Enneagram Type 1 compatibility with Type 4 is among the lowest when it comes to forming successful relationships. However, Enneagram personality typing aims to grow each individual within their relationship. In this way, and by allowing yourself to grow within your Enneagram Type, even the most unlikely partnerships can prove successful.
Type 1 Compatibility With Type 4
Before digging into this unique couple a bit deeper, let’s take a quick look at their compatibility score and remind ourselves of what wings and growth actually mean for Enneagram types.
Compatibility Scores
To examine Enneagram Type 1 compatibility with Type 4, a 2022 study showed that this match has a dismal baseline of 10%.
Wings and Growth
Regardless of the scores, it’s important to take wings into account when evaluating the absolute likelihood of a match. It’s also advisable to consider how each type responds to growth and stressful situations.
Anxiety and Avoidance
In this study, Enneagram Type 1 shows low anxiety and low avoidance, while Enneagram Type 4 seems to show high anxiety and low avoidance. Anxiety is high when Enneagram types have a low self-image while admiring their partner. Avoidance is high in Enneagram types who have a low self-image and a prejudicial view of others.
What Each Type Brings to the Relationship
As individuals in Enneagram Type 1 compatibility with Type 4, both Ones and Fours know what they want and are aware of what they feel.
Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist
Ones notoriously have strong moral and ethical values. They’re organized, structured, hardworking, and self-disciplined. Their tendency to seek justice for all will also filter through to their relationships, so they will often act for the good of the couple. Being stable and serious, Ones are usually excellent mentors or confidants.
However, their critical and self-righteous nature can be a cause for contention. Annoyance over their own errors is possibly the only thing to eclipse their intolerance of others’ mistakes. They may struggle with compromise, and their binal view of the world results in gray areas making them feel uncomfortable.
Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist
Proudly unique Fours can sometimes lean toward being overly passionate, introspective, and withdrawn. They intensely appreciate all that is beautiful. They enjoy experiencing the highs in life, but easily slip into melancholy. As creative dreamers, Fours have an innovative streak that can lead to them seeing and solving problems from an entirely different perspective than others.
Sometimes, they may be perceived as eccentric or even aloof. This may have to do with the fact that these one-on-one individuals often feel out of place. Fours do not take criticism well, it can leave them feeling moody.
Enneagram Wings
It’s prudent to mention wings since they result in minor personality adjustments. Each Enneagram Type will lean more heavily on one of its wings, though their dominant personality will prevail.
Enneagram Type 1w9
When the dominant wing of Enneagram Type 1 is 9, you might find that this One is a little softer around the edges. Nine’s contribution may result in a less critical or inflexible Enneagram Type 1.
Enneagram Type 1w2
If Enneagram Type 1 has a dominant wing of 2, other characteristics could creep into this One. For example, they may keep their criticism to themselves, since Twos avoid confrontation.
Enneagram Type 4w3
An Enneagram Type 4 who has a dominant wing of Enneagram Type 3 might present some of Three’s optimism, energy, and self-confidence. Their leaning toward productivity, goal-setting, and pragmatism may bring the voice of reason into Four’s withdrawn and slightly dejected nature.
Enneagram Type 4w5
With Enneagram Type 4 where the dominant wing is Enneagram 5, slightly different aspects may play a role. Five’s reduced need for emotional connections and bonding may take the edge off Four’s flamboyance or their inclination to wallow in self-pity.
Positives of This Pairing
Many positive components reign over Enneagram Type 1 compatibility with Type 4.
Ones find fulfillment in helping those in need. When Fours are feeling downtrodden, they can depend on the mentorship and wise guidance of their One partner to help them through.
Since Ones are hardworking and structured, and Fours can apply unique perspectives to matters, they will probably make a fierce problem-solving team in their home lives and within their relationships.
Ones will often encourage Fours to reach their idealized goals with a solid structure, and they can boost their Four partner’s self-esteem. Passionate Fours may draw out emotions and a small level of spontaneity from Ones.
Since Fours adapt easily, they will lead and encourage their One partners through any changes that they may dread.
This couple shares a common interest in their desire to have a positive effect on the world at large. This could draw them closer through their potential conflicts.
Their high expectations of themselves and others might result in them meeting their partner’s demands.
Potential Issues
The potential conflicts in Enneagram Type 1 compatibility with Type 4 are many. For example, Ones see problems objectively, while Fours see them subjectively; Ones idealize the greater good and Fours idealize personal matters.
Fours might see One’s self-discipline as frigidity, while Ones could view Four’s self-indulgence as immature. Although Ones may suppress emotions, they are comfortable meting out judgments—something neither they nor Fours take well.
This relationship may cause both Ones and Fours to feel inadequate. And difficulties within this union could escalate if this couple turns their sense of superiority on their partner. However, in growth, this couple could well overcome these likely areas of concern.
To combat these potential issues, Ones and Fours should try to encourage their partner’s positive aspects and their individual interests. Ones should value their Four partner’s unique take on things, while Fours should try to engage Ones in their need for academic stimulation.
Both should note that while Ones process information in logical thought patterns, Fours do so through their emotional connections. And while Ones should approach matters with sensitivity, Fours should consider not taking issues personally.
Conclusion
With One’s impatient inflexibility and Four’s dreamy flamboyance, Enneagram Type 1 compatibility with Type 4 may not result in the most prodigious union. However, with determination and a shared appreciation for beauty and refinement, this couple could still overcome their problems.
Their opposing forms of idealism may cause conflicts to arise. This can be said for many of their inherent traits. However, growth within their personality type should improve Enneagram Type 1 compatibility with Type 4.
To discover your Enneagram type, complete the Enneagram Personality Test.