Many online dating sites, such as Tinder or So Syncd, match partners based on their Myers-Briggs personality types. And, it’s unsurprising, as those four letters are a secret window into our interests, values, and what truly excites us.
So, if you are here because you matched with someone and are wondering, "What kind of first date should I plan?" you're in the right place. There's nothing worse than a dud date. You want it to be fun and interesting and make an amazing first impression (they do matter). But how can you ensure it checks all the boxes?
Unlike going on a blind date set up by one of your friends, knowing a person's Tinder personality gives you a head start on figuring out what to do for a first date. I mean, come on, there has to be something more exciting than going to the movie theater, right?
Planning first dates based on MBTI personality types gives you a higher chance of nailing what your match deems the “ideal first date.” It also shows how thoughtful you are, prevents awkward silences, and sets you up for a second or third date — maybe marriage even, who knows! Winks*
Whether your match is an adventurous ESTP craving an adrenaline rush or an innovative ISFJ who wants to explore quirky artistic depths, this article will explore some of the best first date ideas for you and your match! Then, we will follow this up with things to avoid and turnoffs for each of the 16 personality types to ensure that your first date — whatever you decide to do — is not your last date!
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16 MBTI Date Ideas: What to Do for a First Date?
Before we dive into the best first date ideas for each Myers-Briggs personality type, let’s have some fun understanding what makes these personalities tick.
Imagine you’re planning a date for an introvert; they’d love something cozy and low-key, like a quiet coffee shop or a scenic walk. On the other hand, extroverts are all about social interaction and excitement, so a lively concert or a fun event would be right up their alley.
Thinkers are your go-to for intellectually stimulating activities like museums or solving puzzles together. Feelers, however, appreciate those heartfelt, emotionally meaningful gestures. So, combining these preferences can lead you to some truly amazing date ideas that cater to each personality’s unique quirks.
Just remember, the MBTI is a great tool for inspiration, but it’s not a strict script. Don’t let it box you in! Use these tips as a guide to creating an unforgettable experience.
And now, let’s explore a fantastic first date idea for each of the 16 MBTI types to spark some inspiration for your next big night out.
Best First Date for INTJ — Visit to the Planetarium
Your INTJ date will most likely enjoy activities that engage their incredible intellectual curiosity, which makes a trip to a planetarium fitting for a first date. They’d appreciate a walk through the gallery surrounded by beautiful exhibitions of the cosmos.
However, the real highlight will be the in-depth debate and exchange of ideas. Just don't get flustered if their critiques or questioning get particularly intense — it simply means they're impressed by and interested in you.
Best First Date for ENTJ — Escape Room
If your date is an ENTJ, they’d likely enjoy date ideas that let them show off their natural leadership and strategic skills, such as an escape room experience. However, make sure to pull your weight, too, as ENTJs demand competence in trivial matters.
Afterward, you can unwind with a few drinks at a fancy hotel bar as you both gloat over your dreams and plans. Few things are hotter to the ENTJ than a partner's unleashed ambition and practical visionary mindset.
Best First Date for ENTP — Art Exhibition
If you finally got the date with an ENTP, you’d want to kick things off with a thought-provoking contemporary art exhibition. It’s one of those date ideas that sparks laughter, witty banter, and insightful conversations with your debater-type date.
Once you’ve got the ball rolling, keep engaging your date in spontaneous exchanges, and let your mutual curiosity lead you to your next adventure—it may be an underground bar or an indie live band show.
Best First Date for INFJ — Coffee Shop Date and Volunteer Experience
INFJs are compassionate and perceptive individuals who crave deep emotional connections even on first dates. If you want to make quite an impression on your INTJ match, create an atmosphere for a hearty conversation, such as a cozy coffee shop date.
Ask meaningful questions, and answer their questions thoughtfully as well. Finally, indulge them in a volunteering experience at a soup kitchen or animal shelter— it will be an unforgettable bonding experience!
Best First Date for INFP — Dinner Dates in an Intimate Setting
INFPs are emotionally attuned individuals with quite a romantic imagination. First dates with these romantic hearts would be an intimate dinner date filled with good food, soft music, and red wine as you enjoy each other’s company. While sharing secrets on your first night out together is not advisable, be open to diving a little deeper than the surface with the Mediator personality type.
Best First Date for ENFJ — Painting Class with a Social Twist
ENFJs, being social butterflies, enjoy meeting new people and making new memories. Beyond forging a romantic relationship, an ENFJ wants to spend quality time creating fun experiences with you.
You can indulge them in a fun painting class where they get to mingle with other participants and make art together. This date idea is interesting because it relieves the first date's awkwardness as you both relax and enjoy the activity.
Best First Date for ENFP — Indoor Skydiving
ENFPs are fun-loving individuals who expect nothing less than a remarkable and fun-filled first date. They’d most likely enjoy adrenaline-pumping physical challenges like indoor skydiving.
However, if you are not up for such an exhilarating activity, you can stick with a walk through a bustling tourist attraction. Remember, the key is to plan something that will surprise them in a good way.
Best First Date for INTP — Comedy Show
While INTPs are known for their brilliant minds, their intelligent sense of humor makes them more charming. So, a tremendous first-date idea could be a comedy show with a clever comedian who uses wordplay, improvs, and insightful observations in their humor. Enjoy a good laugh, then end the night with a pleasant dinner.
Best First Date for ISTJ — Trip to a Historic Museum
For the practical and orderly ISTJ, what you do during your date matters more than the date itself. They’d appreciate punctuality, commitment, and general thoughtful gestures. Try arriving ten minutes early and ensuring the activities are well thought out and planned—no spontaneity. Since ISTJs are also fact-minded, a trip to a historical museum can be a fun date idea.
Best First Date for ISFJ — Attend a County Fair
The warmhearted ISFJ will choose a wholesome, community-oriented activity over expensive dates. These individuals enjoy bonding over simple joys and building rapport in an easygoing environment—such as the county fair.
The Protector personality type also prioritizes sincere and meaningful conversations. So, as you stroll through some of your favorite places, be present and genuinely ask questions about your date.
Best First Date for ESTJ — Rooftop Dinner and Party
ESTJs are naturally leadership-oriented and always seize the opportunity to plan and strategize. However, you’d want to take that burden off your date on the first time out. Impress them with an exquisite rooftop dinner followed by an electrifying party experience if your date is down for a great time.
Best First Date for ESFJ — Art Gallery and Wine Tasting
ESFJs are warm, sociable personalities whose ideal first date would be a blend of beautiful aesthetics and social interactions. The art gallery offers just the right experience. Discuss the art pieces with your date, then head to a wine bar for some tasting and a chance to get to know each other better.
Best First Date for ISTP — Classic Arcade Games
ISTPs are not called the "Crafters" for no reason. They are naturally drawn to machinery and hands-on activities, which makes a fun arcade game the best first-date experience. Take your date down memory lane as you battle for the highest score. Afterward, you can wrap up the date at a local pub to enjoy hearty conversations.
Best First Date for ISFP — Pottery Class
ISFPs have a beautiful, artistic view of life, and it is no different when it comes to their dates. You can engage this artistic personality type in a cozy pottery lesson— a superb way to engage their mind, body, and soul. Spend two hours or less creating masterpieces and getting to know each other!
Best First Date for ESTP — Kayaking
If your date is an ESTP, their ideal first date would be spontaneous and energetic. However, you’d also want to ensure you are having fun, making kayaking a perfect date idea. The team effort and the ability to get a good laugh at yourself can be a great way to bond with your partner.
Best First Date for ESFP — Salsa Dancing
ESFPs love to experience life at its fullest, which makes an energetic salsa dance date a good idea. Don’t worry if either or both of you aren’t much of a dancer; the laughter and amateur dance moves will leave a lasting impression. You can then close out the date by cozying up over shared desserts and swapping your best people-watching stories.
Best First Date Tips: What Not to Do!
First dates can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and everything in between. The key to ensuring a great first date is to focus on creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both people. While it's essential to choose a fun activity and to have and engaging conversation, it's equally important to avoid certain pitfalls that could make the date go awry.
When it comes to first dates, a universal piece of advice is to "be humble and ask questions and then shut up and listen." This approach works wonders for any personality type, but it's also crucial to recognize that each of the 16 Myers-Briggs types has specific turn-offs to avoid. By understanding these nuances, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Whether you're planning to grab a coffee, go to the movies, enjoy a meal together, or use one of our best first-date ideas, these tips will help you steer clear of common dating blunders.
- ISTJ First Date Turnoffs: ISTJs value tradition and structure, so a disorganized or spontaneous date can make them uncomfortable. Avoid switching the script without notice. Have a clear plan and stick to it to ensure the night goes smoothly.
- ISFJ First Date Turnoffs: ISFJs are nurturing and considerate, and being dismissive or inattentive can be a major turn-off. Ignoring their thoughts or feelings will not sit well with them. Show genuine interest and listen actively to make the date enjoyable.
- INFJ First Date Turnoffs: INFJs crave deep, meaningful connections, and shallow or trivial discussions can be off-putting. Keeping the conversation superficial is a sure way to dampen their spirits. Instead, dive into topics that matter and show your thoughtful side.
- INTJ First Date Turnoffs: INTJs are strategic and logical, and being overly emotional or disorganized can be frustrating for them. Planning an unstructured or chaotic activity will not impress them. Have a clear, thought-out plan to show your considerate nature.
- ISTP First Date Turnoffs: ISTPs love spontaneity and hands-on activities, so a dull, passive date can bore them. Spending the entire night sitting and talking isn't ideal. Plan something active and engaging to keep their interest and excitement.
- ISFP First Date Turnoffs: ISFPs are sensitive and artistic, and criticism or negativity can dampen their spirits. Being overly critical or judgmental is a major no-no. Keep the conversation light and positive to ensure a fun and memorable date.
- INFP First Date Turnoffs: INFPs are idealistic and value authenticity, so insincerity or superficiality can be a major turn-off. Pretending to be someone you're not will not go over well. Be genuine and honest to create a meaningful connection.
- INTP First Date Turnoffs: INTPs are analytical and love intellectual discussions, and small talk can bore them quickly. Sticking to surface-level topics won't hold their interest. Engage them in thought-provoking conversation to keep things exciting.
- ESTP First Date Turnoffs: ESTPs are energetic and thrive on excitement, so a slow-paced, uneventful date can be disappointing. Planning a low-energy evening won't match their enthusiasm. Opt for something adventurous and fun to keep the day or night lively.
- ESFP First Date Turnoffs: ESFPs are spontaneous and love to be entertained, so a rigid or overly planned date can feel stifling. Being too structured will prevent them from having the spontaneous fun they enjoy. Leave room for spontaneity and unexpected fun.
- ENFP First Date Turnoffs: ENFPs are enthusiastic and love variety, so a monotonous or repetitive date can be a drag. Repeating the same old date ideas won't impress them. Think outside the box and keep it exciting to match their adventurous spirit.
- ENTP First Date Turnoffs: ENTPs enjoy debate and intellectual challenges, so a passive or non-engaging date can be a letdown. Avoiding challenging topics won't satisfy their curiosity. Engage them in stimulating discussion to keep their interest.
- ESTJ First Date Turnoffs: ESTJs are organized, and value efficiency, so disorganization or lack of planning can be frustrating. Being indecisive or unprepared won't impress them. Have a clear, well-organized plan to show your capability and consideration.
- ESFJ First Date Turnoffs: ESFJs are social and caring, so rudeness or inconsiderate behavior can be a major turn-off. Being impolite or inattentive won't sit well with them. Show kindness and consideration to make the date enjoyable for both of you.
- ENFJ First Date Turnoffs: ENFJs are empathetic and passionate, so apathy or lack of enthusiasm can be disappointing. Being disinterested or unenthusiastic won't match their energy. Show excitement and engage with them fully to create a memorable date.
- ENTJ First Date Turnoffs: ENTJs are decisive and love challenges, so indecisiveness or lack of ambition can be a turn-off. Waffling or showing a lack of confidence won't impress them. Be decisive and assertive to match their dynamic personality.
Planning the Perfect First Date: The Sky's the Limit If You Do It Right!
By keeping these tips and ideas in mind, you'll be well on your way to planning the best first dates and avoiding common pitfalls. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and memorable experience that sets the stage for a great relationship.
No matter your date's Myers-Briggs personality type, planning an experience that resonates with their core interests and values can make an incredible first impression.
If the first date goes well and you both feel yourselves hitting it off, keep exploring layers. Get to know their love languages, life philosophies, and all the wonderful quirks that make them unique. Once you know their language of love, you can use it to plan many more future dates!
For now, use these tailored first-date ideas as a starting point to stand out from the crowd!
Related: What Does the 16 Personalities Test Best Reveal? How to Use Your 16 Personality Test Results
