How the Enneagram Can Improve Your Marriage – with Christa Hardin

The Enneagram, a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how people interpret the world and manage their emotions, can tell us a lot about ourselves. Even better, when you pair the Enneagram and marriage, you can learn deeply about your relationship.

The Enneagram is a 9-type personality test where you score 1 through 10. Once you figure out what type you are, you can better understand your struggles and your strengths. Christa Hardin, our guest today, is no stranger to the Enneagram. She is a relationship coach whose specialty is the Enneagram and marriage. She works with her clients to nourish their relationships by understanding the Enneagram and using it to their advantage.

Understanding the Enneagram Types

As stated, there are 9 types on the Enneagram scale. You can take an Enneagram personality test to better understand the weaknesses and strengths of your personality. Sometimes we get caught up with our weaknesses, but the Enneagram helps us to realize that sometimes our “shadow parts” (the unhealthy side of our personality) can actually guide us toward healthier interactions. Enneagram and marriage compatibility is something you can learn and grow from once you understand the meaning behind some of the things your partner does. When you find that you can work together, rather than against each other, that’s the sweet spot. Enneagram within marriage can help spouses to reveal more of the truth in themselves and create a better understanding of each other.

Compatibility in the Enneagram

Some people wonder if they should search for someone on the Enneagram who is compatible with their Enneagram type. While it could be helpful, it’s not necessary. Christa says, “Often love finds us in the sense of opposites, and the polarity is what brings us together.” Sometimes love meets you in a way you never expected. Be aware that every type has a different gift. The combinations of those gifts are endless.

It is far better to have a good commitment and partnership with someone than to find a good match on the Enneagram scale. Learning about the Enneagram and marriage can help guide you closer to your partner and create a more loving, nurturing relationship.

My Partner Doesn’t Believe in the Enneagram

What if you’re “sold” on the Enneagram, but your partner isn’t? The best way to change someone’s mind about something is to lead by example, Christa reminds us. If you want your partner to understand the value that the Enneagram understanding brings to your life, you have to pave the way to understanding. No one ever said learning about the Enneagram and marriage is fool-proof. However, when you show how the Enneagram has created guidance and light in your life, it will become contagious. When your partner sees you maturing and growing, they will want to jump on board. When you find clarity in your life from the Enneagram tool, you can also help others better create understanding for their own life.

Listen to: How to Stop Comparing Within Your Marriage 

Self-Compassion and Growth

Self-compassion is the first step to owning your emotions and overcoming your shadow side. Allowing yourself to explore all the facets of your personality is a great way to recognize where you are and where you want to be.

By being open to learning about Enneagram and marriage, you can have a new perspective on how you see yourself and your struggles. It opens your mind to new possibilities of seeing yourself and your life. When we learn to work with our wounds, it allows us to grow and help people along the way. When we take time to work on healing, it will benefit us in our relationships. Be sure to listen to the full episode and learn all about how the Enneagram can help you in your marriage!

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Enneagram and Marriage: Christa’s Website

The Road Back To You: One of the greatest books on the Enneagram

Take the Enneagram Test by Truity

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