So You’re Dating a Logistician (ISTJ)

What is it like to date a Logistician (ISTJ)? Logisticians are practical, rational, and reserved. In other words, this isn’t a personality type that specializes in lavish displays of affection. If you want a partner who constantly showers you with gifts and makes gushy posts about you on social media – well, then a Logistician might not be the most natural fit.

That said, Logisticians have their own unique ways of showing that they care. They are almost unfailingly dependable, with a strong sense of integrity and commitment. People with this personality type keep their word – if they say they’ll do something, you can count on them to come through. They’re also loyal, rarely giving up on someone they love.

Fun Facts about Logisticians

• Famous people with this personality type include Natalie Portman, Denzel Washington, and George Washington – and, from the fictional universe, Harry Potter’s Hermione and 19th-century heartthrob Mr. Darcy.
• Logisticians are among the most common personality types.
• Only 34% of Logisticians say they’re attracted to people who seem rebellious – less than any other personality type.
• Compared to other personality types, Logisticians are more likely to say their ideal date is classic and traditional rather than quirky and creative.

Here are some things you might want to keep in mind if you’re dating a Logistician.

They Don’t Fall in Love Easily

Some personality types fall in love with abandon, giving themselves over to the strength of whatever they feel in the moment. This is most definitely not the case for Logisticians. Before they jump in with both feet, these personalities like to be sure of things – and that includes their romantic relationships.

You might not be surprised, then, to learn that Logisticians often hold back when it comes to asking someone out. This makes sense, given that these personalities tend to avoid risk (and is there anything riskier than asking someone out?). That said, there are probably other factors at play as well. In our surveys, few Logisticians describe themselves as particularly good at attracting a partner, so it’s possible that they worry about being rejected. In addition, Logisticians tend to report having trouble interpreting other people’s feelings and emotions, so it may take longer for them to feel sure that someone is actually interested in them.

What’s the upshot of all this? Well, if you’re interested in a Logistician, you might need to give them very obvious signals to that effect – or just ask them out yourself. As the relationship becomes more serious, they might need extra time and space before they’re comfortable sharing how they feel (even if they’re really, really into you). The good news is that Logisticians are unlikely to lead you on. If they show an interest, it’s because you’ve earned their respect, admiration, and trust just as you are.

They’re Low-Drama, But They Don’t Just Go with the Flow

Logisticians tend to have a low threshold for drama. Generally speaking, they’re not keen on gossip, they don’t do big emotional outbursts, and they steer clear of anything edgy or controversial.

That doesn’t exactly mean that these personalities are laid-back, however. Logisticians thrive on plans and routines. For them, “spontaneous” is basically another word for “stressful.” So while changing the location or time of your dinner date might not seem like a big deal to you, it might just be for the Logistician you’re dating (especially because they’ve probably already made a reservation).

At times, the Logistician in your life may be reluctant to disrupt their routines to accommodate you. For example, they might not want to go out with you on Wednesday night if they always work out early Thursday morning. This can be frustrating, and it may even seem a bit selfish – after all, how big of a deal is it to skip one workout?

For people with this personality type, predictability isn’t boring – it’s the bedrock of their lives. But that doesn’t mean that you should always let Logisticians have their way or that they expect you to. The important thing is not to expect them to read your mind. Be incredibly clear with your expectations, priorities, and needs. If a Logistician knows why something really matters to you, they’re much more likely to change their plans to make you happy.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever dated a Logistician? Do you have any thoughts about relationships with this personality type? Let us know in the comments!

Further Reading

• Read more articles in our series on dating specific personality types: Defenders (ISFJs), Protagonists (ENFJs), and Commanders (ENTJs).
• Are you an Extravert dating an Introvert, or vice versa? We’ve got some thoughts on Introvert-Extravert relationships.
• Take our “Ideal Date” survey to see which personality types share your dating preferences.