Which Enneagram Type are You?

Find out which Enneagram matches your personality type, and gain deep insight on how to enrich your life, relationships, career and more.

Enneagram 3 Relationship Compatibility

enneagram 3

Compatibility With Type 1: The Reformer

When an Enneagram Type 3, also known as “The Achiever,” pairs up with a Type 1, “The Reformer,” the relationship often revolves around mutual respect for each other’s drive and ambition. Type 1s are principled and ethical, focused on living a life that is in alignment with their values. This can be very appealing to Type 3s, who are often focused on success and achievement.

Type 1s admire the determination and adaptability of Type 3s, while Type 3s respect the integrity and idealism of Type 1s. This can be a strong foundation for a relationship, but it is not without its challenges. Type 1s can sometimes be critical and demanding, which may clash with the Type 3’s need for external validation.

Type 3s, in their pursuit of success, might overlook ethics or values that are crucial to Type 1s. This could create tension, especially if the Type 1 feels that the Type 3 is compromising on principles for the sake of achievement or recognition.

For this relationship to work, both types need to be conscious of each other’s core needs and values. Type 3s should appreciate the guiding moral compass of the Type 1, while Type 1s can learn to be more flexible and less judgmental.

Open communication about each other’s goals and expectations can go a long way in making this relationship harmonious and mutually fulfilling. Both types have a lot to offer each other, but it requires conscious effort to overcome the potential obstacles.

Compatibility With Type 2: The Helper

The pairing of a Type 3 and a Type 2 can be quite harmonious, as both types are generally outgoing and focused on goals, whether they be personal or related to relationships. Type 2, “The Helper,” naturally seeks to nurture and offer emotional support, which can be a significant boost for the achievement-oriented Type 3.

Type 2s love to feel needed and appreciated, and the Type 3 can offer them the validation they crave, especially when the Type 2’s support contributes to the Type 3’s successes. However, this dynamic can easily turn problematic if the Type 2 begins to feel that their worth is solely dependent on their ability to aid the Type 3’s achievements.

A potential issue in this relationship could arise from the Type 3’s inherent focus on tasks and achievements, which might make them overlook the emotional needs and feelings of the Type 2. Type 2s can be sensitive and may feel neglected if their emotional needs are not met.

In return, the Type 2’s natural inclination to focus on others may actually help the Type 3 become more aware of the importance of emotional connections and not just accomplishments. This can be a growth point for Type 3s, who can sometimes be so focused on their goals that they neglect their relationships.

The key to a successful relationship between these two types lies in mutual recognition and validation. Both should understand the other’s basic desires and fears to build a relationship that caters to both their needs.

Compatibility With Type 3: The Achiever

When two Type 3s come together, the relationship is often characterized by a powerful drive for mutual success and achievement. This can be both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, both partners understand each other’s ambitions and are likely to be supportive of each other’s goals.

This pairing can offer an energetic dynamic where both parties are continually pushing each other to reach new heights. This intense focus on achievement can also provide a strong sense of camaraderie and partnership, as both understand the effort and commitment required to attain success.

However, the relationship could suffer if it becomes too centered around accomplishments. The risk is that emotional and relational aspects could be overlooked, leading to a partnership that, while successful on the surface, lacks emotional depth and connection.

Another pitfall could be competition rather than cooperation. If both Type 3s are striving for similar goals, they may begin to see each other as competitors rather than partners. This could strain the relationship and lead to conflict.

For a successful relationship, the two Type 3s must find a balance between their ambitious tendencies and the need for a deeper emotional connection. Open communication about their individual and mutual goals can help in aligning their paths so that they complement rather than compete with each other.

Compatibility With Type 4: The Individualist

Type 3s and Type 4s can have an intriguing, yet sometimes complicated relationship. At first glance, they may appear to be opposites. Type 3s are pragmatic and focused on external achievements, while Type 4s, also known as “The Individualist,” are more focused on their inner emotional landscape and the quest for unique self-expression.

Type 4s can offer Type 3s a deeper understanding of emotions and the importance of individuality, while Type 3s can help Type 4s actualize their dreams and make them a reality. This can be an enriching experience for both, providing a well-rounded view of life that balances emotional depth with practical achievements.

However, tensions can arise due to their different orientations. Type 3s may find Type 4s too emotional or impractical, while Type 4s may view Type 3s as too superficial or overly focused on societal standards of success. This can lead to misunderstandings and feelings of incompatibility.

Additionally, Type 4s seek a deep emotional connection and can be very sensitive, which may clash with the Type 3’s need for external validation. Type 3s may not always understand the emotional highs and lows that Type 4s frequently experience.

To make this relationship work, both types need to make an active effort to understand and appreciate each other’s core needs and outlooks. They need to communicate openly and honestly, acknowledging that while their ways of approaching life are different, each offers valuable insights that can enrich the other.

Compatibility With Type 5: The Investigator

In a relationship between a Type 3 and a Type 5, also known as “The Investigator,” the dynamic is often one of mutual fascination. Type 5s are analytical, perceptive, and like to delve deep into understanding the world. This trait can be very attractive to Type 3s, who admire competency and expertise.

Type 3s bring to the relationship a focus on goals and practical achievements, something that can help Type 5s in implementing their ideas and insights. In return, Type 5s offer a depth of understanding and analytical skill that can help Type 3s in their pursuit of success.

However, challenges can arise from their differing social needs. Type 3s are often outgoing and socially engaged, whereas Type 5s might prefer solitude or more intimate settings. This could lead to conflicts around social activities and the need for personal space.

Another possible area of tension is the differing focus on emotional expression. Type 3s, although primarily task-focused, still place some importance on emotional connections and can sometimes find the Type 5’s emotional detachment puzzling or even off-putting.

For this pairing to work well, both types need to learn to balance their own needs with those of their partner. Type 3s must respect the Type 5’s need for privacy and intellectual focus, while Type 5s need to understand the Type 3’s need for social interaction and external achievements. Through mutual understanding and compromise, this relationship can offer both partners valuable growth and complementary skills.

Compatibility With Type 6: The Loyalist

A relationship between a Type 3, “The Achiever,” and a Type 6, “The Loyalist,” can be both stable and motivating. Type 6s are known for their loyalty and commitment, qualities that can provide a solid emotional base for the achievement-oriented Type 3. The Loyalist’s knack for foreseeing problems can also complement the Type 3’s focus on solutions and results.

However, these two types can face challenges because of their differing stress responses. While Type 3s typically go into overdrive, seeking to “achieve” their way out of stress, Type 6s may become anxious and start to anticipate worst-case scenarios. This dynamic could potentially create tension in the relationship, as both may struggle to understand the other’s coping mechanisms.

Type 3s can sometimes find the Type 6’s caution and desire for security limiting or frustrating, interpreting it as a lack of faith in their abilities or ambitions. Conversely, Type 6s may view the Type 3’s relentless drive as risky or careless, fearing that it might jeopardize security.

Understanding and acceptance are key for this relationship to work. Type 3s would benefit from appreciating the Type 6’s caution as a form of care and support, while Type 6s could try to understand that the Type 3’s ambition is not a threat but a way they express their potential.

Open dialogue about fears and aspirations can help both types find a middle ground and create a relationship that supports both their needs. By blending the Type 3’s focus on achievement with the Type 6’s emphasis on security, they can build a balanced and mutually satisfying relationship.

Compatibility With Type 7: The Enthusiast

Pairing a Type 3 with a Type 7, “The Enthusiast,” often results in a dynamic and exhilarating relationship. Both types are future-oriented and value personal freedom and possibilities, which makes for an exciting partnership full of exploration and achievement.

The Type 7 brings spontaneity and enthusiasm into the relationship, which can help lighten the Type 3’s focus on productivity and efficiency. Type 3s, with their goal-oriented approach, can offer Type 7s structure and help in achieving their myriad of ideas and plans.

However, this partnership can suffer if both types neglect to address emotional or practical issues in pursuit of their next venture or achievement. Type 7s, with their fear of being trapped in emotional pain, may avoid serious topics, and Type 3s, focused on external success, may also sidestep emotional vulnerability.

The key to making this relationship work is balance. While both types enjoy striving for the next big thing, it’s essential to also focus on the present moment and on each other. Emotional connectivity shouldn’t be sacrificed for the sake of external accomplishments or new experiences.

Commitment to mutual growth and an understanding of each other’s core fears and desires can help this relationship become not just exciting but also deeply satisfying. Through conscious effort, these two types can build a relationship that is both emotionally fulfilling and full of adventure.

Compatibility With Type 8: The Challenger

When a Type 3 forms a relationship with a Type 8, “The Challenger,” it often creates a power duo. Both types are assertive, action-oriented, and want to make a significant impact on the world. Their shared focus on achieving tangible results can make this a highly productive partnership.

However, the relationship can turn into a power struggle if both types insist on taking the lead. Type 8s are naturally confrontational and straightforward, which may clash with Type 3’s more diplomatic and image-conscious approach.

The Type 8’s intensity and directness can sometimes overwhelm the Type 3, who may find this style too confrontational for their taste. Conversely, the Type 8 might perceive the Type 3’s concern with image and validation as superficial or inauthentic.

For this relationship to thrive, each type needs to understand and respect the other’s approach. The Type 8 must recognize the Type 3’s need for social harmony and image management as a form of competence, not shallowness. Meanwhile, the Type 3 should appreciate the Type 8’s directness and intensity as an expression of authenticity.

By harnessing their distinct but complementary skills, this pair can achieve a lot, both individually and as a team. A healthy dose of mutual respect and open communication can make this a strong and invigorating relationship.

Compatibility With Type 9: The Peacemaker

A relationship between a Type 3 and a Type 9, “The Peacemaker,” often presents a harmonious blend of attributes. Type 9s offer a calming influence that can help balance the Type 3’s constant drive for achievement. The Type 9’s talent for seeing multiple viewpoints can also aid the Type 3 in interpersonal relationships, which can be especially beneficial if the Type 3 is in a leadership role.

However, the differences between these types can also pose challenges. The laid-back nature of Type 9s may frustrate the more goal-oriented Type 3, who may feel that the Type 9 is too complacent or lacks ambition.

Conversely, Type 9s might find the Type 3’s relentless focus on achievement to be exhausting or overly competitive. They may feel that the Type 3 does not value their slower, more deliberate approach to life and that the constant push for achievement disrupts their inner peace.

The key to a successful relationship between these types is mutual appreciation for each other’s strengths and a willingness to learn from each other. Type 3s can help Type 9s realize their potential, while Type 9s can show Type 3s the value of slowing down and considering other perspectives.

Communication is crucial in balancing the Type 3’s need for achievement with the Type 9’s desire for peace. Both must be willing to make compromises and adapt their natural inclinations to support the relationship. With understanding and effort from both sides, this pairing has the potential for a balanced and fulfilling partnership.