What do you get when you put a creative, individualistic Enneagram Type 4 together with “The Peacemaker” Type 9? The pairing of these two Enneagram types can go one of two ways—it can seem a bit too dramatic or like a match made in heaven. Whether these types hit it off or find themselves grappling for understanding, like any compatibility question, it may come down to the individuals and how much work they’re willing to invest in their relationship. Because the Individualist and the Peacemaker are pretty complementary to each other’s personality types, it could be a harmonious match worth exploring. 

Whether you’re in a new Type 4-Type 9 relationship or want to see how you’d match up with someone you know (or hope to meet), here’s everything to know about Enneagram 4 and 9 relationship compatibility. 

Type 4 and Type 9—similar but different

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of compatibility, you may want to understand the basics of each type. A Type 4 is a determined artisan whose main drive is to feel understood, unique and loved, but their immediate fear is they’ll never achieve the level of happiness others have because they’re missing something other people have. In addition, because Type 4s think they’re somehow flawed, it's difficult for others to convince them otherwise. 

Meanwhile, “The Peacemaker” Type 9 personality strives to maintain an inward harmony and hates conflict. These caring, empathetic types feel the shift in the room when someone is upset, and they'll do what they can to change the mood for the better. Because Type 9s are so easygoing, they’re easy to please but also resist pushy attitudes when a decision isn’t in the best interest of the collective group or the decision feels forced. Deep down, Type 9s have a huge fear of being too needy, so they often resort to agreeableness to feel accepted and included. By doing so, Type 9 hopes to avoid pushing others away by their conciliatory nature.

Both Type 4s and Type 9s strive to be as empathetic as possible, but their emotional habits differ a lot from each other and can cause problems down the line if the types don’t work on building an unbreakable understanding of each others’ nature.

The Type 4 and Type 9 relationship strengths

Although the stand-out Type 4 might seem a bit much for the Enneagram Type 9, both types have a strong desire for acceptance and authenticity, which can end up being a significant strength in their relationship. Plus, Types 4 and 9 both exhibit a good deal of romantic inclination, a passion for living, and a humanitarian empathy that drives them forward in their pursuits.

In harmony, an Enneagram 4 and 9 relationship features a shared desire for an authentic connection and a lot of autonomy, which makes them innately great at understanding what each person needs out of a relationship. Whereas Type 9 is more closed off when it comes to their emotions, they’ll open up easier once connected with the expressive Type 4, and the balance both receive as listeners and confidants can be life-changing. 

Type 9 will learn to express their emotions better and accept their needs due to a 4’s influence. Meanwhile, Type 4 will learn to become more accepting of themself, thanks to the open-minded nature of their Type 9 partner. 

Furthermore, Type 4 and Type 9 may find great strength and support in each others’ empathy and creativity, learning to embrace the differences and similarities as rare and beautiful, like a work of art.

When conflict becomes too much

When conflict arises, it can be difficult for the Type 9 and Type 4 to coexist and solve their problems. Because of Type 4’s fear of feeling misunderstood, these Individualists may incite a conflicting moment, desiring a mutual understanding. 

Even if it’s an argument that doesn’t have anything to do with the Type 4, if a 4 feels their point of view has been discounted, they’re going to want to talk it out with their partner. But because Type 9 doesn’t enjoy conflict, and might seem less-than-authentic when trying to keep a positive attitude over a negative one, their attempt to resolve something quickly rather than work through it can rub Type 4 the wrong way.  

While Type 4 individuals will expect the Type 9 to display more emotions (and be very reactive about their own) it can feel a bit like a battlefield, with the 4s reacting, displaying a full spectrum of emotions, and the 9 withdrawing into themselves and trying to shut down the argument with a quick and easy solution—or even no solution at all.

How to beat and embrace the differences 

When an Enneagram Type 4 becomes discontent with the status quo, the Type 9 may feel as though they’re walking on shaky ground. If there is anything 9 dislikes, it’s a feeling of uncertainty and disharmony, so a Type 4 may do well to learn how to communicate with these sensitive types without dismantling the peaceful atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the Type 9 should also remember Type 4s strive for a bit of variety and excitement in their day-to-day lives. Despite Type 4 craving stability in a relationship, they also value some spontaneity when it comes to dates, plans, or gestures of appreciation, and a little bit of appreciation can go a long way when it comes to assuaging the Type 4's worries of disinterest and misunderstanding.

Because the largest conflict area for Type 4 and Type 9 comes up in stressful situations, each type should learn to better communicate and listen before becoming reactive or shutting down.  

Other areas that may require improvement include Type 9’s fear of change—since the Type 4 is far more open to their personal growth, expansion, and evolution as a human being—and the Type 4 should accept the Type 9’s desire for peace and harmony. All of these traits can coexist in a relationship, but it’s up to both Type 4 and 9 to embrace each others’ strengths and weaknesses and learn to grow with them.   

Summing up an Enneagram 4 and 9 relationship

Despite Enneagram 4 and 9 relationship differences, these two types can learn to coexist in a harmonious state that other couples might envy. The foundation of these types’ pairing is strong, and when each person works to build upon it, this Enneagram pairing might be one of the best collaborations there is. As with any Enneagram pairing, the best thing any couple or pair of friends can do is to listen to each others’ points of view and work on making the relationship stronger.

Cianna Garrison
Cianna Garrison holds a B.A. in English from Arizona State University and works as a freelance writer. She fell in love with psychology and personality type theory back in 2011. Since then, she has enjoyed continually learning about the 16 personality types. As an INFJ, she lives for the creative arts, and even when she isn’t working, she’s probably still writing.