One step to building great relationships is learning about the other person's personality. One way to do that is through Enneagrams.
Enneagram types are a comprehensive classification of humans based on their personalities. If you are new to this model, you may want to read this article about the nine different Enneagram types before proceeding.
The Enneagram compatibility theory suggests that while all Enneagram types in their healthy form can date or be friends with whomever they wish, some combinations are better than others. This means a specific personality type will have a more robust friendship or romantic relationship with certain Enneagram types than others.
The goal of Enneagram compatibility is not to restrict whom you can forge a relationship with. Instead, it aims to help you better understand your current friends and partner. With the help of this guide, you can learn how your specific Enneagram type affects your present and future relationships.
Before diving deeper into the compatibility of each personality type, here is a detailed Enneagram Compatibility chart with all the best & worst matches.
Do keep in mind that Enneagram traits are not the only thing that can influence how we are in relationships. For example, each Enneagram has a tendency to “speak” different languages of love.
You may also want to read this article about taking care of yourself and others based on the Enneagram.
Related: Making New Friends—Surefire Ways to Build Meaningful and Healthy Friendships
Enneagram Compatibility in Friendships and Romance
The best friendships and romantic relationships are usually between individuals whose personalities complement one another. Enneagram compatibility does not necessarily follow the “likes attract and opposites repel” rule. Instead, it is founded on research, surveys, and repeated patterns over the years.
Let’s look at the nine Enneagram types and their most compatible counterparts.
Don’t know your Enneagram yet? Want to know your partner’s Enneagram type? Take this quick assessment.
Enneagram 1: The Perfectionist - Compatibility
Goals and structure drive Perfectionists. Therefore, they appreciate partners who are reliable, punctual, and ethical. Type 1s hate tardiness, unfaithfulness, and lack of integrity in a partner.
Enneagram Type 1 Best Match
Enneagram 1 pairs perfectly with Type 2 (the Giver/Helper). In Type 1–Type 2 relationships, the Giver usually helps the Perfectionist achieve their goals. The Perfectionist, on the other hand, gives Type 2 the sense of security they crave.
Enneagram 1 Worst Match
Type 4 (The Individualist / Romantic) may struggle with set targets and productivity, which may put them in a position of conflict with a Type 1 partner.
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 1.
Enneagram 2: The Giver - Compatibility
As someone who always gives out and helps, Type 2s love a partner who offers them security and appreciates their effort. They are frustrated with cold and emotionally distant people.
Enneagram 2 Best Match
Type 2 Enneagram pairs well with Type 3 (the Achiever) and Type 8 (The Protector).
In a Type 2-Type 3 relationship, the Giver offers unending love and support to their Type 3 partners. On the other hand, the Achievers help their Type 2 partner stay assertive, especially when creating boundaries with others.
In Type 2-Type 8 relationships, the Giver and the protector are not afraid to show affection, albeit at different intensities.
Enneagram 2 Worst Match
Type 4 (The Individualist / Romantic) may abuse the generosity and affection of Type 2.
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 2.
Enneagram 3: The Achiever - Compatibility
As a success-driven individual, the Type 3 person loves people who support and challenge them at the same time. An Achiever may be frustrated with a complacent partner.
Enneagram 3 Best Match
Type 3 and Type 7 (The Adventurer) form great partnerships. As they chase different highs, they may find a lasting connection in their adventurous and competitive personalities. Type 7 also helps Type 3 loosen up, while the Achiever helps the Adventurer develop a better sense of focus.
Enneagram 3 Worst Match
Type 3 and Type 9 (The Peacemaker) may not form the perfect pair. The Achiever may find Peacemakers to be lazy and dismissive. Type 9, on the other hand, may find the Achievers insensitive and overwhelming.
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 3.
Enneagram 4: The Individualist - Compatibility
The Type 4 Enneagrams are known for their creative and sensitive nature. While some theorists call the group “the romantics,” it’s not necessarily referring to how they are in relationships, but rather it’s a similarity to the traits of the romanticism movement in history. They love partners and friends who have deep conversations with them. They dislike inattentiveness and dismissive attitude in a partner.
Enneagram 4 Best Match
Type 4s and Type 5s (Investigators) form a beautiful partnership. The Individualist will find a deep connection with the Observer. They will enjoy rich and in-depth conversations while respecting each other's boundaries.
Enneagram 4 Worst Match
While Type 2 (the Giver/Helper) and Type 5 may form a beautiful connection at first, it gets exhausting trying to keep up with the emotional needs of one another.
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 4.
Enneagram 5: The Investigator - Compatibility
As someone curious about life, the Investigator (also known as Observers) tends to do lots of deep thinking and sometimes overthinking. They love partners and friends who are competent, non-judgmental, and can respect their personal space. On the other hand, they may have problems with loud and nosy friends and partners.
Enneagram 5 Best Match
Type 5 pairs perfectly with Type 1 (Perfectionist). In Type 5–Type 1 relationships, the Type 1 partner will appreciate the independent and intellectual nature of Type 5. The Investigator, on the other hand, will appreciate the boundaries and structures of Type 1.
Enneagram 5 Worst Match
Type 8 and Type 5 may not form an impressive couple because the Challenger (Protector) may become too overwhelming for the Investigator (Observer).
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 5.
Enneagram 6: The Skeptic - Compatibility
The Type 6 Enneagrams are known for their calculative-ness and need to plan their way through life. They love consistency, trustworthiness, and kindness in a partner. They do not appreciate people with an air of uncertainty.
Enneagram 6 Best Match
Type 9 (the Peacemakers) and Type 6 individuals usually form the best pairs. They are both trustworthy and offer each other stability.
Enneagram 6 Worst Match
Type 6 may not form a great partnership with Type 3 (Achiever) or Type 1 (Perfectionist). They may feel neglected by these individuals and find it hard to trust their motives.
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 6.
Enneagram 7: The Enthusiast - Compatibility
Type 7s are fun and passionate romantic partners. Enthusiasts have also earned the label of "Adventurer” because of how they approach life, which carries over into their relationships. They love to explore all that their love interests have to offer. They also cherish supportiveness in both friendship and romantic relationships. On the other hand, they detest pessimism and negativity.
Enneagram 7 Best Match
Type 7-Type 5 relationships tend to do well, providing a balance for each partner. Type 5 (the Investigator / Observer) brings calmness to the life of an adventurous person. In return, Type 7 encourages the Investigator to be more adventurous.
Enneagram 7 Worst Match
The free-willed, spontaneous Type 7 may find it hard to cope with the seriousness of Type 1 (Perfectionist).
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 7.
Enneagram 8: The Challenger - Compatibility
Type 8 is one Enneagram that knows its worth and is not ashamed to face conflicts head-on, especially in defense of others. Leaders, by nature, Challengers love partners with integrity and value, and they detest oppressive traits in people.
Enneagram 8 Best Match
The Type 9s (Peacemakers) bring the perfect balance to the life of Type 8. The Challenger helps the Peacemakers to be more confrontational. They also learn that it's better to let things slide sometimes.
Enneagram 8 Worst Match
Type 5 (the Investigator) and Type 8s may find it difficult to trust each other deeply.
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 8.
Enneagram 9: The Peacemaker - Compatibility
As the harmonious Enneagram, these individuals value supportiveness and optimism in a partner. True mediators, Enneagram 9s try as much as possible to avoid conflict, so they wouldn't want a partner who is manipulative or controlling.
Enneagram Type 9 Best Match
Type 1 (Perfectionists) usually make a great partner for a Type 9. They help them be more assertive and outspoken while enjoying the peace and calmness that exudes from the Type 9s.
Enneagram 9 Worst Match
Type 9s and Type 6s (Skeptics) may not be the best romantic relationship. The Peacemaker may find the Skeptic unnerving while the skeptic, their peacemaking attitude ingenuine.
Learn what to expect when you date an Enneagram 9.
What Enneagram Types Make Good Couples According to Helen Palmer?
In the book, The Enneagram in Love and Work, Helen Palmer highlights some common Enneagram couples. Any two Enneagram types in their healthy state can make great partners with proper understanding and communication. However, there are combinations that stand out the most in terms of how well their traits complement one another.
Here are some of the most compatible Enneagram partnerships:
- Type 1s make good couples with Type 2, Type 5, and Type 9 partners.
- Type 2s make good couples with Type 1, Type 3, and Type 8 partners.
- Type 3s make good couples with Type 2 and Type 7 partners.
- Type 4s make a good couple with a Type 5 partner.
- Type 5s make good couples with Type 1, Type 4, and Type 7 partners.
- Type 6s make good couples with Type 6 and 9 partners.
- Type 7s make good couples with Type 3 and Type 5 partners.
- Type 8s make good couples with Type 2 and Type 9 partners.
- Type 9s make good couples with Type 1 and Type 6 partners.
Bottom Line
At the heart of it, understanding Enneagram compatibility isn’t about building perfect relationships — it’s about building real ones. It’s learning to recognize the rhythms, needs, and quirks that make each connection unique.
Whether you’re deepening an old friendship or starting a new romance, knowing someone’s Enneagram type is like being handed a map — but the real adventure is in how you choose to travel together. Relationships are living, breathing journeys, and no chart or theory can capture all the magic, the growth, or the surprises that unfold along the way.
Keep the Enneagram as a compass, not a rulebook — and let curiosity, patience, and empathy lead the rest.
Related: MBTI Compatibility Chart: Discover the Best and Worst Matches for All 16 Myers-Briggs Personality Types
