How to Ask Out an Architect (INTJ)

Laura's avatar

So you want to ask an Architect (INTJ) out on a date – and maybe, just maybe, you’re a bit nervous. After all, Architects have many remarkable qualities, including their curiosity and their fresh way of seeing the world, but they aren’t exactly known for being warm and approachable.

An Architect (INTJ) personality type drawing a strategic map.

Here’s the truth: many Architects arm themselves with a sharp wit and a skepticism of new people because they aren’t totally comfortable in novel social settings. If people with this personality type sometimes come across as reserved or standoffish, it’s because their minds are working overtime to analyze and understand what you’re saying to them and why.

The good news? By gaining some insights into this personality type, you can ask out Architects in a way that’s more likely to resonate with them rather than raise their defenses. To be clear, this isn’t about mind tricks or playing games – Architects would see through those anyway. Instead, the goal is to ask them out in a way that makes sense from an Architect’s perspective.

So without further ado, here are our top tips for asking someone with the Architect personality type out on a date.

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Tip #1: Earn Their Respect

If you walk up to an Architect you barely know and ask them out, they might say yes – but, to be frank, they probably won’t. People with this personality type tend to have a very small inner circle of close friends and confidants. They’re reluctant to give their time, attention, or trust to anyone who hasn’t yet proven themselves worthy of it.

This means that, unless you’re already in an Architect’s inner circle, you’d do well to devote some energy to earning their respect before you ask them out. So how do you gain the respect of someone with this personality type? Well, you certainly don’t want to play coy or hard to get – Architects really aren’t into those sorts of games.

Perhaps the best way to earn an Architect’s respect is to have an interesting, intelligent conversation with them. Engage with them on a topic or issue – whether it’s a current event or a debate about the best saxophone solos of all time. Find out their perspective and offer your own. Show that you have an interest in gaining knowledge and exchanging ideas – for an Architect, a conversation that doesn’t allow for the exchange of ideas is a waste of time – but don’t feel obliged to agree with them on every point. If anything, Architects will be more intrigued if you challenge their ideas – provided that you have solid evidence and reasoning, of course.

Tip #2: Explain Yourself

Architects have a skeptical streak. When you ask them out, even if you’re entirely sincere, a part of their brain is probably thinking, “Are you messing with me?”

To head off this skepticism, you may want to offer a quick explanation of why you’re asking them out. This can be as simple as: “I really enjoyed chatting with you about saxophone solos the other day, and I was hoping that we could continue the conversation over coffee.”

A word of caution: don’t go overboard with the compliments, as this may strike Architects as fake or over the top. And try to explain your interest in terms of things that Architects are likely to pride themselves on, such as their conversational skills or their wit, rather than their appearance or other things that aren’t as much in their control.

Tip #3: Suggest an Architect-Friendly Date

Architects are clearheaded, fairly decisive people. You might think you’re increasing your chances of success if you ask them out in a way that’s vague and open-ended – for example, “Would you want to hang out sometime?” But, with Architect personalities, it’s a far better strategy to be direct and specific.

So what kind of date should you suggest? Architects are Introverts, which means that a loud and crowded venue might be overstimulating for them. A group date poses a similar issue, as socializing with a lot of people at once can drain Architects’ energy. A one-on-one outing, such as getting coffee or going for a hike, is a much better bet for these personalities, particularly if you choose a not-too-noisy setting that allows the conversation to flow.

That said, an event such as a lecture, reading, or exhibition can be a great activity to do with an Architect, particularly if it aligns with their interests. Just make sure that you carve out some time to interact one-on-one as well – perhaps by going for a walk afterward to exchange thoughts on what you just saw or heard.

Conclusion

Full disclosure: these tips aren’t guaranteed to work. Even if you follow this advice to the letter, the Architect who’s caught your eye might turn you down – and that’s okay. That said, we hope that these three tips have given you some valuable insights into the Architect personality type as well as an appreciation of why certain approaches just aren’t likely to work for Architects.

So, readers: Have you ever asked out an Architect? If you’re an Architect, what would make you want to go on a date with someone? Tell us in the comments below!

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Comments

Please to join the discussion.

INFJ avatar
I've been harbouring a crush on this one INTJ guy from tutorial class but we haven't seen each other in more than half a year due to his having to sort out his own personal issues (and I have no idea whether I'll ever be able to see him again if at all), so I guess this article could come in handy for me someday... *wink wink*
INFJ avatar
I hope it works out with you two!! I started talking to a really cute INTJ recently and the conversation flows so well! We haven’t been able to really talk in depth about any subjects but they just asked me about my music tastes and I’m gonna end up sending them a solid 5 paragraphs about what I like and why LMAO
INFJ avatar
Lucky you...at least you have some method of communicating with them online...I'm sure they're gonna appreciate whatever it is you want to share with them if they like you back. Good luck to you too :)
ENFP avatar
Wow, I am a genius muahaha. I've got an intj "friend" ;) that I have managed to attract, and it's hilarious. We both had crushes on each other at the same time and didn't know. My mom was telling me, you have to act coy, you have to play hard to get, but I don't think that's what would intrigue him, if anything drive him away. We literally spend the entire day debating and arguing over several topics, it's the most amazing relationship I've ever had with a human being. I think that every ENFP needs an INTJ to listen to their crap, and every INTJ needs an ENFP to fight back against their plans of world domination with cuteness. ;) ~Enfp :D
A grayscale avatar for an anonymous user
I need an ENFP to get me conversation, please hahaha
INTJ avatar
Not sure this requires an entire article. INTJs are simple. Be interesting. Be intellectually stimulating, and most importantly be yourself. INTJs know when someone isn't being genuine. It's not attractive to be, or say stupid things, and finally have conviction in whatever you say. Nothing more unattractive than someone who doesn't stand by their opinions, even in the fact of adversity. Good luck!
ENFP avatar
This is literally what my Intj friend tells me all the time. He's always getting at me about my insecurities, and how I am perfect just the way I am(which isn't true, but yea), and he wouldn't be talking to me if I wasn't XDDDD
INTP avatar
I concur.
INFJ avatar
I'm currently trying to attract an INTJ back into my life. I've been madly in love with him for some years now. We've been acquaintances all our lives, and occasionally had good, insightful conversations. It's like we both know we're interested in each other, but reluctant to dare to put it to test. He once tried to reach out to me, but I knew he was betrothed at the time and didn't reply him with much encouragement. But now he's divorced and my feelings for him really haven't changed. I sent him messages a couple of weeks ago. He didn't reply the first one so I sent him a second one, which he replied about eight hours later, but beautifully. However, we haven't had any other communication again since. I was rather hoping he'd take the cue from there and reach out again. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because, if I ever have a twinflame, it'd be him. There were several times in the past when I only had to think of him and then suddenly raise my head to see him driving past or knocking on my door. It was so spooky I once deliberately took a route to avoid meeting him on a particular day, only to meet him again on the road I took to avoid him!
INTJ avatar
Hello, this story sounds quite beautiful. As an INTJ myself, I'd recommend you to just be direct. I really don't like being around people that don't go to the point. I kind of resonated with him not answering your first message since from my point of view, one would be more likely to text back when one is presented with fixed plans (I'm not an avid texter either so I don't know if that's the overall case). Maybe invite him directly to hang out or grab a coffee so you both can have more delightful conversations
INTJ avatar
You said he sent you a beautiful response and then nothing else. But it's your move! In his shoes I would be feeling I've been perhaps too intense and if you don't reply then that's that, another fail by me and my intensity. Definitely let him you know you liked what he said and want to take things further if he's interested (which I deduce he is).
INTJ avatar
INTJs are notorious for not responding. Mainly because we spend a great deal of time in our own heads and rarely stray to far away without something stimulating and interesting to distract us. It seems like you know what you want, but aren't willing to make the jump. Let me tell you this, if you don't, you'll never be together. He will almost certainly never make any sort of advancement. Due to two factors, the one mentioned above, but also INTJs tend to not take risks, especially ones that involve emotional aspects of our personality. We're introverted feeling. Bottom line, if you like him, and you want to make a go of it, you're gonna have to be the person who makes the first move. Good luck!
INTJ avatar
This is a bit after your post, but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents too. Like the others have mentioned, I think the best thing you can do is be more direct and take the initiative if this is something you want to pursue. Unfortunately our type doesn't typically pick up on emotional ques as well as INFJ's, and even if we do, we tend to mistrust or overanalyze our interpretation since that's outside our comfort zone. Emotional vulnerability is something many of our type struggle to express, we're like armadillos that put on a guarded front but are squishy inside. Since he was the last to text, it would make sense for him to think he's passed the ball to you, waiting for your response. Or maybe he's just not that mindful of follow up that way. Ideally most of us would like someone else to make the obvious gesture, but if both of you have that mentality, nothing will come about. Eventually one of you has to stop strategizing and carry out the plan. If he's the man you think he is, he'll respect you for the effort even if it's a little awkward.
ENTJ avatar
It's interesting how our approaches are so very different, just one letter away. For me, dating is more like hunting people and there's a method to my madness. I will absolutely make the first move if I see someone desirable, and I know exactly why that desire exists, should you ask. Conversely, I don't bother with anyone whom I don't see as worth the effort or investment. Being asked at all is proof of serious intent and that you've passed. The question is whether you'll hold up~