Enneagram personality profiling is used in workplaces, mental healthcare, and personal development. For relationships, personality matching is widely used to analyze likely problem areas of new relationships, as well as improve those that are experiencing difficulties.
This is where Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6 comes in. As a couple, Threes and Sixes show great potential, especially when both partners are actively working on improving themselves and their relationships.
The following article establishes the level of Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6 and outlines their potential trouble spots, as well as what makes this relationship amazing.
Type 3 Compatibility With Type 6
In Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6, the basic score is derived from the core personalities of Threes and Sixes. However, their wings will further affect the overall score, as well as whether the individuals are in growth (integration) or stress (disintegration) phases. The bottom-line effect can be positive or negative.
Compatibility Score
With a score of 45%, the basic Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6 is in the middle of the list for Threes, and just past midway for Sixes. However, a Walden university dissertation provided data acquired from 324 couples, and their theory stated that men and women not only choose the personality type of their partner differently but also show differing levels of personality compatibility. EnneaDyads and secure or insecure attachment styles may also play a role.
EnneaDyads
While EnneaDyads may not impact personalities too intensely, they can have a bearing in mismatched (one secure and one insecure) relationships, or when both partners show insecure attachment styles, such as in Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6. It is possible that only Allied and Integrative categories have any influence at all. But if not, relationship success may be found in the following order:
- Ally
- Woman is 3 and man is 2/Man is 3 and woman is 4
- Woman is 6 and man is 5/Man is 6 and woman is 7
- Disintegrative
- Woman is 3 and man is 6/Man is 3 and woman is 9
- Woman is 6 and man is 9/Man is 6 and woman is 3
- Integrative
- Woman is 3 and man is 9/Man is 3 and woman is 6
- Woman is 6 and man is 3/Man is 6 and woman is 9
- Matching
- Woman and man are both 3
- Woman and man are both 6
- Shadow
- Woman is 3 and man is 4/Man is 3 and woman is 2
- Woman is 6 and man is 7/Man is 6 and woman is 5
- Non-related
- Either the man or woman is 3 and their partner is 1,5,7, or 8
- Either the man or woman is 6 and their partner is 1,2,4, or 8
Anxiety and Avoidance in Attachment Styles
While EnneaDyads may have some impact on the relationship success for Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6, attachment styles seem to show a greater role. Earned secure attachments may be formed in growth or even disintegration, as this can draw couples closer, and once formed, these secure attachments seem to endure.
Threes show secure attachment styles—low anxiety and low avoidance—while Sixes have high anxiety and high avoidance—an insecure attachment style.
Wings, Growth, and Stress
In Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6, their wings—Twos, Fours, Fives, and Sevens—all show insecure attachment styles.
Also, other changes may occur during times of integration or disintegration (growth and stress).
What Each Type Brings to the Relationship
The basic individual characteristics of each partner, along with their wings, will have some value in determining Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6.
Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever
Hardworking, energetic motivators, and confident organizers, Threes might adapt well to situations and do whatever it takes in order to present their successful outcomes to the world. They put themselves and their environments on show, for others to see their visually appealing presentations.
Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist
Loyal and conscientious, Sixes enjoy firm outlines and solid rules. They may not deal well with changes, and often imagine the worst. Their questioning natures and tendency to expect the worst, make them excellent during crises or when problem-solving. They may also sense the motives of others.
Enneagram Wing Contribution
The altering effect of the wings in Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6 will depend on how strongly they impact each partner.
Enneagram Type 3w2, Type 3w4, Type 6w5, and Type 6w7
Twos love to help others, especially a person they see as their leader—identifying their desires, Twos go about filling these requirements. However, it’s important that the individual acknowledges them and expresses their appreciation for Twos’ assistance.
Twos’ attachment style: insecure.
Unique and even eccentric, Fours may compare their romances with those of others. Fours may form the opinion that others enjoy far more fruitful relationships than them. Jealousy may sneak in over their misfortune. Still, they are creative and excellent and innovative problem solvers.
Fours’ attachment style: insecure.
Independent and private, Fives focus their energy on acquiring knowledge. They can seem detached and may keep their discoveries, time, and energy to themselves. But they’re dependable and also self-motivated individuals. They may segment and categorize problems to enable them to deal with them more easily.
Fives’ attachment style: insecure.
Sevens are highly energetic individuals, but focus that vigor on experiencing the exciting side of life. Sevens often dislike the mundane, whether in social settings, careers, or relationships. Impulsive and adaptable, Sevens can be irresponsible. They’re charming and can be productive when working on exciting new challenges.
Sevens’ attachment style: insecure.
Positives of This Pairing
In Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6, both Threes and Sixes show a high level of amicability—certainty so within society and relationships. This could see the couple approaching issues with calm maturity.
Sixes show immense compassion for the well-being of those close to them. This trait may rub off on the competitive side of Threes. It could be an additional area where Threes could show success.
If Sixes learn to show recognition for the successes of Threes, and Threes avoid dismissing Sixes’ fears, this would go a long way toward developing a stable and mutually satisfying partnership.
The conscientiousness of both Threes and Sixes may impress their partner. Both are goal-oriented and willing to work toward success. While Sixes need reassurance, Threes, as natural motivators, may help Sixes cope with their fear of the unknown.
Potential Issues
The problems listed in Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6 may seem numerous, but these are usually in areas where couples may want to focus on improving. Although Threes may vigorously and optimistically encourage and inspire their Six partners in their pursuits, they may criticize anything they see as having less than adequate results. This could lead to Sixes—who crave acceptance and feel the need to blend in—losing trust in their Three partners.
If Sixes then become skeptical over the motives of Threes, they could disappear beneath the safety of non-stop work, cloak themselves in a shroud of an idealized illusion, or become increasingly indecisive and procrastinate.
Threes may tire of continually trying to inspire Sixes, especially since they’re both types who seek approval from others, and even though Sixes are loyal and friendly, they may not return the encouragement they receive from Threes.
When cautious Sixes grow concerned over future problems, agitation may surface in optimistic Threes. They might view their Six partners as unnecessarily negative. Since Sixes will sense this, they may regress to moodiness or anxiety.
Supremely efficient and positive, the behavior of Sixes may frustrate Threes, who, during times of stress, may disintegrate into the passive-aggressive side of Nines. In response, Threes may feel uncertain and could passionately overreact.
Conclusion
The fear of failure present in Threes might result in them pursuing success within their relationships.
In Enneagram Type 3 compatibility with Type 6, both Types can really suppress emotions. It will benefit their relationship if they learn to discuss issues in a non-competitive way. This couple could also grow if they learn to work through these issues systematically as a team.
Many people employ Enneagram typing to help them with personal development, as well as within relationships.
To discover your Enneagram type, complete the Enneagram Personality Test.