Some Rationals seem so cold and logical that it's hard to imagine them doing something as frivolous as falling in love. Most Rationals do not express the range of emotions other types do because they keep their emotions tightly in check, usually showing them only to those closest to them. Getting a Rational to open up and show their tender side can be a great challenge, one many women find intriguing.

Rationals are the least likely types to remember important days, such as anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. However, they do tend to be steadfast, being among the most committed. Their partners can expect intellectual stimulation, debating from multiple perspectives, and a lot of autonomy. Rationals are the most likely types to treat their partners as equal in adult status.

Hamid is a Mastermind (INTJ) Rational. As a teen, he was slow to mature. He was interested in girls, but was very awkward around them. He also felt that most girls were just plain silly, so he did not date. By his senior year in college, he was actively looking for a mate but wasn't quite sure how to go about it. One day he happened to strike up a conversation with a young woman he'd known slightly. They immediately hit it off, covering topics ranging from the inane (comic strips) to the sublime (the origin of life). They married a year later. Hamid feels very relieved to have successfully cleared this life hurdle.

Unlike Hamid, Jason, a Fieldmarshal (ENTJ) Rational, was fairly popular in high school. However, he didn't date much because he didn't have time for girls. He enjoys dating now but chooses his dates carefully with clear objectives in mind. He's looking for a long term partner who has a career of her own. He hopes to find someone who enjoys debating political/social issues, discovering new restaurants, and playing some sport together. His biggest problem has been detaching clingy women who haven't gotten the message that he's moved on.

Garrett, an Inventor (ENTP) Rational, enjoyed dating in high school. He tended to prefer dating many different girls to having a single serious girlfriend. Now in college, he finds that the available women are of even better quality: able to engage in intelligent debate, well-read, and willing to stand up for what they believe. He's having a blast romancing many different types of women. In the future, he'd like to get married, but for now the buffet of life is sweet.

Sam, an Architect (INTP) Rational, had a slow start in the dating game. However, he found his own niche in college by becoming the Brain. He was in a long-term relationship which died long before he was willing to write a death certificate. After some time had passed, he discovered another woman he'd actually known for years. He was hesitant to make a commitment after the last fiasco. However, when he suggested they live together, she said she would only live with him if they were married. That helped him make a decision to commit without feeling pressured.

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