Posted by Polly on December 21, 1998 at 16:37:13:
In Reply to: Re: Want your observations/comments... posted by Hal on December 21, 1998 at 16:05:32:
When I take these quizzes to help determine type, or otherwise read descriptions of the various types and try to identify with one, am I supposed to be considering what I actually *do* or what I *want to do*? As I said I'm resistant to some of the types (e.g., 5) because I don't like its attributes.
A random thought...Strangely, I seem to identify with the negative characteristics of these types rather than seeing myself in the positives...definitely some (realistic) self-criticism.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughts -- any more are welcomed!
> If you think that was long, then you haven't read the posts by some of the 5's on this board (among others). :-) And it suggests that 5 is not your primary type. In my experience, 5's often have a one-track mind, and when something captures their interest, they pursue it full-force to the bitter end.
> About the integrating/disintigrating, this is something I've had trouble explaining in the past as well. I don't believe that one direction along the arrow is strictly integrating (moving in security) and the other direction is strictly disintigrating (moving in stress.) I tend to just see strong connections among the types along the arrows. So 7 is strongly connected to 1 and 5. I'm a 4, which means that I'm "supposed" to go to 1 when secure and 2 under stress. But when I'm under stress, I also find myself becoming more picky, perfectionistic, and self-critical; the negative qualities of my 1 side. So I feel that the arrows really go both ways.
> Many people here have their own views on wings. Mine, in short, is that it is another side of your personality that in some ways complements your type, and in other ways keeps you from getting what you most desire. No matter how you look at it though, your wing is a stong influence on your personality, so you will tend to score rather high in one or both possible wing types. This can also help you determine what type you are. For example, if you score very low in, say, 9, then it's less likely that 1 is you primary type.
> The standard disclaimer to give here is that you need to look within yourself and decide what fits you best. I agree that introspection is vitally important, but asking questions and talking to others can be just as valuable. Others can often see things about you that you cannot, and you can often pick up on a word here and there that really hits home. Good luck in your search, and keep the questions (and answers) coming.
> - Hal -
>
> > Let me start by saying I haven't had much time in the enneagram mode, but I have always been fascinated by trying to divine and analyze my personality. Right now I've been in a period of flux (some very pleasant, some not at all) and have recently taken an online enneagram test and done some reading -- and I can't figure out what I am! I have always thought I was a ONE (striving, self-critical, focussed on details)...but I don't find that this completely covers significant parts of me and how I interact in the world. On the most recent test I came up with SEVEN as the highest score, followed by ONE and FIVE. I recognize a lot of me in SEVEN that doesn't work with a ONE (many ideas, soem trouble with follow-through, definitely a front-end type person...and resulting concerns about my ability to continue to succeed in the work world, because I get very indulgent when I'm not enjoying things). But I definitely observe and perceive and THINK - a classic FIVE in many ways. I'm not comfortable being a FIVE because it seems to cut out my natural abilities with people and my very strong desires to be with and among people -- even while I struggle with a tendency to hide away from people. I don't think that I'm as diligent as it seems ONEs are, but I can focus when I decide to. I'm creative but flighty when it comes to boring details, and I have often opted to blow off something important in order to do either something new or to be alone. I don't feel good about retreating, but it is a response to stress.
> > From what I've read, SEVENs go to FIVE in good times, not bad. I think that my primary motivation is fear, not anger (unless it's suppressed anger turned on its head into fear...?). So WHAT AM I? Can anyone reconcile this?
> > Sorry that was so long. Obviously I find it complicated and would love anyone's insight into this.
> > Now for a simpler question (I hope): Can anyone explain wings and how to ascertain which (if any) a person has?
> > Thanks much.