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Why Knowing Who You Are is Crucial for Successful Relationships

by

Margo Plater

inEnneagram Test
8 minutes read

Why Knowing Who You Are is Crucial for Successful Relationships

Do you ever wonder how you can become the best version of yourself—not just for you, but for the people you love?

The Maslow Enneagram test isn’t just a tool for self-discovery; it’s a key to unlocking more meaningful, genuine connections with those closest to you. By understanding yourself and those you love on a deeper level, you can create stronger, more empathetic relationships.

Together, we’ll explore how taking the Enneagram test through Maslow can help you grow personally and bring you closer to the people who matter most.

1. Understanding Yourself: Why Knowing Who You Are is Crucial

Before you can connect deeply with others, it’s essential to first connect with yourself. This is where Maslow’s Enneagram test comes into play. But why is this so important?

Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Growth and Connection

Knowing who you truly are is crucial because it forms the foundation for every aspect of your life, from personal growth to relationships. When you're clear about your values, motivations, and strengths, you make decisions that align with your authentic self, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Without self-awareness, you might find yourself drifting through life, influenced by external pressures rather than your true desires. By understanding yourself on a deeper level, you gain the confidence to show up authentically, connect with others meaningfully, and navigate challenges with clarity and resilience.

Knowing who you are isn’t just about self-improvement—it’s the first step toward building authentic, lasting relationships. When you truly understand yourself, you can show up fully in your relationships, bringing your best self to the people you love.

How to Take the Maslow Enneagram Test

The Maslow Enneagram test is simple but transformative. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through it:

1. Visit the Maslow website, and click the “Get Started Now” button.

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2. Answer a series of questions (about four minutes) based on your emotions, reactions, and core beliefs.

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3. Once completed, you'll receive a detailed result outlining your Enneagram type.

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5. You can then share your results with friends, family, and those you love.

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6. Invite friends and family to take the test for themselves and for you, see how others view you and gain a deeper understanding of the important people in your life.

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7. Dive into the insights to understand your core motivations and fears and begin to foster deeper and more authentic connections with those around you.

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2. From Self-Discovery to Personal Growth

Taking the Enneagram test is only the beginning of your journey. It’s not just about self-discovery but also using that knowledge to grow.

What Do Your Results Mean?

Your Enneagram type reflects the core of who you are. Each type represents a unique personality structure that helps explain why you think and act the way you do. For instance, if you’re a Type 7, you’re driven by excitement and possibilities—but what are the underlying fears or motivations shaping your choices?

Using This Knowledge to Grow

Once you know your type, it’s time to apply that understanding. Your understanding will begin in the comprehensive results section of your test. Use it as a roadmap to become the best version of yourself—not just for your own well-being but so you can bring more love, presence, and understanding to your relationships. Maslow offers many articles in order to help you understand the results of your Enneagram test, these can be found under the blog tab.

3. Sharing the Journey: How the Enneagram Deepens Connections

While personal growth is important, the real magic happens when you involve the people you care about in the process.

Encourage Loved Ones to Take the Test Too

Ask your friends, family, or partner to take the Enneagram test (you can ask anyone you want to deepen your relationship with). This isn’t just about you; it’s about understanding the people you care about on a deeper, more compassionate level. Maslow offers a special sharing feature for your friends to share their results with you to foster understanding. It also offers a feature to take the test for those you care about to help them understand how you see them. They can do the same for you in order to help you get a full understanding of how you are perceived by others and if that aligns with who you truly are.

Open Conversations

Sharing your results with each other can open doors to honest, vulnerable conversations that bring you closer. Ask your loved ones how they see you based on their results and get curious about their inner world.

A Mirror for Self-Reflection

Sometimes, the people who love you see things in you that you can’t see yourself. Let them take the test for you, to get their perspective and see how it aligns with your own view of yourself.

4. Aligning Self-Perception with How Others See You

Once you and your loved ones have shared your results, it’s time to reflect on how you see yourself versus how others see you.

Does This Match Who You Are?

Use these insights as a mirror. Do the people in your life see you the way you see yourself? If not, this opens a space for self-reflection and deeper growth.

Closing the Gap

If there’s a gap between how you see yourself and how others see you, don’t be discouraged. This is a powerful moment to learn how you can show up more authentically in your relationships.

5. Relationship Dynamics: Building Empathy and Understanding

One of the best ways to deepen your relationships is by understanding each other's Enneagram types. It allows for greater empathy and reduces misunderstandings.

How Understanding Each Other's Enneagram Types Strengthens Bonds

Imagine truly getting what drives your partner, friend, or family member. Knowing their Enneagram type gives you insight into their motivations, struggles, and desires. For example, if you’re a Type 7 and your partner is a Type 9, you might realize that while you’re constantly seeking new experiences, they value peace and stability. This understanding can help bridge gaps in communication and expectations.

Working Through Challenges with Compassion

Instead of feeling frustrated by differences, you can now approach challenges with empathy. You understand why your loved one reacts the way they do, and instead of conflict, you create a space for understanding and mutual growth.

6. Becoming Closer by Understanding Each Other’s Inner Worlds

Armed with this deeper understanding of yourself and your loved ones, you can now work toward building more meaningful connections.

Applying This Knowledge in Real Life

This isn’t just theory—it’s practical. Use your Enneagram insights in your day-to-day interactions to create more patience, understanding, and love.

How to Grow Together

When both of you understand each other’s inner workings, you can help each other grow. It’s not about fixing each other but supporting one another’s journey to become the best versions of yourselves.

Key Takeaways

The power of self-awareness and empathy in relationships is undeniable. At the heart of it all, knowing yourself deeply allows you to love more deeply. And by understanding the people you care about, you can connect in ways that are richer, more fulfilling, and lasting.

Ready to get started? Take Maslow’s Enneagram test, share it with your loved ones, and begin your journey toward more meaningful, authentic relationships today. Together, you can grow into the best versions of yourselves.

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