The need to establish and categorize personalities has probably existed since the dawn of humankind. In recent years, individuals have explored how Enneagram personality typing may aid in personal development. For some time, however, business and mental health care providers have used Enneagram.
A major area where Enneagram typing has left its mark is relationships and compatibility between different types. In the following paragraphs, we’ll specifically focus on the relationship between Enneagram Type Four and Type Seven. We’ll go through the positives of the couple and examine any potential issues that might break them apart.
Type 4 Compatibility With Type 7
Various external conditions may affect Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7. The dominant wings would probably have the strongest effect.
Also, when individuals experience phases of growth or even stress, their characteristics may change the overall Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7.
Other considerations are secure and insecure attachment styles, as well as EnneaDyads. A Walden university dissertation discusses this, based on the findings from 324 couples.
Compatibility Score
The core types of Fours and Sevens show a score of 80% for Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7.
EnneaDyads
The success of relationships among mismatched and insecure attachment styles may show greater compatibility if taking EnneaDyad categories into account. Either only Allied and Integrative relationships may be affected, or relationships may show success in the following order:
- Ally
- Woman is 4 and man is 3/man is 4 and woman is 5
- Woman is 7 and man is 6/man is 7 and woman is 8
- Disintegrative
- Woman is 4 and man is 1/man is 4 and woman is 2
- Woman is 7 and man is 5/man is 7 and woman is 1
- Integrative
- Woman is 4 and man is 2/man is 4 and woman is 1
- Woman is 7 and man is 1/man is 7 and woman is 5
- Matching
- Woman and man are both 4
- Woman and man are both 7
- Shadow
- Woman is 4 and man is 5/man is 4 and woman is 3
- Woman is 7 and man is 8/man is 7 and woman is 6
- Non-related
- Either the man or woman is 4 and their partner is 6,7,8,9
- Either the man or woman is 7 and their partner is 2,3,4,9
Anxiety and Avoidance in Attachment Styles
In Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7, the core types of Fours—high anxiety and low avoidance, and Sevens—low anxiety and high avoidance, both present with insecure attachment styles.
Most successful relationships form when both dominant Enneagram types have secure attachment styles. And those of mismatched styles (one secure and one insecure) follow closely.
‘Earned’ secure attachments show a high success rate too. These are when two partners of insecure attachment styles go through mutual growth or stress within the relationship.
Wings, Growth and Stress
Out of Threes, Fives, Sixes, and Eights, the wings of Fours and Sevens, only Threes have secure attachment styles. This could be enough to positively affect Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7.
The changes in personality during integration and disintegration (growth and stress) may further alter personalities.
What Each Type Brings to the Relationship
The distinct characteristics of Fours and Sevens would have the largest bearing on Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7.
Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist
While Fours may sometimes seem eccentric and out of place in their world, they have kind hearts and truly care for animals, nature, and people. The unique imagination and introspection of Fours lead them to solve issues in independent, unusual, and, innovative ways. Their generosity and naturally trusting nature means they welcome other customs, cultures, and beliefs into their world.
Fours enjoy working at their own pace and may not expect special treatment for their achievements. They tend not to be natural leaders. Also, societal expectations mean little to them. Their insecurity sometimes makes them feel as if they’re not needed, and they may then spiral into anxiety, moodiness, or pessimism.
Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast
This outgoing and fun-loving Enneagram avoids conflicts and sees work as a means to an end. They can, however, devote themselves wholeheartedly to projects that pique their interest.
They’re unlikely to get ruffled and could sooner leave things incomplete than become too stressed. However, they have a vivid and independent imagination for creating exciting challenges. And they thrive on the thrill these adventures afford them.
They may not involve themselves in charitable work, as they’re not concerned with how others perceive them. They probably function on the theory of ‘each for themselves’. Nor are Sevens likely to support other beliefs or customs.
Enneagram Wing Contribution
The dominant wings of Fours and Sevens could modify Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7.
Enneagram Type 4w3, Type 4w5, Type 7w6, and Type 7w8
When Fours have a wing of Three, they will probably be more optimistic and driven to see others paying attention to their innovations and publicly recognizing them.
Three’s attachment style: secure
Fours with a wing of Five would probably be significantly more introspective, and their creations or the problems they solve would involve a significant amount of background research.
Five’s attachment style: insecure
Sevens with a dominant Six wing, while still non-confrontational, would probably be less adventurous with a diminished requirement for new and exciting challenges.
Six’s attachment style: insecure
When an Eight wing dominates Sevens, Sevens will probably still confidently seek all the fun pleasures in life. However, they’d have a tendency to be significantly more confrontational and expect compliance from others.
Eight’s attachment style: insecure
Positives of This Pairing
In Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7, the natural excitement, lack of judgment, and enthusiasm present in Sevens may bring cheer to melancholic Fours. This could inspire their creativity and make Fours feel more confident about showing their innovations to the world.
Seven may help Fours enjoy the fun things in life and become more outgoing. This could find Fours feeling less like outsiders while still getting to value their distinctive selves.
Fours may help ground Sevens. Also, Fours could apply their creativity and present an idea to Sevens, showing them that many would appreciate their charity. And if Sevens take a creative interest in a reformation project, their energy and enthusiasm could see them moving mountains—from the viewpoint of the less fortunate. This could give Sevens the self-gratification they need and Fours a sense of value.
Potential Issues
Few difficulties may be noted in Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7. For example, naturally introspective, Fours need time in their heads, as this is where the seeds of their creations are planted and grow. Sevens, with all their well-meant exuberance, probably won’t give Fours the chance. Sevens may believe they need to keep Fours away from their thoughts—which often leads Fours down a path of gloom.
If Fours get tired of this, they may become nervous and pessimistic. Sevens may then see Fours as overly sensitive. As Sevens extend their ‘fun’ side to other activities, Fours may feel that they no longer have value to Sevens. And Sevens might feel that the relationship is no longer enjoyable. This could lead to the relationship taking a downward spiral.
Conclusion
While, in studying Enneagram Type 4 compatibility with Type 7, Sevens and Fours may seem highly dissimilar, they have many complimentary characteristics. Also, as mutually creative types, they may find enjoyment in an innovative joint venture.
Neither Fours nor Eights are controlling types. If Fours may give Sevens the space to engage in exciting adventures, and Sevens give Fours uninterrupted solitude, both partners could get what they need.
To discover your Enneagram type, complete the Enneagram Personality Test.