Enneagram 4w3: The Four with a Three-Wing

Type Four and Type Three traits reinforce each other. Both are motivated by the fear of rejection, although they cope with this fear in different ways.

Type Fours cope with rejection by trying to be unique, authentic, and unlike everyone else. Type Threes, on the other hand, believe they can earn other people’s love and admiration through achievement, success, and an appealing image.

Because 4w3s combine characteristics of both types but are still predominantly Fours, they are more likely to rely on their physical attractiveness, personal style, and the impression they make on others. Fours with a Three-Wing often want to be seen as classy, elegant, wealthy, educated, and successful.

4w3s are the aristocrats of the Enneagram.

They are more likely to be involved in the arts than the 3w4 subtype. The creativity of Type Four and the ambition of Type Three can produce accomplished painters, authors, designers, and artists.

The Three-Wing gives them the courage to put themselves out there and expose their work to the world, something that is not easy for the core Type Four. Fours with a Three-Wing are more likely to act, take risks, and spend less time absorbed in themselves.

They are also better at marketing their work, which makes it more likely that others will see it and appreciate it.

Generally, Fours are not very action-oriented people, but those with a stronger Three-Wing feel the need to be productive. 4w3s also tend to have better social skills than their 4w5 counterparts. They are empathetic, sensitive, and courteous, but they are also more aware of how they come across.

They can often predict other people’s reactions, which allows them to produce work with an audience in mind. As a result, 4w3s are more likely to be accomplished, and their work is more likely to be recognized and appreciated by others.

Because of their ability to mirror the tastes of their audience, 4w3s tend to do well financially. However, they are also spenders who enjoy beauty, comfort, and a luxurious lifestyle. This is one of the qualities that separates 4w3s from 4w5s, who can be much more frugal.

One of the biggest challenges for 4w3s is that they do not function well under stress. Unlike core Type Three, Fours cannot work or focus properly when they are upset. This may sometimes get in the way of their performance.

4w3s are still Fours, and they may struggle with the typical issues of Type Four. They can be extremely sensitive to criticism, worried about exposing themselves, and concerned that others will judge them and their work. They are also very emotional and vulnerable, and they may struggle with self-esteem issues or envy.

These traits are more obvious in unhealthy 4w3s. Healthy 4w3s are content with themselves, inspired, warm, and self-accepting.

Questions to ponder:

• How often do you compare yourself to others, and how does it undermine your happiness?
• How does this comparison affect your self-esteem?
• Do your friends and family feel appreciated by you?
• Do you hold onto resentment?
• What do you deny yourself by continuing to blame others?
• Is it really so bad to be more like other people?
• Do you tend to exaggerate?
• Do you worry too much about how others perceive you?
• Do you place too much importance on other people’s approval and recognition?

To sum up, 4w3s are often

• intense
• expressive
• goal-oriented
• productive
• authentic
• artistic
• creative
• competitive
• hardworking
• restless
• romantic

If you are not sure about your Enneagram type, try taking these tests. You may be particularly interested in the Enneagram Type Four test.