Which Personality Types Think “Everyone Else is Better Than Me”?

Comparisonitis—you may not have heard the word but its meaning is all too familiar. It's what happens when you chronically compare yourself to others and always come up short. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth, and envy of what your peers are doing.

And while you know comparisonitis is a fool's game, it isn’t always easy to turn it off. 

Are you guilty of it? Research says that 12% of our thoughts involve comparisons of some kind, so it's a universal experience. But while some personality types are only fleetingly distracted by what others are doing, others are likely to fall down the rabbit hole and completely lose themselves in the process of comparison—often, with harmful effects. Here's how it breaks down, by Myers and Briggs type.

Personality types most likely to compare themselves to others

ENFJ 

ENFJ personality types can be so hard on themselves. They blame themselves when things don’t go according to plan, and often internalize failures as personal shortcomings. This makes them highly susceptible to the toxic effects of comparisonitis. They feel compelled to look at how others are doing, even if it's not a fair comparison, and may get stuck in a doom spiral of wishing they could swap lives with someone else.

INFJ 

Although INFJs often like to compare themselves to others, it comes from a place of empathy, not envy. INFJs are typically good at self-validating and thus do not feel threatened by someone else's success. When they compare themselves to others, it tends to be from a place of wanting to understand and support them, by sharing their experiences. It’s about making a positive difference—but it's still a comparison.

INFP 

While INFPs generally steer clear of competitive environments—including harmful comparisons—sometimes, they simply cannot help themselves. Mostly, they focus their comparisons on people they perceive as succeeding in an area they are passionate about, like creative work or helping people. INFPs can also be susceptible to a scarcity mindset, where they see another person's achievements as taking away from their own. Viewing comparison through this negative lens only fuels their own sense of failure and self-doubt.

Personality types that dabble in comparisons, but it’s not their main goal

ESTJ

Confidence oozes out of an ESTJ so they don't feel the need to compare themselves to others all that often. When they do make comparisons, it's usually because someone has fallen short of their sky-high expectations and the comparison is a way of throwing some shade their way. Yup, ESTJs will compare themselves with others because it gives them an ego boost and makes them feel they're doing better than the other person! It sounds harsh, but at least they're not comparing themselves to feel worse.

INTJ 

INTJs are always keen to grow and improve themselves, so they often make comparisons with others to see where they stand. What sets them apart is that they usually don’t view it as a competition—rather, it’s about learning from others and understanding what makes them successful. INTJs aren't always squeaky clean on the comparison front, however. Put them in a competitive situation and they’re going to go all out to win, critiquing others on their journey to achieving their goals. 

ISTJ 

ISTJ personality types can be honest and direct, which is mostly a good thing. However, sometimes they can lapse into being a little too critical, and self-critical, for their own good. They tend to be hard on themselves when something bad happens, which can cause them to wish they were more like other people. This can lead to unhealthy comparisons, where they measure themselves against someone else's strengths while ignoring their own.

ISFJ 

While an ISFJ may want success, it’s rooted in getting love. They're not too concerned with how they stack up to others as long as they feel appreciated and fulfilled. On bad days, they might dabble in some comparisonitis, particularly when they're feeling like they've put others first and have not received the same treatment. But for the most part, ISFJs are content with their own path and don't feel the need to constantly compare themselves to others.

INTP 

Since an INTP can be a bit socially withdrawn, they’d rather spend time in their lair doing their own thing instead of rating themselves according to others. The catch? They also have a tendency to analyze everything and everyone, which can cause some comparisonitis to sprout. Because an INTP's comparisons tend to happen behind closed doors, without the reality check of the outside world, it’s hard for them to gain a healthy perspective. This type of comparison can easily backfire and lead them down the road of self-doubt and negative self-talk.

ESTP 

ESTPs attract other people like moths to a flame because they are so playful and fun. However, there's another side to their personality: impulsivity, competitiveness and a need for constant stimulation. ESTPs often suffer from a touch of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), which makes them want to check out what other people are doing and feel like they're falling behind if someone else appears to be doing more exciting things.

Personality types that are least likely to compare themselves to others

ISTP 

ISTPs detest the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses, so they don't. They forge their own path in life and focus on what they need to be happy, because being original beats being a copy any day. They might see other people’s success as interesting or inspirational, but comparing their own achievements to others is not on their radar.

ISFP 

ISFPs want to be known for who they are, not who they are when compared to others. They thrive in peaceful environments, and comparisons just bring unnecessary drama into their lives. When they are tempted to compare themselves with others, the ISFP will quickly remind themselves that everyone has their own unique strengths and talents, and there’s no need to measure up or compete.

ESFP 

ESFPs love to live in the moment and have fun, but beneath their confident shell lies a deep insecurity. They don't want to be compared with others because it could highlight their own flaws and make them question their worthiness. ESFPs know they are better off focusing on their own experiences, so comparison is not something they like to do on the regular. 

ENFP 

ENFPs have a strong need for approval, which might make people assume they spend a lot of time comparing themselves to others. But that's a false assumption. ENFPs might compare themselves on occasion, but mostly it's from a position of curiosity and wanting to know more about the person. They’re seeking deep connection, not comparisons. 

ENTP 

An ENTP's goal is to move forward with their bold new idea and usually that means collaborating with others, instead of comparing or competing with them. They can be argumentative for sure, but that's not because they’re trying to outdo other people; ENTPs are confident in their abilities and don't need validation from others to know they're on the right track.

ESFJ 

ESFJs are fairly immune to the pressure of comparisonitis and see it as unnecessary stress. Mostly, they want to be liked by others. Playing the comparison game has no good ending, since it creates a false sense of superiority or inferiority and someone always ends up feeling let down.

ENTJ 

With such a strong focus on finding solutions and getting things done, ENTJs can be a tad competitive. But it's not about being better than others—if they use comparisons at all, it's as a tool for achieving their goals in the most efficient way possible: another data point to add to the mix. This type won't get stuck on Facebook scrolling. They’re far too busy working towards their own success.