Enneagram Type 3 Relationship Compatibility
The ambitious and determined Enneagram Three, “The Achiever,” is a devoted partner, who strives to shine for their partner and build a life together full of happiness and success. As part of the heart-traid, Threes easily pick up on the emotions of other people, but they can struggle to understand their own feelings. Because of this, they need partners who will truly recognize their needs and offer them consistent support.
So, what types are Enneagram Three most compatible with? The truth is that any type can be compatible with a Three — as long as both partners are devoted to deeply caring, understanding and working toward shared goals together.
Read on to learn more about Enneagram Three relationship compatibility with each of the nine types. Wondering what Enneagram type is your best match? Take our free Enneagram Compatibility test.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram One
The Enneagram Three with the Enneagram One combines the order and detail of a One and the charming glory of a Three. This pairs up wonderfully as the One lends the nitty-gritty details while the Three offers the big picture view and the execution of their mutual dreams. It’s truly a beautiful continual polishing of each other in terms of both ideals and a practical, high-quality finished relationship.
The Three helps the One take healthy risks, remember that failing forward is not only acceptable but the only way to grow, and that it's essential to have fun even when things are difficult. The One, likewise, reminds the Three of tenderness and ideals as they mature. To make sure they don’t just work “on” the marriage but rest “in” the marriage, this couple does well to work on their communication.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram Two
Type Threes in relationships with Type Twos are a prominent pairing that makes waves in society by bringing their winning smiles and hearts to the world. This is a couple that can perform big tasks, get deeply specialized, and partner in their dreams together. The Three may surpass the Two a bit in terms of showmanship, especially after children have arrived, but they never aim to take the Two out of view.
This pairing is proud to show true love together in the world and is truly a vibrant display of it. However, when one of these feels left behind (usually it’s the Two), it’s important they learn effective communication strategies.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram Three
Type Threes with Type Threes focus on working toward their individual and mutual goals and bringing their dreams to life. The ultimate “power couple,” these types often do quite well together, especially when they work toward identifying mutual gains and learning from one another’s brilliance. Their acts of service toward each other and others make them a mutually giving and loving couple, unlikely to feel cheated unless one of them forgets to celebrate the other regularly — a need that is extremely important to Threes.
Threes need safety and honesty in their relationships, so walking through their struggles together is essential and communication help is often necessary to direct this strong pairing.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram Four
When the confidence and boldness of the Three pairs with the romance and mystery of the Four, it creates a couple that inspires and enchants one another for a lifetime. This pair holds a mutual charm and adoration of one another. When they remember to give their partner the attention they both crave, this couple will not look away for their needs to be met. The Three will fight for the Four extremely hard even when the Four will not fight for themselves. Witty, fun and playful, the Three can bring the Four out of their brooding moods while the Four can remind the Three to slow down to appreciate life.
To find balance, it’s essential that this couple helps each other to identify how to get their self care so they don’t become codependent on one another, others, or work.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram Five
Type Threes with Type Fives both possess the innovation and precision for bringing both their short and long-term goals to life. The Three brings passion to the relationship and the Five is enamored with the goal-getting prowess of the Three. The Three holds deep respect for the Fives knowledge and ability to do deep research. There is also usually a mutual love of games, trivia, the desire for aesthetic balance and a functional, stylish, and creative home.
When they're at their best, the world gets to see the wisdom and the glory of this couple, and it’s unmistakably something others want to be near. The Three and Five do well to set some time just for the two of them to withdraw away from the world to recharge and reconnect.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram Six
Type Threes with Type Sixes tend to be high achievers who value truth and honesty. They work hard not just for themselves, but also for the approval and acceptance of each other. They truly enjoy developing and building new paths together. This is a deeply sensitive couple, though it will not always be obvious since they typically operate from a very practical place in matters of showing love, both in the world and at home.
This pairing glows beautifully in society when they each feel safe, loved unconditionally, and that they can truly (and they can) accomplish anything together.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram Seven
With big dreams and the ambition and confidence to go after them, Enneagram Threes and Sevens make an exceptional couple. When it comes to their romantic ideals, this pairing loves to spend hours connecting and can communicate beautifully and efficiently once they get past their fears of exposure and vulnerability. Once each partner has nestled into safe boundaries, they can trust that the other loves them deeply and knows they are doing their own work. Because of past skepticism, injury, or attachment wounds, this may take time, but it’s worth the effort.
With their multitude of gifts, this fun-loving couple can be world changers. However, they must be willing to do the important yet difficult work of exposing the distrust and trauma they may have around each other or their pasts.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram Eight
The Type Three and Type Eight couple can create a beautiful cocoon of safety and healing for both partners. The Eight truly cares about the Three being treated properly and sharing their gifts with the world. And the Three will take great care to make the Eight feel strong and respected. With mutual love and respect is in place, the Three feels valuable, loved, and protected like never before, serving the Eight selflessly. The Eight, for their part, opens up to vulnerability and care like never before.
It’s a beautiful gift to see the momentum build over time in this powerful couple as they share their gifts of justice with the world with their unstoppable community advocacy as well as vibrantly love one another and their family. With their big personalities, they may need help learning to communicate logically and objectively.
Enneagram Three with Enneagram Nine
Enneagram Type Threes with Type Nines share a rare ability to dive deep into passion projects and a love of culture and style. They both possess a grounded and practical desire for fun and relaxation. This couple balances each other out, as the Nine desires peace and prefers to take things slow and the Three is often troubleshooting and focuses on solving problems quickly. However, the couple can get a lot of quality work done in a fun and efficient manner once they get moving. A difference is that work needs an element of fun and games for the Nine, while the Three loves the thrill of completing a task just for the achievement.
When the couple is aware of their needs as well as each other's, they can enjoy one another to the fullest by creating games and achievements together in their family, fun date nights, and in life as a whole. This couple likely enjoys spending a lot of time together and doesn’t tire of each other easily. It’s also a great pairing for working together or partnering on projects once they learn how to communicate effectively.
