Ennea-ME

The Enneagram test is a currently a hot topic in personality testing and group dynamics studies. I’ve done the test (paid for version) and I took a simple free online test and got the same results, so I would say I’m pretty consistent in my personality type.

I do think these types of tests are interesting. They can help articulate some things about yourself that you likely know but do not know how to define. However, they are just tests, and a person’s opinion of personality traits, so I am careful not to let results totally define me.  In fact when I was reading through my results (below) I was thinking of crossing some things off that are definitely not “me”, but thought they might be something for someone else, so I will leave them on there.

If you are interested in taking the free online test, click here: https://www.enneagramtest.net/. It will only take you a few minutes, you will have to enter your email for results, just make sure to un-check the box that you want info. I haven’t been spammed by them yet.

A couple of other things about the Enneagram:

  • We have a dominant “wing”, which is either one number up or down from the primary type; I am Enneagram Two with a One-Wing: “Servant”
  • There are types we gravitate towards when “healthy” (growth) and “unhealthy” (stress)…as a 2, when healthy I lean towards Type 4: The Individualist and when unhealthy or stressed I lean towards Type 8: The Challenger.
  • If you are thinking I’ve never even heard of this, here is a great overview of the Enneagram system:  All About the Enneagram.

My leading number is Type 2: The Helper, which is closely followed by Type 1: The Reformer and then Type 8: The Challenger. For anyone who’s interested in knowing what results look like or information given about the types from the free test keep reading….

Type 2: The Helper
Helpers are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people’s needs.

How to Get Along with Me

  • Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.
  • Share fun times with me.
  • Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.
  • Let me know that I am important and special to you.
  • Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.

In Dating Relationships

  • Reassure me that I am interesting to you.
  • Reassure me often that you love me.
  • Tell me I’m attractive and that you’re glad to be seen with me.

What I Like About Being a Two

  • Being able to relate easily to people and to make friends.
  • Knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better.
  • Being generous, caring, and warm.
  • Being sensitive to and perceptive about others’ feelings.
  • Being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor.

What’s Hard About Being a Two

  • Not being able to say no.
  • Having low self-esteem.
  • Feeling drained from overdoing for others.
  • Not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish.
  • Criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should.
  • Being upset that others don’t tune in to me as much as I tune in to them.
  • Working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings.

More information including compatibility and misidentification with others as a Type 2: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-2

My Wing:  Type 1: The Reformer
Reformers are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals.

How to Get Along with Me

  • Take your share of the responsibility so I don’t end up with all the work.
  • I’m hard on myself. Reassure me that I’m fine the way I am.
  • Tell me that you value my advice.
  • Be fair and considerate, as I am.
  • Apologize if you have been unthoughtful. It will help me to forgive.
  • Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself when I get uptight, but hear my worries first.

What I Like About Being a One

  • Being self-disciplined and able to accomplish a great deal.
  • Working hard to make the world a better place.
  • Having high standards and ethics; not compromising myself.
  • Being reasonable, responsible, and dedicated in everything I do.
  • Being able to put facts together, coming to good understandings, and figuring out wise solutions.
  • Being the best I can be and bringing out the best in other people.

What’s Hard About Being a One

  • Being disappointed with myself or others when my expectations are not met.
  • Feeling burdened by too much responsibility.
  • Thinking that what I do is never good enough.
  • Not being appreciated for what I do for people.
  • Being upset because others aren’t trying as hard as I am.
  • Obsessing about what I did or what I should do.
  • Being tense, anxious, and taking things too seriously.

And rounding out my Top 3…Type 8: The Challenger
Challengers are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

  • Stand up for yourself… and me.
  • Be confident, strong, and direct.
  • Don’t gossip about me or betray my trust.
  • Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.
  • Give me space to be alone.
  • Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don’t flatter me.
  • I often speak in an assertive way. Don’t automatically assume it’s a personal attack.

What I Like About Being a Eight

  • Being independent and self-reliant.
  • Being able to take charge and meet challenges head on.
  • Being courageous, straightforward, and honest.
  • Getting all the enjoyment I can out of life.
  • Supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me.
  • Upholding just causes.

What’s Hard About Being a Eight

  • Overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don’t intend to.
  • Being restless and impatient with others’ incompetence.
  • Sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it.
  • Never forgetting injuries or injustices.
  • Putting too much pressure on myself.
  • Getting high blood pressure when people don’t obey the rules or when things don’t go right.

I’d love to know your Type if you’ve taken the Enneagram.  And, if you haven’t, it is worth 10 minutes of your time to quickly take the online test and read through your results. Similar to The Five Love Languages, tests like these are very helpful in relationships of any kind!

Happy Thanksgiving week! Be grateful for those around you and all the uniqueness that makes them who they are!

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