can help you to consciously make better choices.

The integral type of relations in socionics is the emergent dynamic that forms when two types interact closely over time. It reflects a new, shared behavioral pattern that arises from their integration—blurring individual traits but clarifying the relationship’s nature. This type predicts how the pair functions as a unit, offering practical insights into their joint strengths, challenges, and compatibility.

For example: if two extraverts connect with each other, stick together, then the resulting dyad becomes even more extraverted. The integral effect of two extraverts uniting is Extraverted. If two introverts connect, the effect is also Extraverted. Either they ignore each other and there’s no real relationship—just cohabitation (they don’t see, hear, or talk to each other)—or, if they integrate and communicate, the following happens: they start pushing each other, like 'You go do this' in the external world. They can agree, 'I’ll go do it this time, and next time it’s your turn,' and in this way, they balance things out by taking turns handling external matters. It starts working for them, and the couple becomes stable. So, two introverts will only get along well if they learn to solve the external problems of the extraverted world. An extravert and an introvert will turn more toward each other. Integral type – Introverted.

Every type of relationship has its own purpose. And if you don't use it accordingly, any relationship can falter — and vice versa.

For example, if the relationship is introverted, but you try to go out together everywhere, socialize with everyone — that's an improper use of the relationship. Just like when you use an object for the wrong purpose — it gets damaged. Relationships won't give you 100% satisfaction in every area — they are specialized, like types; they serve a specific purpose.

Take duality, for instance — it's meant for home and family; not for work — it actually gets in the way there (and can even turn into Extinguishment, and so on).

Whereas Extinguishment relationships are perfect for analyzing complex problems together, forecasting where things are going, discussing from all angles — and in that sphere, it's enjoyable, it feels good, just like duality does in its proper domain — but only in the intellectual realm. But are Extinguishment relationships good for home, for family, for daily life? Not at all — they have a completely different setting.

The idea is that all people are wired this way: there's no one-size-fits-all relationship. Each relationship is good for doing certain things together with that person. There’s no such relationship where you can do everything together — that simply doesn't exist.

Some relationships exist to help one get through difficult situations, others are for relaxing within the family and leading a comfortable life, others for engaging in intellectual pursuits, others for giving warnings or advice, others to arouse or excite one another, and so on — they all serve a purpose. A person should not isolate themselves within a dyadic pair, or even within a quadra — a person should learn to communicate properly with all types in order to understand whom to approach for which tasks.