It’s unknown exactly where Enneagram personality typing finds its roots. However, as a modern personality profiling tool, it is widely used in human resources departments to establish the placement of new employees and to guide career choices. Mental healthcare facilities also use it to better understand the most intrinsic aspects of their clients.
In relationships, many favor the Enneagram over other personality models, as it may serve as a guide for individuals to improve their existing relationships.
This article, about Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7, discusses the likelihood of this relationship succeeding, as well as potential problems that the pair may encounter.
Type 5 Compatibility With Type 7
Several factors influence the overall result of Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7. Among these factors are their dominant wings, their integration and disintegration states, EnneaDyads, and secure or insecure attachment styles.
A dissertation from Walden university used the data obtained from 324 couples. From their results, they established that men and women both choose, and identify with, partners differently.
Compatibility Score
The score for core type Fives and Sevens in Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7 comes in at 77%.
EnneaDyads
EnneaDyads may influence relationships with insecure and mismatched attachment styles. Success may follow this order:
- Ally
- Woman is 5 and man is 4/Man is 5 and woman is 6
- Woman is 7 and man is 6/Man is 7 and woman is 8
- Disintegrative
- Woman is 5 and man is 8/Man is 5 and woman is 7
- Woman is 7 and man is 5/Man is 7 and woman is 1
- Integrative
- Woman is 5 and man is 7/Man is 5 and woman is 8
- Woman is 7 and man is 1/Man is 7 and woman is 5
- Matching
- Woman and man are both 5
- Woman and man are both 7
- Shadow
- Woman is 5 and man is 6/Man is 5 and woman is 4
- Woman is 7 and man is 8/Man is 7 and woman is 6
- Non-related
- Either the man or woman is 5 and their partner is 1, 2, 3, or 9
- Either the man or woman is 7 and their partner is 2, 3, 4, or 9
Anxiety and Avoidance in Attachment Styles
When two partners have secure attachment styles, they will most likely have a successful relationship. However, mismatched (one secure and one insecure) attachment styles follow closely behind in terms of success rates. Other attachment styles that present significant success are “earned” secure attachments. These occur when couples experience shared growth or stress.
In Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7, Fives and Sevens both exhibit low anxiety and high avoidance. This is an insecure attachment style.
Wings, Growth, and Stress
In Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7, wings will have significant importance. Fives and Sevens share Six as a wing, and Fives have Four as a wing, while Sevens have Eight.
The integration and disintegration of Fives and Sevens, otherwise known as periods of growth and stress, affect changes in personality and may enhance the ultimate value of the union.
What Each Type Brings to the Relationship
The personal touches of Fives and Sevens make Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7, interesting and unique.
Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator
Enneagram Fives, as extremely private types, observe life and the world from the sidelines. A sense of detachment surrounds them, and it may seem like they do not need to intersect with the lives of others. Despite this, they often desire some close relationships, though they may be selective in who reaches them.
Despite their innovative and intellectual capability, they can lack confidence. They probably won’t attempt to dominate or control others. Fives are highly independent in thought and dislike others placing expectations on them. They’re organized and remain fairly unruffled, and care about the world at large.
Despite seeming externally calm, they may experience inner turbulence. They tend not to bend to the will of others, and would rather go unnoticed than have their achievements announced to the world.
Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast
Enneagram Sevens bring something exciting to Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7. These optimistic and relaxed types are usually outgoing, upbeat, and curious about new experiences. They’re unlikely to get too involved in mundane tasks, and will probably leave them incomplete if they do.
Independent in thought and action, Sevens will be unlikely to follow normal standards and procedures. They may be unconcerned about rejection—they can get bored and move on before this happens. Although they avoid conflicts, they’re unafraid of authority figures.
They may lean toward focusing on self-gratification rather than concerning themselves with attending to the comforts, beliefs, ideals, and well-being of others.
Enneagram Wing Contribution
The dominant wings of Fives and Sevens may see Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7 adapting to accommodate these new personality aspects.
Enneagram Type 5w4, Type 5w6, Type 7w6, and Type 7w8
Since Fours fear being unnoticed, Fives with a dominant Four wing may be slightly less inclined to seek obscurity and may be more concerned with engaging with others. They could be less easygoing, but more inclined to try new things.
Four’s attachment style: insecure.
A dominant Six wing could mean that Fives will involve themselves in charities and the well-being of those close to them. They could be slightly more temperamental and could prefer guidelines rather than pursuing their own thoughts.
Six’s attachment style: insecure.
Sevens, with a dominant wing in Six, could be a little less confident, outgoing, and straightforward. They may still enjoy trying new things, but to a lesser extent. They may feel more concern for those close to them, have a lower need for self-gratification, and have greater regard for other traditions and beliefs.
Six’s attachment style: insecure.
Sevens, with a dominant Eight wing, may be a little more concerned about their successes, have a stronger desire to lead, and feel more peaceful within themselves. They will probably be more generous and less likely to go against societal norms. They may, however, be a little more demanding of others.
Eight’s attachment style: insecure.
Positives of This Pairing
Numerous complementary traits add a spark of life to Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7. While Sevens like to be left alone and make their choices without influence, non-controlling Fives will willingly grant them this freedom. Some of the endless sharp optimism in Sevens could inevitably rub off on Fives. This might see Fives becoming enthusiastic enough to share their discoveries in lively discussions with Sevens.
The adventurous nature of Sevens might awaken the curious side of Fives, especially if Fives discover something new. While Sevens are curious and creative, they may be scattered in their approach. Fives could help calm them enough to enable them to structure their ideas.
Another impressive aspect of Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7 is that Fives dislike changes that disrupt their world. Sevens, however, take any changes with gusto and could help their Five partners through the transition.
Potential Issues
Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7 may falter over a few problem areas.
Neither Fives nor Sevens take to adapting their independent viewpoints to fit in with the expectations of others, and this will extend to compromising for the sake of their relationship. This may be an area where this couple breaks out of their serene natures and challenges their partner.
If difficulties arise between the two, they could fall into their stress patterns. Fives might find refuge as they withdraw into their thoughts and detach from their Seven partners. As Sevens grow more restless, they will probably seek the first escape they can find.
Conclusion
Despite the significant differences between Fives and Sevens, Enneagram Type 5 compatibility with Type 7 shows surprising results. The two seem able to stimulate the missing elements in the other.
For example, Fives may help ground Sevens to the extent that Sevens can enjoy the solid stability present in Fives. Sevens might invigorate Fives and draw out their social and adventurous aspects.
To discover your Enneagram type, complete the Enneagram Personality Test.