Each month there are close to 1 million people that search for enneagram tests online. They discover where their personality aligns on the famous 9-structure grid and read up on their social strengths and weaknesses. Authors Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson have made a profession out of writing a collection of popular books detailing the intricacies of each personality type. Their books have sold over 1 million copies. It is clear that the world is interested in enneagrams and we hope you get a kick out of our post about matching your enneagram type to wedding stationery styles. We are here to help with your wedding planning!
In the early 1900s, the enneagram symbol and chart were beginning to spread in awareness, led primarily by a Greek-Armenian spiritual teacher named George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff. The visual concept was enhanced with well-thought-out accompanying text and literature by Oscar Ichazo through the 1950s and 60s, who founded a school of self-realization and dove deep into ancient philosophy studies. Some of Ichazo’s students began spreading their understanding of the concept of the enneagram to the United States in the following years. In the 1970s and 1980s, the authors we have come to associate most closely with the intricacies of the enneagram, Don Riso and Russ Hudson, began to tie in previous beliefs of the enneagram with modern psychology advancements.
There are countless sites and books that offer enneagram tests that you can take. Some take a few minutes to complete while others ask you to answer over 140 questions. Below we have provided a few different popular places to take the test:
Buy the official book and complete the questionnaire inside: “Discovering Your Personality Type” by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson is sold in many bookstores around the world or online. You can purchase the book new for around $14. The 140-question test starts in Chapter 3, on page 20 and continues through page 53. The test should take around 30 - 45 minutes to complete and another 15 minutes to score up. This will give you a solid breakdown of what personality types you most closely relate to.
Take the online official test: The Enneagram Institute, founded by the above authors in 1997 to further advance research, also provides an online version of the official 144-question test. On the institute’s website, you can purchase a single-use test code for $12 and complete the online questionnaire. Your test results can then be downloaded in PDF form which will spell out how you rank in all nine personality types. For the three personality types you score highest in, you will be provided with an in-depth (2,500 word) summary on the strengths and weaknesses of that personality type to better understand your makeup.
Take an unaffiliated free online test: There are plenty of other online sites that offer free condensed versions of the Enneagram personality test. We will let you be the judge as to which sites seem to be the most credible and reliable, but we have found a few that seem to be popular with the masses.
Below we have summarized the 9 Enneagram types. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses that encompass each type. We sat down with the creatives from our design team to hand-select save the dates and wedding invitations that we think will align perfectly for anyone from Type 1 reformers to Type 9 peacemakers. Enjoy!
Type 1’s are perfectionists, plain and simple. They live by the creed “do the right thing”, and aim to make ethical decisions to positively change the world. They are goal-oriented and regularly re-evaluate their standing and mission to assure they are on pace and following their ethical compass. Reformers are usually organized, serious, and self-disciplined. They sometimes get into conflicts because they have strong opinions and little patience when things aren’t perfect.
When it comes to relationships, Ones take themselves very seriously and are willing to make personal sacrifices to nurture those they love most intimately. As with other aspects of their life, they have high standards in relationships and expect equal motivation from their partner.
Type 2’s are people-oriented and take joy and comfort in empathizing with others. The Helper feels most alive when meaningfully engaged with others. Twos can be very generous, will be the first in the kitchen to help clean up after Thanksgiving dinner, and are some of the best gift-givers you will ever come across. Sometimes their eagerness to be involved can be interpreted as clingy or insincere.
In a relationship, Twos are the most focused on their partners (of all the personality types). They strive for happiness with their partners. Sometimes it can be difficult for them when they do not perceive the same dedication in response from their partner. The Helper can also become jealous when loved ones spend time with others.
The Achiever is exemplified by their drive to excel in everything they do and win every race. They are not afraid to put in extra time at work, advance their education through night classes, or wake up early for a morning run or gym class. They will do whatever it takes to shine and rise to the top. They are goal-oriented and have a strong belief in their ability. At times, the overconfidence and boastful persona can rub people the wrong way.
When it comes to finding love, Threes are confident in their ability to attract others. Because they work hard at advancing their skillset, grooming, and physical appearance they seek partners who will be proud of them. Sometimes Achievers may feel a sense to preemptively leave a relationship to avoid the future possibility of rejection. They may also think that having a string of relationships amplifies their self-image.
Type 4 personalities are the most self-aware of their emotional state. They are able to understand when they are sad, anxious, or happy and pivot their lifestyle or choices to adjust for them. Because they are sensitive and introspective, they often find a home in the arts like music, poems, and artwork where they are able to digest meanings and feeling with better clarity. Sometimes Fours can seem self-absorbed or withholding.
In relationships, Fours are great listeners and pay close attention to the sensitivity of their partner. As a flaw, sometimes Fours can focus on their own emotions and reactions in a relationship, while unknowingly casting aside the feelings of their partner.
Is that you Sherlock Holmes? Type Fives are observant, perceptive, and always looking beneath the surface for deeper realities. Investigators will reflect on life experiences and events to try and dissect the bigger meaning. Type Fives have curious imaginations and will stick with a problem or concept until they solve it or realize it can’t be solved. Sometimes they can get lost in their own thoughts and pursuits of logic that they arrive late for appointments, forget about their appearance, or seem a bit detached and isolated.
Of all the personality types, Fives rely on meaningful relationships the least. That is not to say they don’t want or value one. They desire to find a partner that understands their need to dissect the world and appreciates their interests. Fives can be loyal partners and friends.
The Loyalist is a person that tries to create a stable environment for themselves so they can be prepared for any life difficulties that may arise down the line. Their eye for spotting possible issues prevents any problems from bubbling over. They are hard workers that those in a group can count on. Sometimes beneath the surface, there can be a constant state of worry or unease as Sixes always find something to worry about.
n relationships, the Loyalist is looking for what psychologists have dubbed “optimal distance”. They want their partner to be there for them, yet not smother them. This fine line can sometimes cause Sixes to run hot or cold. Sixes may also subconsciously test their partner to gauge their level of loyalty.
The Enthusiast is the kind of person that wakes up one day and decides to go skydiving. They are spontaneous, outgoing, and excited to seek out new rich experiences in life. They have a thirst for life and the burning freedom of exploring this huge world. They tend to be the most outgoing and extroverted of the personality types. Some pitfalls for this personality type is that they can become easily distracted, or may become impatient when their feet aren’t moving.
In relationships, the Enthusiast usually draws people in like a moth to the flame. Partners are attracted to the breath of fresh air and constant change of pace that Sevens present. Sevens enjoy sharing new adventures and experiences with others and it adds to their excitement. Sometimes the high-energy and speed of life can be hard to match over time and sevens start to become impatient with their partners slower pace. Their ideas can sometimes also drain out the suggestions or wishes of others.
The Challenger is independent and assertive. Their visible “can do” attitude drives them through life not afraid to take on challenges head-on. Eights make great leaders as they do not shy away from making decisions and getting things done. Unfortunately, this approach to life can at times be a double-edged sword. Eights can be viewed by others as blunt, forceful, and confrontational.
People are drawn to leaders and the natural charisma of Eights helps them attract partners. However, not all people are drawn to strong personalities. At times Eights may appear to view their partners as inferior and not equals.
The Peacemaker is easy-going and at ease with the course of life. Because they are emotionally stable and generally patient with others, people find it comfortable to be around peacemakers. They can exert a calming and soothing vibe when group problem-solving. Their stable personality can sometimes come off as emotionally unavailable. Because they shy away from conflict, their way of disagreeing can sometimes seem passive-aggressive.
Partners feel very comfortable around Nines. In relationships, the Peacemaker is not too demanding and tends to prefer enjoying the company of their partner rather than achieving their own wishes. This mindset can sometimes lead to problems, as Nines will suppress their actual goals and shy away from verbal confrontation which can start to form an invisible wall of emotional communication that can be hard for couples to breakthrough.