Socionics Relations
Explore the fundamental dynamics of intertype relationships and discover how personality types interact, complement, and influence each other across 16 distinct relational patterns.
Understanding Relationships
Relationships are one of the main human values because people are social, pair-bonding, and family-oriented beings. Intertype relations guide us on what to do in various kinds of relationships and allow us to see the full range of choices.
Integral Types
The integral type of relations is the emergent dynamic that forms when two types interact closely over time. It reflects a new, shared behavioral pattern that predicts how the pair functions as a unit.
Explore Relations
Select a type to see specific relationships, or explore all relations below
4 Basic Relations
4 Anti-Relations
4 Mutual Relations
4 Composite Relations
Relationship Dynamics
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 . If two introverts connect, the effect is also . Either they ignore each other and there's no real relationship—just cohabitation—or, if they integrate and communicate, they start pushing each other to handle external matters. An extravert and an introvert will turn more toward each other. Integral type – .
Relationship Types & Functions
Horizontal, as equals, both parties react in the same way.
Hierarchical relations where one is above the other, strongly drawn on a social level.
Can unite and harmonize, creating a balance of temperaments.
One-sided activation where one person stimulates or energizes the other.
Things work out at first but then fall apart; initially seems good.
One-sided inhibition where one person suppresses or diminishes the other.
Practical Applications
Every type of relationship has its own purpose—there's no one-size-fits-all. Each relationship is specialized for doing certain things together, and there's no relationship where you can do everything together.
For example, Duality is meant for home and family, not for work. Extinguishment relationships are perfect for analyzing complex problems together and intellectual pursuits, but not ideal for daily family life.
Some relationships exist to help get through difficult situations, others for relaxing within family, others for intellectual pursuits, others for giving advice, and others to energize one another—they all serve a specific purpose.