On a daily basis, many benefit from using Enneagram personality typing. One area where the Enneagram system has become quite popular in recent years is relationships. People are eager to find out their Type, as well as the Type of their partner to better understand compatibility, potential issues, and more.
In the following article, we’ll specifically look at Enneagram Type Seven and Type Nine. This is an intriguing pair that can actually bloom into a life-long partnership. But first, both types need to learn a few things about each other. Let’s see the positives and negatives of this relationship.
Type 7 Compatibility With Type 9
Various alterations to characteristics may arise in Enneagram. This depends on the individual’s dominant wings, the state of growth or stress, attachment styles, and possibly even EnneaDyads.
This Walden university dissertation analyzed the data of 324 couples and found that men and women not only choose the personality of their partners differently but show compatibility levels in the same way. The resulting effect on Enneagram Type 7 compatibility with Type 8 may add another dynamic to this relationship.
Compatibility Score
Sevens and Nines in Enneagram Type 7 compatibility with Type 9, present a core match of 76%.
EnneaDyads
The effect of EnneaDyads could impact a relationship between Sevens and Nines, if the dominant wing of Nine is Eight. While it’s possible that only Allied and Integrative categories come into play, success might be achieved in the following order:
- Ally
- Woman is 7 and man is 6/man is 7 and woman is 8
- Woman is 9 and man is 8/man is 9 and woman is 1
- Disintegrative
- Woman is 7 and man is 5/man is 7 and woman is 1
- Woman is 9 and man is 3/man is 9 and woman is 6
- Integrative
- Woman is 7 and man is 1/man is 7 and woman is 5
- Woman is 9 and man is 6/man is 9 and woman is 3
- Matching
- Woman and man are both 7
- Woman and man are both 9
- Shadow
- Woman is 7 and man is 8/man is 7 and woman is 6
- Woman is 9 and man is 1/man is 9 and woman is 8
- Non-related
- Either the man or woman is 7 and their partner is 2,3,4,9
- Either the man or woman is 9 and their partner is 2,4,5,7
Anxiety and Avoidance in Attachment Styles
Attachment styles may also affect the findings of Enneagram Type 7 compatibility with Type 8. Partners with secure attachment styles show the greatest likelihood of success. However, a couple may ‘earn’ secure attachments during a shared growth or stress event. Mismatched (one secure and one insecure) attachments are right on their tail. The dyadic effect may influence relationships of insecurely attached partners.
While insecurely attached Sevens have low anxiety and high avoidance, Nines could be secure, depending on their dominant wing. Eights, high anxiety and high avoidance, have insecure attachment styles, but Ones have secure attachments.
Wings, Growth and Stress
Sevens and Nines have wings in Six, Eight, and One. While Sixes, Sevens, and Eights have insecure attachment styles, a One wing could elevate the odds in Enneagram Type 7 compatibility with Type 8.
The changes observed during periods of growth or stress may also alter the rating of this partnership since the individuals may shift in character to their integration or disintegration type.
What Each Type Brings to the Relationship
The complementary characteristics of Sevens and Nines are what soar the rating of Enneagram Type 7 compatibility score with Type 9.
Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast
Fun-loving, excitable, charming, and genial are, but a few of the talents Sevens applies to inspire others to join them in their myriad adventures and social endeavors. They may not take life too seriously, enjoy trying new things, and probably don’t adhere to societal expectations.
Sevens bore easily, and this makes them commitment-averse. In most situations, they’re probably looking for the nearest escape route. They can be self-indulgent and aren’t likely to worry too much about the concerns of others.
Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker
Besides the various other influencing factors, the traits of Nines will directly impact Enneagram Type 7 compatibility with Type 9.
Nines usually bring peace and harmony into their world. They probably face life with little consideration for their desires and wishes. They place value on the contentment and well-being of people rather than on their achievements.
Although respectful of the opinions of others and not assertive of theirs, Nines may be indecisive and procrastinate over matters that require them to make a choice. When working with conflicting parties, they’re usually organized and focused on finding amicable solutions for all involved.
Nines probably stick to what they know and dislike sudden changes. They fear they have no value and may be rejected if they raise their concerns. This, however, can leave them feeling a suppressed anger that presents as antagonism.
Enneagram Wing Contribution
The wings of Sevens and Nines will alter Enneagram Type 7 compatibility with Type 9; however, depending on the strength of their wings, this may not be to a significant extent.
Enneagram Type 7w6, Type 7w8, Type 9w8, and Type 9w1
A dominant Six wing will probably make Sevens less self-assured, a little more introspective, and perhaps more committed.
Six’s attachment style: insecure
If Eight is the more dominant wing of Sevens, this could see Sevens with a more controlling and power-hungry side. They would probably be more decisive and might openly challenge others. Still, they will occasionally need to escape into a world of self-indulgence and excess.
When Nines have a dominant wing in Eight, they could be more confident, less accepting of the opinions of others, and would probably be less inclined to procrastinate.
Eight’s attachment style: insecure
A dominant One wing would add a unique spin onto Enneagram Type 7 compatibility with Type 9 since Ones have a secure wing. This would make Nines work harder and be more result-oriented. They may tend to criticize errors more harshly in themselves and others and could lose some effectiveness as mediators—depending on the strength of the wing.
One’s attachment style: secure
Positives of This Pairing
The relaxed nature of both Sevens and Nines plays a powerful role in Enneagram Type 9 compatibility with Type 7.
The enthusiasm and confidence may rub off on their Nine partners, and this would help Nines appreciate their strengths.
If Nines apply their mediation skills in their relationship, Sevens may not feel criticized but rather supported by Nines. This could help them relax instead of sensing they need to escape.
Nines will probably put more effort into saving the relationship, which means they are less likely to attack Sevens about their excessive natures. And since neither Sevens nor Nines harbors resentments, they should easily resolve issues.
Potential Issues
Problems between Enneagram Type 9 and Type 7 may surface due to both types’ basic natures and fears.
Since Nines might consider themselves as having no value, they may attempt to maintain consistency in their relationships. They could, for this reason, pour energy into keeping their Seven partner content rather than adhering to their own desires and thus allow self-oriented Sevens to use them as a doormat.
Initially, Sevens may thrive because they’re being given free rein—to coin a phrase from 17th-century horse riders. Although Nines are unlikely to confront them, they may grow belligerent, and this could have Sevens looking for their next great escape.
Also, Nines might see Sevens as miserly or self-centered when Sevens don’t show interest in helping others. Sevens might see any attempt Nines make at reforming their opinions as restricting. They could also see Nines as growing drab.
And neither is likely to raise their concerns until it’s too late. Instead, Nines might turn sullen and disengaged, while Sevens would probably start seeking an exit.
Conclusion
Enneagram Type 9 and Type 7 are the ultimate dynamic duo! They both complement each other in several areas of life. Sevens sail through changes enthusiastically and could guide their Nine partners, who struggle with change and prefer consistency.
Contentment will probably radiate off this couple, and since neither are particularly driven to success, the associated anxiety will be absent. Also, to add to this, both partners are averse to negativity. Still, with hard work and determination, their relationship can overcome the negativity and have a great time together.
To discover your Enneagram type, complete the Enneagram Personality Test.