Personality Type and Love Language: Mediators (INFPs)

Love is incredibly difficult to describe. This simple four-letter word represents deep intangibles, reaches into our sense of self, and forms the glue of human relationships. What’s most confounding is how this single word represents an emotion that is experienced differently by every individual. How we feel and express love varies from person to person and evolves over time and within relationships.

Love language is the term popularly used to describe the different expressions of this single emotion. In the article “Different Ways to Say ‘I Love You’: Love Language and Personality Type,” we describe seven distinct ways that people show love. Be sure to read it if you haven’t already.

In this article, we are going to focus on Mediators (INFPs) and which love languages they may prefer.

These Feeling and Prospecting personalities are, in many ways, ruled by their emotions. They are deeply empathetic, supportive, and kind. These aspects of their personality radically influence all of their relationships. But when it comes to romantic love, you can expect these traits to take the main stage in how Mediators express themselves.

How Mediators Show Love

Showing love tends to come easily for Mediators. They are generous with their energy and easily let people into their hearts. Friends become family and partners may come to be cherished as soul mates.

But when it comes to romance, revealing their attraction may not come easily. They generally struggle to break the ice and make the first move. Once that ice is broken, however, expect them to be lovingly expressive in the sweetest of ways. Physical closeness, psychological support, and economic priority are natural expressions of love that you could expect from people with this personality type.

Physical Closeness

For Mediators, touch is intimate. Every hug that they give is heartfelt. As partners, they are most likely hand-holders and snugglers, using physical closeness as a love language. About 83% of them agree that understanding their partner’s physical needs is essential for a healthy relationship. They will likely make a very conscientious effort to make sure that those needs are met.

Psychological Support

Mediators are incredibly supportive partners. Naturally, this includes psychological support. As Feeling personality types, they greatly value emotional expressiveness, especially within their relationships. They love getting lost in conversations that explore the depths of the heart and mind, and they welcome their partner’s vulnerability, often feeling honored by the emotional intimacy and trust vested in them.

It’s not all about getting through the hard times, though. Mediators are there to share the joy of the high points as well. Being a source of support for their loved one likely gives people with this personality type a sense of purpose within their relationship, which strongly influences how they feel about themselves as partners.

Economic Priority

Supporting their partner may pass from an emotional realm into a physical one for Mediator personalities. They love to be of service, and if this means showing their beloved economic priority, they’ll likely do so with an open heart.

This love language could manifest through financially supporting their partner during hard times or as they work toward a life goal. Maybe it shows up as a sentimental gift “just because.” People with this personality type are likely to have a flexible attitude toward spending that may naturally expand to include their romantic partner’s wants and needs.

How Mediators Receive Love

Mediators can be considered “giving” types. They are generous in every sense, willing to sacrifice time and energy for their partner and to be attentive to both their emotional and physical needs.

But what do Mediator personalities need in return? What can their lovers and partners do to show and tell their love and appreciation? Our recommendation is simple: give yourself. Give them plenty of psychological support, be generous with your time and attention, and provide ample physical closeness (because they might not ask for it, even if they need it).

Psychological Support

Mediators may listen more than they share when it comes to deep, emotional heart-to-hearts. They are amazing at offering support to others, but when it’s their turn to open up, they may struggle to do so. While they recognize the value of psychological support, they may become uncomfortable or even anxious when expressing their own feelings – especially if those may be interpreted negatively.

If you love a Mediator, be sure to allow them plenty of time to open up. Give them the support that they need to feel safe, heard, and, most importantly – understood. People with this personality type love sharing, but they tend to let their partner take the lead of the conversation. Show your love by stepping back and giving them the space they need to work through the entire spectrum of their thoughts and emotions.

Time and Attention

Mediators tend to make low-key partners. They generally don’t expect extravagant gifts, nights out on the town, or even that you bother to clean up when you’re together. What they most likely care about is receiving plenty of your time and attention.

More than any other personality type, Mediators can easily fall into the trap of loneliness. This is especially true for Turbulent Mediators. According to our “Romance [Everyone]” survey, only about 53% of Mediators think they should spend as much time as possible with their romantic partners (the lowest agreement among all Diplomats). But still, they’re likely to be perfectly content to base their social life around their significant other and maybe a close friend or two. They might struggle to not come off as “needy” and often worry if this love language of theirs negatively impacts their relationship. The thing is, they genuinely appreciate just spending time together.

To show the Mediator in your life how much you love them, give them this gift. Invite them on spontaneous outings, prolong an afternoon date into the evening, and simply pay attention (and, better yet, take a genuine interest) as their diverse thoughts spill out into unpredictable conversations.

Physical Closeness

One of the most appreciated ways that you can offer attention to Mediator personalities is through physical closeness. Remember, touch is communication, and they will hear your “I love you” loud and clear with this love language.

Less than 35% of Mediators feel like they get enough physical touch in their lives. And, unfortunately, they probably don’t feel comfortable asking for it. Remember, physical closeness does not have to take place in the bedroom. With a simple hug, a back rub, or any other nonsexual touch lovingly realized throughout the day, you can effectively reaffirm your affection.

Conclusion

Mediator personalities are an endless well of surprises. Sometimes it can be hard to anticipate what they are going to come up with next. But when it comes to their romantic relationships, it’s a safe bet that their empathetic and compassionate nature will bring comfort to their partner, while their spontaneity and imagination will keep things interesting.

Mediators truly believe in the power of love. Given how incredibly sensitive, expressive, and creative they are, don’t be surprised if they come up with a novel way to say “I love you.” If you have any doubts about how to reciprocate their displays and expressions of affection, take the time to slow down and pay attention to how they respond to your efforts – it might take some trial and error to discover what they really need. They’re less likely than most personality types to tell you if they don’t like something, so fine-tune your observation skills.

Can you think of any other love language that Mediators might prefer? Let us know in the comments.

Further Reading