10 Enneagram type fun facts
Round one was a hit, so we’re bringing back more engaging Enneagram facts. As always: these facts are based on real data from our clients and users, more than 16,000 of you total! Onward…
1. Female Positive Thinking types (2,7,9) are the most open to any type
Let’s start with some romance, shall we? Women who are Positive Thinking types in the Coping triad are the most adaptable in terms of finding a long-term partner. That’s not to say they’re “less picky” in quality...just that they’re more open to marrying a larger variety of Enneagram types. So if you’re looking for someone who tends to be sweet and optimistic, she may very well be open to meeting you.
2. Compliant types (1,2,6) are compliant to their values—not necessarily others
The Social triad describes the social style of each Enneagram type—how they try to get their needs met in social situations. The Compliant types are known to be especially responsive, considerate, kind social companions NOT because they are “compliant” to others, but because they are compliant to their own strong moral and belief systems, which often hold it as a high priority to do right by others.
3. Female 3 and male 5 is the rarest romantic pairing
Any types can be incredibly successful together in a long-term relationship. But the female 3, male 5 is the #1 rarest! We hypothesize that while they can certainly balance one another out well, they are just as likely to just be too different, with 3s focused on momentum and success, and 5s adhering to precision and truth no matter how inconvenient. But “opposites” can definitely attract, and we’ve had a few of our social media followers say they know happy 3-5 couples.
4. 3s are the most likely type to self-report as optimistic about their future
Threes are naturally optimistic, with an admirable “why not me?” mentality; they believe that with their ability to learn, adapt, and push through anything, they will get the results they desire. This is often a self-fulfilling prophecy: they set goals and get them. If they can keep dreaming, why wouldn’t the future be exciting??
5. Male 9s are drawn to Emotionally Reactive types (4,6,8)
In times of distress, the Emotionally Reactive types lean into voicing their thoughts, emotions, and grievances; it is vital for them to express their truth and to have others fully understand them. But even in times of calm, the Reactive types tend to bring a particular spice. They’re thoughtful, intense, and real, which likely stimulates intrigue and energy for the more prototypically “chill” male 9.
6. Relational instinct types use the most superlatives when describing experiences (“best ever,” “worst ever”)
Among the three instincts—Self-Preservation, Relational, and Social—those with a Relational instinct report (and we can confirm being on the receiving end…) the most vigorous use of superlatives and strong adjectives to describe experiences they’ve had. “IT WAS AWESOME!!!” This makes sense, given that people who score high on the Relational instinct are especially attuned to feeling alive and desiring intense connection.
7. Male 6s, 3s, and 2s have the strongest romantic preferences
It turns out, not every man will just take what he can get! 6s, 3s, and 2s are actually pretty selective, in that there are only a handful of Enneagram types that tend to truly appeal to them for marriage (more info in our relationship report). Male 6s, we hypothesize, tend to look for partners who can calm them and/or infuse them with confidence; male 3s may need a partner who is highly supportive; and male 2s may seek out partners who are unusually strong.
8. 5s, 7s, and 8s report being the most independent and resistant to being controlled by others
Sometimes, theory and data align perfectly. In this case, it’s known in the Enneagram that all three of these types tend to be incredibly independent. 8s have a “keep your distance” lone wolf energy, 7s bounce around while holding their freedom dear, and 5s may be introverted, but they often prefer it that way, being independent and alone with their thoughts, research, and maybe a select few people. Just…don’t try to overly control any of these types. It won’t end well.
9. Male 5s are drawn to Idealist types (1,4,7)
The marriage data show that 5s are quite drawn to types that seem to be their complements. 1s, 4s, and 7s are often thoughtful, intellectual, and creative—which tends to coincide with the 5’s own traits. The Idealist types perhaps also bring some idealism, emotionality, and opinions into the more stoic life of a 5. Similar but different: a classic recipe for romance.
10. Social 9s can be quite adventurous and extroverted
Social 9s are commonly mistyped, because they do not come across as your traditional shy, withdrawn 9. They energetically feel “2ish” or “7ish” in their sweetness, positivity, and thirst or “downness” for literally any adventure. The Social instinct is about connection, social awareness, hobbies, and outward focus…so a Social 9 is likely to reshape your conceptions of 9s if you haven’t yet experienced their upbeat vibe.
Stay tuned for more facts soon!