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Enneagram Type 4 Board Archive ChildhoodPosted by Cory on September 29, 1999 at 17:40:25: Its been said personality is affected greatly by childhood, but I dont think I have a "typical four" childhood. Here are some things... -I learned to read when I was 3. No, I'm not bragging. My mom would read books to me, I'd see the words, and pick up on it. Later on, I would impress my elders and relatives with my reading ability...I read an 8th grade text book to my aunt's 8th grade class when I was 4. And then, when I was driving with her, I would read signs along the street (I was 5 or 6 then), and once we got into Chinatown, I panicked and told her I couldn't read Chinese! It seems like the best way to get attention and respect from adults was to impress them with my knowledge. Being "smart" was something I identified with. -Growing up I was fascinated by the ocean (despite my 2 drowning experiences at a young age). I loved to draw sharks. The ocean was so frightening and unknown and exquisite to me....I was drawn to it in a way. -With my friendships, I have had an "attachment" thing with one other person who is dominant. For example, in my pre-school class, one boy I used to play with all the time was a trouble-maker. In fact, me and him got in trouble a few times. I think he even bit me once. Anyways, I followed him around on his trouble escapades....in 1st grade, there was another boy who was also a trouble maker who I followed around. Then, even later in 3rd grade or so there was another one. Basically, during the early parts of my life, I formed connections following around a trouble-maker. Ironically, I was always considered a "good kid" in spite of all this. But the point is...I attached myself to another kid (sometimes he was a brat) and he was the leader. -I was never popular in any of my classes...I usually had some close friends, and a best friend. I was also quite sensitive growing up, it was easy to make me cry. I never was in the "inner group" of the most popular kids....I think during halloween, like 6 boys in my class were ninjas! They were also into horror movies and such. I didnt follow them, I was pretty independant I guess. At age 8, I was in cub scouts though, I really enjoyed that. I even got through the ranks and led my den! (But, maybe thats because my mom was the den leader). I also played baseball from 9 - 13. I also enjoyed that too, pretty mainstream I guess. -When I went to Knotts Berry Farm (amusement park) when I was 4, they had the Peanuts gang characters. My mom asked me if I wanted to go up and hug Lucy but I refused to because I was scared....I thought Charlie Brown would beat me up for hugging his girlfriend! So, even at that young age, I knew the concept of jealousy. -I'm the eldest child. My younger sister was born when I was 4. I don't think I was ever connected with my parents...my mom worked during the day, and sent me to pre-school, day care, or babysitting. My dad worked nights and slept during the day, so during my early years I didnt get to connect with him at all. -I always sympathized with the underdog or neglected types. Like, if a certain cartoon character was popular, I would choose another character. Not so to be different, its just I felt sorry for that character! I had a stronge impulse for pity. My toys I liked growing up - He-Man, Care Bears, Star Wars, GI Joe (my friend got me into them), Hot Wheels. Also, I was fascinated with science...I had a telescope, microscope, chemistry sets, etc. -I was constantly in trouble for "not listening", "not paying attention", "not following directions", and being off in my own little world. It was natural for me to daydream....and then my teacher would tell my dad....and my dad would spank me with a paddle. Once he locked me naked in a dark bathroom after whipping me with a belt. Then he felt bad later and took me out for an ice cream. Point is, growing up, I was fed constantly that what I was doing is bad. I can't day dream, I have to listen. It wasn't natural for me though! And this is where I have had the most problems during my schooling, when I didnt know what we were even doing! -When I was in pre-school, there was a bike race, and me and my mom decorated my tricycle up. I was so excited and confident in myself. Then during the race, I lost. I even lost to my "girlfriend" Michelle! I think I remember crying. Well, that's all I can re-collect now. Hopefully, those bits will offer a glimpse into how my personality formed. What are your opinions on those? Do I sound like something other than a 4w5 in that? I would appreciate your insight! Thank you. -Cory
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