Enneagram Type 4 is called the Individualist, the Artist, and the Romantic because of their focus on individuality, authenticity, and full expression of their emotions. Enneagram Type 9 is called the Peacemaker or the Meditator because of their focus on harmony and their mellow, go-with-the-flow attitude. Here we explore the compatibility of an Enneagram Type 4 with a Type 9 and what the relationship looks like when it is in balance and when it starts to spiral downward.
Enneagram Type 4:9 When In Balance
The Individualist (4) and Peacemaker (9) can be an accepting, soothing healing match who find a deep enjoyment from shared time together. The foundation of the relationship is a combination of support and allowing one another personal freedom to pursue their own goals and interests. Both enjoy the shared harmony they create together. Peacemaker (9)s are steady, reliable, solid, dependable, inclusive and accepting. They don’t get blown off course by the emotional storms of their Individualist (4), and this is very grounding for their partner.
Individualist (4)s bring rich expressiveness and intensity to the dynamic, helping to wake up the Peacemaker (9) and adding color to the dynamic. The Individualist (4) adds emotional electricity to the house ensuring issues gets discussed and important topics aren’t swept under the rug. This is very balancing for the more avoidant Peacemaker (9) This couple can share a deep, intense, intimate connection with each other.
Enneagram Type 4:9 The Downward Spiral
While their differences can be balancing, they can also be a source of frustration between these two partners. The mellow, easygoing Peacemaker (9) may experience the Individualist(4)’s focus on the emotional world as relentless and extreme, disrupting the harmonious environment the Peacemaker (9) strives hard to create. And the Peacemaker (9)’s tendency to resist change and maintain the status quo can be frustrating to the Individualist (4) who is on a never-ending quest in search of self. As defenses tighten, both partners polarize in opposite directions.
As the Individualist (4) demands more engagement and attention, the Peacemaker (9) begins to stonewall and withdraw. This further triggers the Individualist (4) who turns up the emotional volume and becomes more temperamental and explosive. As the downward spiral gains momentum, the Peacemaker (9) becomes more unresponsive, stubborn, disengaged and distant. Energetically, it is like an unstoppable force meets and immovable object.
Alternatively, the Individualist (4) may become frustrated with the Peacemaker (9)’s avoidant behavior and withdraw either physically or emotionally themselves, further weakening the bond. Unless something breaks the momentum of separation, the relationship may end.
Learn more about the Enneagram Compatibility of Type 4s in relationships with Type 9s
Enneagram knowledge can be transformative in improving your relationships and an important tool in cultivating compassion, both towards yourself and others. In my book, “The Nine Keys: A Guide Book to Unlock Your Relationships Using Kundalini Yoga and the Enneagram” I explore intimate relationships through the lens of the Enneagram.
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The Nine Keys is the essential encyclopedia of the Enneagram in relationships. This book contains Enneagram relationship theory for all 45 type combinations as well as personal testimonials all 81 relationship perspectives. Drawing on over 1,500 years of relationship experience from over 100 couples from around the world, the descriptions and testimonials are instructive, uplifting, cautionary, and sometimes scary and humorous – all real, all good. Browse the entire book here.
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Further Reading
- Read more: Peacemaker (9)s talking about their relationships with their Individualist (4) at page 206
- Read more: Individualist (4)s talking about their relationships with their Peacemaker (9) at page 404
- Read more: Kundalini Yoga kriyas and meditations for Individualist (4)s at page 454 and Peacemaker (9)s at page 474