The Enneagram is a powerful tool that helps people understand their personality type and behavior patterns. It is a system of nine distinct personality types, each with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. The Enneagram can help individuals gain insight into their relationships, including romantic ones.
In this article, we will explore the Enneagram and provide some romance book recommendations based on each type.
Type 1 – The Perfectionist
People who identify as Type 1 are driven by a desire to be good, moral, and righteous. They are detail-oriented and organized but can also be critical of themselves and others. For Type 1s, we recommend “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne. This romantic comedy follows two coworkers who are constantly at odds with each other until they start to realize their feelings for one another. The main character, Lucy, is a classic Type 1 – she is driven and perfectionistic, but ultimately learns to embrace imperfection and take risks in her personal life.
Type 2 – The Helper
Type 2s are compassionate and generous individuals who thrive on helping others. They are empathetic and often put the needs of others before their own. For Type 2s, we recommend “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren. This romantic comedy follows two individuals who can’t stand each other, but end up posing as a married couple on a honeymoon trip. The main character, Olive, is a classic Type 2 – she is selfless and caring, but ultimately learns to prioritize her own happiness and needs.
Type 3 – The Achiever
Type 3s are ambitious and driven individuals who are motivated by success and recognition. They are hardworking and confident but can also struggle with feeling like they are only valued for their accomplishments. For Type 3s, we recommend “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang. This steamy romance follows an econometrician who hires a male escort to help her improve her social skills. The main character, Stella, is a classic Type 3 – she is driven and successful, but ultimately learns to embrace vulnerability and prioritize her personal relationships.
Type 4 – The Individualist
Type 4s are creative and unique individuals who are motivated by self-expression and authenticity. They are deeply emotional and introspective but can also struggle with feeling misunderstood or disconnected from others. For Type 4s, we recommend “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman. This heartwarming novel follows a quirky woman who has isolated herself from others, but ultimately learns to connect with those around her. The main character, Eleanor, is a classic Type 4 – she is individualistic and artistic, but ultimately learns to embrace the joys of friendship and community.
Type 5 – The Investigator
Type 5s are analytical and curious individuals who are motivated by knowledge and understanding. They are independent and introverted but can also struggle with feeling overwhelmed or depleted by social interactions. For Type 5s, we recommend “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion. This romantic comedy follows a socially awkward genetics professor who creates a questionnaire to find his perfect partner. The main character, Don, is a classic Type 5 – he is intellectual and curious, but ultimately learns to open up to others and embrace the messiness of life.
Type 6 – The Loyalist
Type 6s are loyal and responsible individuals who are motivated by security and stability. They are trustworthy and dependable but can also struggle with anxiety and indecision. For Type 6s, we recommend “One Day in December” by Josie Silver. This heartwarming novel follows two individuals who meet by chance and feel an instant connection, but their timing is always off.
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
Type 7s are adventurous and spontaneous individuals who are motivated by new experiences and excitement. They are fun-loving and optimistic but can also struggle with impulsivity and restlessness. For Type 7s, we recommend “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary. This charming novel follows two strangers who share a flat, but never meet because they work opposite shifts. The main character, Tiffy, is a classic Type 7 – she is bubbly and enthusiastic, but ultimately learns to slow down and appreciate the small moments in life.
Type 8 – The Challenger
Type 8s are confident and assertive individuals who are motivated by power and control. They are strong-willed and decisive but can also struggle with vulnerability and empathy. For Type 8s, we recommend “The Hating Season” by K.A. Linde. This enemies-to-lovers romance follows two rival CEOs who are forced to work together on a business deal. The main character, Courtney, is a classic Type 8 – she is assertive and in control, but ultimately learns to let down her guard and open up to love.
Type 9 – The Peacemaker
Type 9s are easygoing and harmonious individuals who are motivated by peace and unity. They are patient and agreeable but can also struggle with indecisiveness and avoiding conflict. For Type 9s, we recommend “The Wedding Date” by Jasmine Guillory. This contemporary romance follows two strangers who meet in a stalled elevator and decide to be each other’s fake date for a wedding. The main character, Alexa, is a classic Type 9 – she is easygoing and conflict-avoidant, but ultimately learns to assert herself and communicate her needs in her relationships.
In conclusion, the Enneagram can be a valuable tool for understanding oneself and one’s relationships. By identifying our personality type, we can gain insight into our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, and use that knowledge to improve our romantic connections. The romance book recommendations above provide examples of characters who embody the different Enneagram types and show how they navigate love and relationships. Happy reading!
