Everything You Need To Know About Being An Enneagram Type 4

Who doesn't love a good personality assessment? The Enneagram is a popular personality system that categorizes people into one of nine types. As for type Fours, these people are the individualists of the Enneagram. Here's everything you should be aware of if you (or someone you know) is a Four.

These people are also very independent and free-spirited at heart, relationship coach and Enneagram educator Julie Nguyen previously wrote for mbg. "Since their identity is generally composed of their feelings," she says, "they are driven by what feels right in the moment, which can leave a trail of half-finished projects in their wake."

They can find it difficult or unnatural to follow a routine or schedule, and even to be organized. They like a career with variety and spontaneity. Because they can struggle with organization and self-centeredness, careers that can encourage them to work through those limitations can help them find balance, as can working with type Ones and Twos (who are known for organization and selflessness, respectively).

Romantically, Fours have a few things they should keep in mind in terms of their compatibility with other Enneagram types. Firstly, Lui says it's important to remember it always depends on the person's maturity level and personal development. "That being said," he adds, "I think Fours go well with other Fours, plus Nines, Ones, and Twos."

(Here's more on what you need to know about dating each Enneagram type.)

As Lui notes, Fours are incredibly self-aware. They know what they want and how to express themselves. They're sensitive, and, Nguyen adds, they're also "radically honest and aren't afraid to face their emotions, no matter how uncomfortable or dark the feeling is." These folks epitomize introspection and think very deeply about things.

"Fours are artistically inclined and bring an original and innovative flair to their personality," Nguyen says. This creative nature adds to their individualistic and unique nature.

In a mature and developed Four, their deep emotions are fully embraced. "They honor the full emotional spectrum," Nguyen says, "and as a result, they have no problem diving into vulnerable topics." However, there are two sides to every coin, which brings us to a Four's weaknesses.

Fours can have a tendency to wallow in their pain when they're not being their best selves. "Since Fours are more at home with grief and suffering, they can begin to overly associate with painful feelings and become convinced they are defective in some way because they feel different," Nguyen explains. They can also have issues with substances, trying to escape reality.

Many Fours have fears around abandonment and rejection, according to Nguyen, so they may be attracted to a push-pull pattern. It's important for them to recognize nothing is wrong with them, Lui says. Nguyen adds, "Since their moods fluctuate often and they can get carried away with their feelings, partners would do best to serve as an anchor to ground them."

Each Enneagram type has a "passion," and a Four's passion is envy. "It's not so much jealousy," Lui explains, "but this constant perspective of seeing their life and the world as missing something." Fours often can't escape the feeling that something is missing, and if they could only have whatever that thing is, it would complete them.

Lui also notes in the first half of their life, Fours will lean toward either Three or Five, with both being very different. And usually, people will switch wings during their life to reach their maximum potential.

A Four with a Three wing is going to embody that successful and go-getting attitude known to Threes. Threes are known as "the achievers" of the Enneagram. "They're very ambitious, wanting to be seen, and really going for it and putting themselves out there all the time," Lui says. Having a Three wing helps the Four actually execute all their great ideas and empowers them to take the lead.

The two types of Four wings are very different, but at some point in life, there will likely be a switch, to help the Four to become more well-rounded.

Lui recommends focusing on some sort of gratitude practice, whether it be meditation, journaling, or even going for a walk. "Really focus on gratitude and self-assuredness—this idea that I have enough," he says. Because Fours often feel they're not enough, or don't have enough, the first step for them to thrive is to recognize they do have enough, and are enough, just as they are. "We can always improve, and things can be better," Lui adds, "but it's about balancing feeling like you're enough while still growing."

It's important to get the perspective of people who are different from you, no matter your Enneagram type. And in the case of Fours, Ones and Twos are good company to keep. "Look to learn from and lean into Ones," Lui says. They help Fours be more organized and focus on their responsibilities. (According to Nguyen, Fives can also offer a similar effect.) But Ones will really help them with organization, responsibility, and discipline. "When Fours pull from their One release line," Nguyen adds, "they can integrate discipline and immense dedication to accomplishing whatever they put their mind to."

And because Fours can have somewhat of a selfish streak, it's also important for them to embrace the Twos in their life and learn from them as well. "Twos embody empathy, compassion, and sacrifice," Lui notes. So whether it's a romantic partner, or just a good friend, it's really helpful for Fours to "engage with Ones and Twos more frequently, to get that kind of perspective, which they probably don't think about or engage with often."

No Enneagram type is better or worse than another. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, which play out in each individual depending on how mature they are. For Fours, there's certainly room to be a bit more selfless—and less self-pitying—but ultimately, these are creative, independent, and authentic people who know their own emotions and what they want.