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Post by complex on Jul 22, 2020 20:33:12 GMT
Type comparisons from the appendix to Sandra Maitri’s The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram:
NINE AND FIVE
The tendency to fade into the background, not drawing attention to oneself, and being reticent in groups is shared by both Nines and Fives. One of the main ways of discriminating a Nine from a Five is looking at their eyes: Nines tend to have a deadened or sleepy quality to their eyes, while Fives have a brightness and sharpness to their gaze, relying as they do on observation for safety. Body type also usually differs, with Nines tending - toward largeness, heaviness, and roundness, while Fives are typically lean and sinewy. Nines feel that they do not deserve attention, while Fives usually don’t want it. Nines incline toward clutter and collections of things, while Fives lean toward simplicity and sparsity.
NINE AND TWO
The common thread here is self-abnegating behavior, giving to and taking care of others—a mothering tendency. The main difference is that Twos give to get, so if you do not reciprocate or acknowledge what they do for you and how generous they are, you will incite their wrath; and Twos usually feel unappreciated or underappreciated by others. Nines, on the other hand, tend to become flustered and embarrassed when given acknowledgment. Nines also lack the feeling of specialness and pride that Twos have. If a Nine is ignored or overlooked, this is what they expect, while a Two will quietly or loudly kick up a fuss about it.
ONE AND FOUR
Both of these types share a tendency toward criticality and judgmentalness, as well as controlling behaviors and often a striving to be good. One of the key distinguishing factors is that Ones are identified with their superego, while Fours are at the mercy of theirs. In other words, Ones feel righteous and justified in pointing out the imperfections of others and deflect their own being pointed out, while Fours experience a great deal of shame and self-hatred when seen as bad and not measuring up to their own perfectionistic standards. Fours are typically more emotionally dramatic, in touch with their pain, aesthetically inclined, and more desirous of contact than Ones.
ONE AND SIX
The shared focus here is authoritarian tendencies as well as anxiety. Ones are very clear about what is right and what is wrong, and set themselves up as authorities who try to make others conform to their standards. Sixes are devotedly loyal to their chosen doctrine or authority figure and can be fanatically evangelical. Both Ones and Sixes may be anxious and doubtful, but what distinguishes them is the motivation: Ones are afraid of being wrong or of not doing something well enough, while Sixes are not driven by these perfectionistic concerns. They are simply doubtful and frightened, lacking faith in their internal discernment and abilities.
TWO AND FOUR
The shared tendencies here are emotive intensity, drama, envy, competitiveness, and a preoccupation with relationship. One of the main differences is that Fours tend to isolate themselves when they are in pain, since they are ashamed of their feelings, while Twos usually move toward those they are close to at such times. Fours long from afar for contact and intimacy, while Twos actively pursue getting it. Most Twos are more spontaneous and shameless than Fours, although there are some pretty reserved Twos and some very expressive Fours. Fours as a rule derive a sense of depth and beauty from their suffering, while Twos mostly do not. Twos focus on what they can do for others and how they will be loved in return, while Fours are not primarily oriented toward giving.
THREE AND SEVEN
Threes and Sevens are sometimes confused with each other, since both are active, energized, cheerful, buoyant, and positive. The difference is that Sevens tend to have a wide variety of interests and areas of expertise, not liking to be pinned down or defined by one pursuit. Threes, on the other hand, easily stick to one thing, wanting to take it to the greatest level of success possible. To Sevens, their plans for what they will do are far more interesting than the actual doing, and they accomplish a fraction of the things they imagine and fantasize about. Threes derive their sense of value from what they actually produce and achieve, and their plans are secondary to the finished product. Threes are pragmatic and practical; Sevens are idealistic and visionary.
FOUR AND FIVE
Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether someone is a Four or a Five, since both tend to be retiring and self-enclosing. One of the main differences is that Fours long for contact from their isolation, while Fives are grateful for the lack of impingement, interruption, and demands. Another is the emotive wetness of Fours, in contrast to the dry emptiness of Fives. Fives lack the sense of tragedy, suffering, and melancholy of Fours, although both may feel impoverished and deprived. Fives become indifferent, while Fours become envious and spiteful in difficult situations with others.
SIX AND EIGHT
It is sometimes difficult to discern whether someone is a counterphobic Six or an Eight, since both share a tough style and an emphasis on proving how strong they are. Both can be aggressive and combative, on the offensive rather than the defensive. One of the main differences is that the machismo of Sixes is driven by fear, which you can frequently see in their eyes, while that of Eights is based on a compulsion to be dominant. Sixes are trying to overcome their fear, while Eights are trying to overcome their weakness. Eights are controlling and domineering in their relationships, while Sixes are not.
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