Human Design and Relationship and Compatibility

We are designed to be in relationships with other people. These relationships are designed to be rooted in love, self-worth, and mutual respect. When we live in accordance with our Human Design our relationships blossom. 

Relationship Compatibility

We are designed to be in relationships with other people. These relationships are designed to be rooted in love, self-worth, and mutual respect. When we live in accordance with our Human Design our relationships blossom. 

Human Design Compatibility and Your Relationships

Human Design does a wonderful job of helping individuals optimize their own lives by focusing on their natural tendencies.

But when you throw in another person (not to mention that you have relationships of varying degrees with many different people in your life and work) who has their own set of Human Design-identified tendencies and prescriptions for an ideal life, all kinds of chaos sometimes results…making relationships challenging.

That’s the purpose of this article, to help you identify the unique characteristics of you and the person you are trying to have a relationship with, so you can make your relationships succeed!

Are Some Human Type Combinations More Compatible than Others?

I have great news for you – any Human Design type can have a successful relationship and be compatible with any other type!

You can be compatible with someone from any other Human Design type as long as you each understand, respect, and seek to optimize both your own life and that of the other person in the relationship.

While some types have elements that naturally clash more than others (high energy vs. low energy, for example,) understanding and commitment can go a long way to helping you work out those elements of your individual lives so you can enjoy a long, enjoyable relationship together.

Discover the Keys to Your Human Design Compatibility

To understand how to make your relationship work follow this simple 4-step Human Design Compatibility Discovery Process.

Step 1: How To Identify Your And Your Partner’s Human Design Types

The process starts by generating a free Human Design Chart for both you and your partner. From them, you can determine both your and your partner’s Human Design type. You will need both of your birth dates, as well as your locations, and times of birth. 

Step 2: Use this Human Design Compatibility Chart to Better Understand Your Relationship

Once you’ve identified the Human Design type for both you and your partner, you can use this free Human Design Compatibility Chart to get initial guidance on how to be compatible with your partner

	Manifestor	Generator	Manifesting Generator	Projector	Reflector
Manifestor	Respect independence and inform each other of intentions.	Support Manifestor’s initiatives and respect their need for independence.	Balance initiation with sustainable energy and communicate clearly.	Offer valuable guidance and respect Manifestor’s independence.	Reflect Manifestor’s actions and ensure a stable environment.
Generator	Inform Generators of plans and appreciate their support.	Encourage mutual enthusiasm and ensure balance of rest and activity.	Utilize shared energy for productivity and ensure proper rest.	Guide Generator’s energy use and appreciate their support.	Provide feedback and appreciate stable support from Generator.
Manifesting Generator	Combine initiative with sustainable energy, ensuring clear communication.	Channel combined energy effectively, balancing initiation and sustainability.	Encourage each other’s initiatives and maintain energy balance.	Provide insights on energy management and respect their need for action.	Reflect on their actions and provide stability.
Projector	Respect Projector’s guidance and need for rest.	Value Projector’s insights and give them space to rest.	Respect Projector’s guidance and allow time for rest.	Share insights and ensure mutual respect for rest needs.	Offer a clear reflection and respect Projector’s need for rest.
Reflector	Value Reflector’s feedback and provide a stable environment.	Offer stable support and appreciate Reflector’s environmental awareness.	Provide stability and value Reflector’s feedback on actions.	Guide Reflector’s sensitivity and create a stable environment.	Create a stable, nurturing environment and respect mutual sensitivity.

How to Read The Human Design Compatibility Chart

It takes two steps to read this chart properly. The first step is to find your Human Design type in the vertical columns. Then drop down until you find your partner’s type in the horizontal line. The resulting square defines what you should focus on to make the relationship work.

Let’s imagine that you are a Generator, and are in a relationship with a Manifestor. You would start with finding Generator in the top bar, and drop down to Manifestor in the horizontal lines, where you will learn that the key is for you to “Support Manifestor’s initiatives and respect their need for independence.”

The second step is to reverse the process, this time finding your partner’s type in the columns, and your type on the horizontal rows. The result tells you how they can best work with you to make the relationship work.

In our example, your partner would find Manifestor in the columns, then drop down to Generator in the rows, and discover that the key for them is to “Inform Generators of plans and appreciate their support.”

That’s a great start. The next step is to learn more about the relationship characteristics of each of your types so you can better understand yourself and your partner.

Step 3: Learn More About Your Own and Your Partner’s Unique Human Design Unique Traits

The five Human Design types have their unique needs in a relationship. Knowing what your partner needs from you allows you to understand how they function.

Manifestor (Initiator): Needs freedom and power. Needs to be informed. Needs support to manage anger. 

Generator (Alchemist): Needs to feel capable. Needs recognition and attention. Needs to be asked yes or no questions. Needs support to manage frustration. 

Manifesting Generator (Time Bender): Needs freedom, power, and capability. Needs to be asked yes or no questions. Needs support to manage frustration and anger. 

Projector (Orchestrator): Needs recognition and attention. Needs to feel precious and valuable. Needs help with bitterness. Needs to talk. 

Reflector(Calibator): Needs time, attention, and consistency. Needs to feel precious and valuable. Needs help to understand sensitivity. Needs support surrounding disappointment. 

Note: The names in brackets above are the Quantum Human Design (QHD) names for these Types. QHD helps us to reframe the ‘Not Self’ or conditioned self in Human Design to explore the potential of the deconditioned self and to live more in alignment with our inner truth.

Relationships With Manifestors (Initiators)

Manifestors are powerful beings who are designed to create. They have an internal creative flow and when they want to do something- they do it. Manifestors are independent and subject to the whims of their creative flow. Non-manifestor’s natural impulse is to offer assistance or ask our Manifestor what they are up to. 

These questions can trigger an angry, or snappy, reply which can cause others to feel hurt or not needed. To combat this unintentional hurt, remember that it is not personal. Your Manifestor is not leaving you out on purpose! It takes a lot of energy for a Manifestor to stop and explain when they are in their flow. Stopping or simply pausing in their flow state is extremely uncomfortable for them which is what can trigger the snappy response. 

The Manifestor strategy of informing others will avoid a lot of tension in their relationships. Informing their partners of what they are about to do allows the partner to be prepared and stay out of their way so they can create. This act of informing can also tell the partner that this is a great time to pursue their interests outside of the relationship. 

What A Manifestor Wants and Intimacy With A Manifestor

If you love a Manifestor:

• • Wait for them to initiate (romantic relationships or otherwise)

• • Understand they don’t need anyone but they do want relationships

• • If they are angry it isn’t personal. Their creative flow likely got interrupted or things aren’t moving fast enough. 

• • Don’t ask them yes/no questions. Try “I’m wondering if…..

• • Be open to sexual suggestions because sex and intimacy is variable for them.

• • Just as they inform you; they also need to be informed.

• • Understand their need for downtime.

• • Give them freedom.

• • Honor their power.

• • Don’t tell them what to do.

• • Don’t interrupt their flow.

• • Give them your trust. 

Relationships with Manifesting Generators (Time Benders)

A partner who can truly do it all is the Manifesting Generator. Manifesting Generators are busy. They are intense multi-taskers filled with enormous bursts of energy who feel nothing ever moves fast enough. 

Manifesting Generators who use their energy, and follow their Sacral response, are a dynamic and powerful force that benefits relationships. They are committed and steady partners in the right relationships. 

When they are working, a Manifesting Generator prefers to be alone which can be very challenging for a relationship. From time to time, all Manifesting Generators will forget to inform others about what they are up to, leaving their partners confused, angry or even stressed about what might be going on in the relationship.

The outer frenetic appearance of the Manifesting Generator’s creativity can sometimes leave their loved ones feeling overwhelmed by their energy. Informing can help soften the intensity but the creative spark combined with the sustainability of the Sacral energy can feel like it’s too much at various times.

What A Manifesting Generator Wants and Intimacy With a Manifesting Generator 

If you love a Manifesting Generator:

• • Give them the freedom to go at their own speed and don’t try to keep up with them. 

• • Don’t try to make them do one thing at a time. They are designed to multitask and skip steps. 

• • Just as they inform you; they also need to be informed. 

• • Don’t take their anger personally. It is how they learn. 

• • Trust their sacral response.

• • Ask yes/no questions

• • Don’t tell them what to do.

• • Don’t interrupt their flow.

Relationships with Generators (Alchemists) Partners

Generators are designed to do the doing of life. They are designed to practice and practice until they achieve mastery. When Generators find something they love they are all in, but if they are not doing what they love they can become angry and depressed. 

Generator partners are fun-loving and always down for an adventure. 

What A Generator Wants and Intimacy With A Generator

If you love a Generator:

• • Don’t take their frustrations personally. Frustration is how they learn.

• • Understand how important their work is to them.

• • Help them get out of their heads and back into the world. 

• • Trust their sacral response.

• • Support and encourage their need to burn off energy. 

• • Ask yes/no questions. 

Relationships with Projectors (Orchestrators)

Projectors do not have sustainable energy and are not meant to work in the traditional way we define work. For short periods of time, Projectors can amplify the energy of those around them and accomplish large amounts of work in short periods of time.  After these intense work sessions, they require a lot of alone time to recharge and rest. This can be challenging for energy types, like Generators and Manifesting Generators, who are constantly busy. 

A Projector partner needs to be recognized and invited in order to be seen and heard by their partners (and the rest of the world.) When not invited a Projector appears to be bossy and controlling which leads to aggravation from those around them. 

Projectors are wise and able to give great insight, and opinions, as long as you remember to ask for them. 

What A Projector Wants and Intimacy with a Projector 

If you love a Projector:

• • Recognize their intention is to be helpful – not controlling.

• • Recognize they are inherently wise and usually have valuable input.

• • Invite them to share their ideas with you.

• • Ask for their guidance and opinions.

• • Be open to sexual suggestions. Sex and intimacy is variable for them.

• • Intentionally give them your undivided attention and energy.

• • Provide a safe space for them to talk and for you to listen. 

• • Understand their need for downtime.

• • Value their insights and advice.

• • Be supportive. 

Relationships with Reflectors (Calibrators)

Reflectors are a rare Human Design type. At only 1% of the population, a Reflector is designed to act like a mirror to the world around them. The reflection of other people continually changes their perception. One instant, you may feel extremely emotional, while the next moment, it’s gone. You may then get all the ideas and a sound sense of knowing where you’re going in life, and then it’s gone again, and so forth. That’s why it’s essential for you to carefully choose your friends and partners; they will have a huge impact on your feelings and experience of yourself.

Reflectors have considerably different life experiences than all of the other Types. Sometimes they may feel alone and misunderstood. Reflectors can also suffer deep disappointment when having to wait and live through the energy of others. This type of emotion causes Reflectors to require more attention than most other people (and Types). Because of this, at times they may feel inadequate and think that they don’t fit anywhere.

The most uncomfortable thing for Reflectors is pressure; especially the pressure to make decisions. Making a decision can be the most unnatural thing because Reflectors don’t necessarily make decisions.  They experience a choice or decision over a cycle of the Moon (29 days). It’s not the same as making a decision with the mind. Reflectors have to experience their choice inside of themselves over time. Going through the entire cycle gives them the power to be able to realize solutions and right choices.

Reflectors need people because they are non-energy beings and depend on the energetic connections that others provide them. But, they also need their alone time so that they may discharge energy that they’ve absorbed through the nine Open Centers.

What A Reflector Wants and Intimacy with A Reflector 

If you love a Reflector:

• • Love them as they are; don’t try to change them. 

• • Allow them to manage their energy without additional pressure.

• • Give them space and time.

• • Honor their need for long decision-making cycles.

• • Provide a safe space for them to talk and for you to listen. 

• • Be open to their sexuality. Sex and intimacy is variable for them,

• • Know that you will see the truth about yourself reflected through them and be okay with this revelation. 

• • Encourage and support daily energy-clearing practices.

• • Understand their need for downtime. 

Step 4: Learn More About Specific Relationship Compatibility Factors Between Human Design Types

In this section, you’ll learn specifics about your specific combination of types and how to manage the relationship between yourselves. Simply scroll down until you find your combination, and read more!

Manifestor and Manifestor Relationship Compatibility

Manifestors are in this world to get stuff done. When two manifestors enter a relationship together they can become a true power couple ready to work together, or they just might get on each other’s nerves because each one thinks they have the better idea. Relationships between two people of the same Human Design type does come with an advantage because there is a shared understanding of how their type functions. If both Manifestors follow their strategy of informing others of what they plan to do they will be on the road to success. 

Manifestor and Manifesting Generator Relationship Compatibility

Manifestors and Manifesting Generators are similar in regard to their energy levels. The difference is that Manifestors are marathon runners and Manifesting Generators are sprinters. The Manifestor can see the greater picture and work toward long-term goals while the Manifesting Generator sees the more immediate needs of the relationship. The Manifestor will probably get annoyed with their Manifesting Generator because they will view their bursts of energy as flaky or inconsistent. 

Manifestor and Generator Relationship Compatibility

Manifestors are not designed to carry out their ideas. They are designed to be inspired but for others to carry out their inspirations. A Manifestor and a Generator work well together because the Generator has the slow and steady energy needed for consistent work and are here to put plans into action. 

Generators are more social than Manifestors and may struggle with the Manifestor’s need for alone time. Not everything needs to be done together and the Generator needs to remember that it is not personal, it is just the Manifestors repelling aura at play. 

Manifestor and Projector Relationship Compatibility

Human Design types can be split into two groups, those with consistent access to energy and those without. Manifestors and Projectors do not have consistent access to energy and require time to recharge their batteries. In order to recharge, both the Manifestor and the Projector need time alone, whether this is sleeping separately or spending time apart.  This alone time can develop a healthy sense of trust in a relationship because they are independent from each other while still maintaining their bond. 

Manifestors are often perceived by others as flaky or chaotic because of their tendency to follow their in-the-moment inspirations.  Because Projectors have a unique ability to see the greater picture they are a good match to the Manifestor.  Manifestors are also a good anchor for Projectors who have a tendency to feel they are too much or too sensitive for others. 

Manifestor and Reflector Relationship Compatibility

Manifestors comprise about 8% of the population while Reflectors occupy a mere 1%. When Manifestors and Reflectors are in a relationship together they should be cautious of trying to match each other’s energies. A Manifestor can be perceived as domineering or pushy which could cause the Reflector to try to match their forceful energy. Conversely, the Reflector’s sensitivity, and need for consistency, could cause the Manifestor to try to water their energy down for the Reflector. 

Manifestors are the only Human Design type that does not have to wait before they take action- only to inform those around them of what they are doing. A Reflector may struggle with the Manifestor’s seemingly random inspirations and need for independence. 

This is not to say a Manifestor and a Reflector cannot be successful together. Only that they must remember to play to each other’s strengths. 

Manifesting Generator and Manifesting Generator Relationship Compatibility

When two Manifesting Generators come together, they each bring high energy. Manifesting Generators have the ability to multitask and bounce from idea to idea which can lead to an element of controlled chaos. A blessing for Manifesting Generators in a relationship is that they both understand how their unique energy type functions in the world. This understanding is a huge advantage because Manifesting Generators can be misinterpreted as flaky or irresponsible due to their unfinished projects. 

Manifesting Generators in a relationship makes for adventure.  These couples need outlets for their energy, so make plans together to burn off the excess. 

Manifesting Generator and Generator Relationship Compatibility

Manifesting Generators are a hybrid of Manifestors and Generators. Because the Manifesting Generator is partially a Generator there is an understanding of how each other functions. Generators are slow and steady in getting work done with consistent access to energy. Manifestors have access to energy that expresses itself in intense bursts. 

The constant flow of energy in this relationship can be very exciting but remember to keep an eye on the future plans and don’t get sidetracked by the in-the-moment inspirations. The Generator is going to want to act on the Manifesting Generators ideas but not all ideas are meant to be carried out. 

Manifesting Generator and Projector Relationship Compatibility

Manifesting Generators tend to focus on the present moment. Projectors think about the long-term or big picture. Together a Manifesting Generator and a Projector can create a well-balanced relationship. With strong communication, the Projector can be reminded to have some in-the-moment fun while the Manifesting Generator is reminded to pause and consider the future. 

Manifesting Generator and Reflector Relationship Compatibility

Reflectors are designed to reflect their environment and because of how Reflectors absorb energy they need space and time to discharge that energy.  In a relationship with a Manifesting Generator, the Reflector can access some of the high energy and excitement of the Manifesting Generator. While the Manifesting Generator can find calm and healing in the reflector. 

Generator and Generator Relationship Compatibility

Generators make up about 35% of the population, so chances are they will end up in a relationship with each other. This partnership has a unique energy balance that can keep up with each other and participate in a variety of joint adventures. A challenge for Generator couples is boredom so ensure you both are a part of planning and participating in your outings. 

Generator and Projector Relationship Compatibility

Generators are designed to do all the things, but Projectors work at a slower pace. Both of these types have the ability to see the bigger picture but the Projector can narrow everything down while the Generator can pinpoint the specific things that are in need of a response. Generators have access to their energy at all times, while the Projector needs time to rest and recharge.

A Projector in a relationship with a Generator is going to feel pressure to keep up and inevitably feel guilty when they can’t. A Generator may get frustrated and not understand their Projectors need for time alone to rest and recharge. This relationship needs lots of communication about understanding to ensure success. 

Generator and Reflector Relationship Compatibility

Generators and Reflectors can work very well together. The Reflector acts as a guide for the Generator’s never-ending stream of work and projects. Generators need to remember to step back from their work and have fun sometimes and the Reflector can bring that playful energy to the relationship. After the fun is had the Reflector will need alone time to recharge, and the Generator can hop right back into their work. The busy Generator needs to remember that their Reflector needs their alone time and it is never personal. 

Projector and Projector Relationship Compatibility

A Projector and Projector relationship has no secrets. The deep and penetrating aura of the Projector allows them to see each other for who they really are. On one side this can be a healthy and understanding relationship but can turn toxic – creating a co-dependent bond. 

Projectors meet each other with intensity and can skip over the time they need to develop trust. For this relationship to last both Projectors need to engage in personal development and honest communication. 

Projector and Reflector Relationship Compatibility

Reflectors are not fazed by the Projectors penetrating aura. In fact, a Reflector can act as a guide for the Projector. The Reflector is designed to help humanity and the Projector is designed to see the big picture, so these two together are capable of great things. This relationship is low-energy so be careful that you both have time to rest and recharge so you can accomplish those great things before you both burnout. 

Reflector and Reflector Relationship Compatibility

The rarest of all Human Design relationships would be two Reflectors. Reflectors are mirrors so this couple would reflect each other. Interestingly enough, two reflectors together can create defined centers which form a new identity for the couple. Reflectors in a relationship can learn a lot about themselves as they experience their reflections. 

What To Do When Your Human Design Types Clash In Your Relationships

As always, there is no suffering in Human Design – only opportunities for growth. For example, many challenges arise between high-energy types and low-energy types. A Generator (has access to sacral energy) and a Projector (does not have access to sacral energy) couple can be an amazing partnership when they both understand each other’s unique needs. 

The Generator needs to have interests that function without the Projector so that the Projector can rest and recharge alone. If the partners do not understand each other’s energy needs, the Projector could try to keep up with their Generator leading to burnout and bitterness; while the Generator views the Projector as lazy or unmotivated leading to frustration. 

Areas, where the types are different, can cause clashes, but only when partners are not informed about their needs and the needs of their partner. If you are experiencing challenges in your relationship, it might be a good idea to revisit your charts and learn more about how you both are designed. 

Communication Within Human Design – Helping Your Partner Feel Seen And Heard 

Our needs in relationships are our energetic needs. The Centers in our chart tell us a lot about how we communicate with the world around us and the types of needs we have. If you have open centers, they absorb the energy from those around us. Creating predictable behavior patterns and mistaken motivations in relationships. Knowing your partner’s open centers can help you communicate with them effectively. 

If you have an open Throat Center you need extra support with attention and recognition. You can not be heard until you are recognized and you will find yourself attracted to people who give you attention. Open throats can develop ineffective strategies in order to get attention. They might create drama or do things that are inappropriate to gain recognition from those around them. 

Open G-Centers have a tendency to question their lovability. Open G-Centers might compromise their values in order to feel accepted and loved. Similar to the open G-Center, the open Will Center questions their value and self-worth. You will try to prove that you are valuable until you recognize your inherent value.

Open Sacral Centers (Manifestors, Projectors, and Reflectors) need alone time. They need help knowing when enough is enough and support around not working in the traditional manner. If you are in a partnership with someone who has an open Sacral you need open and honest communication surrounding money, time, and rest to avoid conflict. 

Open Root and Open Head Centers feel pressure to meet their partner’s needs, even when the partner hasn’t asked for anything. It can be helpful to examine that pressure because you are placing burdens on yourself that can lead to bitterness and even resentment. 

Open Solar Plexus wants everyone to get along and will leave their needs unmet in order to meet the needs of others. 

Intimacy Codes

In addition to our Centers, our Profiles have an impact on how we view, or experience intimacy. We are all hard-wired differently. Even the way in which we are hard-wired for some of our most basic needs is different. Not everyone is intimate or sexual in the same way. Misunderstandings and miscommunications surrounding intimacy can cause huge challenges. When you understand your intimacy code and your partner’s intimacy code, it can explain a lot!

Your chart contains a code for how you get your needs for intimacy, sensuality and sexuality met. Obviously, this code doesn’t explain everything and because your chart is a synthesis of many different elements, you have to know how to synthesize all the parts of the chart to get the full picture of who you are and what you need.

But the intimacy codes of the Profile Lines tell us a lot about your unique bonding strategy. Some codes are more compatible than others. Simply put, intimacy comes easier for some couples than others. Other couples have to work harder at it.

Line 1 – The Resource

You need time to explore your partner. You are driven to build a deep foundation of intimacy in your relationship and that drive is often experienced as curiosity.

Line 2 – The Responder

You need alone time with your partner (and sometimes away from your partner) to stay engaged in an intimate way. Your drive is the need for time and retreat (alone and together) to strengthen the bonds of your partnership.

Line 3 – The Explorer

You need the freedom to fantasize about different ways to be intimate – and even the freedom to explore these fantasies in a way that is mutually consensual – in order to deepen your commitment to your partner.

Line 4 – The Stabilizer

Friendship and trust are the foundation for you when it comes to intimacy. You need to know that you can trust your partner and the foundation of your friendship in order to be more intimate. You need stability and consistency.

Line 5 – The Visionary Leader

To be truly intimate you need to cultivate the courage to be vulnerable. You’re pretty good at hiding and learning how to reveal your true needs and feel seen by your partner is essential for you to feel comfortable with genuine intimacy.

Line 6 – The Adept

You long for a soulmate connection. The shadow side of this longing is that you might think that the “soul mate” connection is instant. It’s vital for you to realize that soulmate-level intimacy is often cultivated and curated by first learning to communicate honestly about what you need.

Tips For Utilizing Human Design In Your Relationships

How to use Human Design for successful relationships:

• • Honor your unique type, strategy, and authority. 

• • Honor your partner’s type, strategy, and authority. 

• • Establish open and honest communication that allows each partner to feel seen and heard. 

• • Educate yourself on your and your partner’s profile’s intimacy code. 

• • Remember that your Human Design is a guide and anything that feels like a challenge is an opportunity for growth. 

If you want to learn about Human Design, click here

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