How Each Personality Type Responds To Physical Touch

Physical closeness is often a way for people to express their feelings, while for others it is something that makes them extremely uncomfortable. Here is how each personality type is likely to respond to physical touch.

INFJ

INFJs are not the most physically oriented people, and may have trouble when others invade their personal space. They are often extremely sensitive, which causes them to react very strongly to any kind of physical stimulation. INFJs can become overwhelmed when someone attempts to intrude on their space, and may really dislike it when people touch them without being asked. With someone that an INFJ is very close to, they will often enjoy showing affection in a physical way. This is often best done on the terms of the INFJ, and will make them uncomfortable if it isn’t someone they care for deeply. They are often not great with physical activities, and may not be the most athletic individuals.

ENFJ

ENFJs will often use physical touch as a way to show their affection for other people. They are extremely caring people, who love to be close to others. When they can utilize a gentle touch as a way to console someone, ENFJs will definitely take advantage of this. They are very aware of the emotions of others, which makes them want to find ways to help people feel better. Sometimes physical affection is the best way to help calm people, and create a warm and loving environment. ENFJs often enjoy being close to the people they love, and will usually use physical touch as a way to express this.

INFP

INFPs are generally not the type of people to initiate physical contact, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy it. If their friends find themselves wanting a hug, or a snuggle, then INFPs are often more than happy to oblige. The people they care for wanting to be close to them, certainly won’t upset an INFP. They will be great at initiating contact in a romantic relationship, and probably want to be physically close to their partner all of the time. They often crave that sort of closeness, and might even appear a bit clingy to the person they are dating. They enjoy touching them, and feeling as close as possible to them, especially when they truly love someone. INFPs are affectionate people, and physical touch is just another way to show people how they feel.

ENFP

ENFPs are often extremely physical people, and truly love being touchy feely with others. They will often be rather cuddly with the people they care about- whether it be family, friends or romantic relationships. ENFPs especially love touching and snuggling up to the person they are dating, and might want to be physically close to them all of the time. They are often rather sexually driven people as well, but this is mostly because they crave that sort of physical closeness. ENFPs might even be good at different athletic activities, even though they also have a tendency to be a bit clumsy. They enjoy physical activities, and often love to work with their hands.

INTJ

INTJs are very independent people, who enjoy having their own time and space to themselves. They will often become uncomfortable if people attempt to invade their personal space, and dislike physical touch from strangers. INTJs usually strongly dislike when someone comes into their personal space without permission, and will see that as a sign of disrespect. This sort of contact is reserved for the people closest to them, and is only permitted to those special people. When INTJs care for someone though, they can often become comfortable enough to open up in that way. They enjoy being physical close to their loved ones, and can often use this as a better way to express their affections. Since INTJs aren’t verbally emotional or open people, sometimes hugging their loved ones can be an excellent way for them to show that they care. INTJs are often thought to dislike physical touch, but this is not always the case. They simply dislike when strangers invade their personal space, since they often see this as a sign of disrespect.

ENTJ

ENTJs aren’t the most physical individuals, and don’t always enjoy being touched by others. They dislike if someone invades their space without being allowed, but will often let it slide in order to keep the peace. ENTJs are rather firm and serious individuals, so they might not enjoy being hugged or touched in general. If the ENTJ understands that people close to them are touching them as a way to express their feelings, they will be perfectly comfortable with this. They are intelligent individuals, and even though they aren’t always eager to be touched, they understand where other people are coming from in this way. Within a romantic relationship ENTJs are more than happy to be physically close to their loved ones though, and consider this the only people who are always allowed to invade their personal space.

INTP

INTPs do enjoy their space, but this is usually in an emotional capacity. If the people the INTP cares for want to hug or touch them, they will often be okay with this. They usually enjoy being physically close in a romantic relationship, and this can even be a good way for them to express themselves. Since INTPs aren’t always great at verbally showing affection, sometimes hugging or cuddling their romantic partner can be a really useful way for them to express their feelings. Allowing this person to invade their physical space in this way, shows just how much they truly enjoy their presence. INTPs might even be surprisingly good at sports or any type of physical activity.

ENTP

ENTPs might dislike when strangers decide to invade their personal space, but are usually perfectly fine when family and friends do. If they know someone and care for them, ENTPs do not mind being touched. They are probably very physically affectionate within romantic relationships, and usually enjoy being close to their loved ones. ENTPs will often be rather touchy feely with someone they care about, whether this is in a playful or affectionate way. ENTPs don’t become uncomfortable with physical touch or different physical activities in most situations.

ISTJ

ISTJs are often private people, but they are not against physical affection. They are usually comfortable with hugging or touching the people they feel closest too. They definitely dislike if a stranger is invading their personal space, simply because that appears rude and disrespectful to the ISTJ. When it comes to their loved ones though, ISTJs often enjoy expressing their affections physically. They enjoy hugging and touching the people closest to them, and might even enjoy cuddling with their romantic partners. ISTJs are actually surprisingly good at physical activities, and will often enjoy sports or different physical work.

ESTJ

ESTJs are often very physical people, but this is only with people that they know. ESTJs might become angry with strangers invading their personal space. They might even become rather aggressive in a need to defend themselves against someone who is being disrespectful. When it comes to their loved ones though, ESTJs are often rather physically affectionate. They enjoy being close to the people they care about, and are more than happy to give and receive hugs. They are also very comfortable with sports or different physical work or activities.

ISFJ

ISFJs are very affectionate people, and enjoy being able to make other people happy. They will often enjoy giving and receiving hugs to their loved ones. ISFJs are not afraid of physical affection, especially when it comes to the people they care about most. Any way that they can express love towards others, is something that an ISFJ will truly enjoy. ISFJs do enjoy their personal space when it comes to strangers, but will often let things slide in order to keep the peace. If someone crosses an inappropriate line though, the ISFJ will often become very upset with this person.

ESFJ

ESFJs are usually extremely physically affectionate people, and enjoy being close to their loved ones. They are often very cuddly within romantic relationships, and enjoy giving massages or laying close to one another. ESFJs are often comfortable with their friends being physically affectionate as well, and often enjoy giving hugs. They might dislike when strangers invade their personal space though, even if they don’t say anything about. They often prefer to keep the peace and will let it slide even if it makes them feel uncomfortable. If someone crosses an inappropriate line though, the ESFJ will be sure to put them in their place. They do have boundaries with strangers, they just don’t usually have them with their loved ones.

ISTP

ISTPs often enjoy working with their hands and are usually great at sports or different physical activities. They are also usually more physically affectionate people than they are verbal. When ISTPs care for someone they often use physical touch as a way to express their feelings. They enjoy feeling physically close to the people they care about and often don’t mind hugs and cuddling in a romantic relationship. They are rather independent people, but do enjoy physical touch quite a bit.

ESTP

ESTPs are actually very physical people, especially with those they care about. They enjoy hugging and cuddling with their loved ones very much. ESTPs love to feel close to people, and will often become rather unhappy if they go to long without physical touch. Their desire to be close to people can often make them rather sexually driven people as well. ESTPs are often good at sports or different physical activities, since they love working with their hands and bodies.

ISFP

ISFPs are very physical people and truly enjoy observing the beauty in the world around them. They often enjoy giving and receiving hugs, even if they don’t always initiate this. They enjoy feeling close to their loved ones, and might want to constantly be touching their romantic partners. ISFPs enjoy physical touch as a way to express themselves, and often love being close to people in this way.

ESFP

ESFPs are often very physical people and enjoy using their bodies as a way to express themselves. They are often very touchy people, who enjoy giving and receiving hugs. If someone they love doesn’t hug them often or find ways to be physically affectionate, ESFPs will often become hurt and upset by this. They truly enjoy physical touch as a way to express their emotions, and love when people want to be close to them. ESFPs are often really good at different physical activities as well.