Ones can be perfectionists and may preach at others who fall short of perfection.
Their
driving force is anger, which usually erupts when someone has
failed to live up to their expectations. They can also have a "running amok"
side that allows temporary escape from their own high standards.
Twos
maintain the self-image that they're helpful, giving help and advice whether others
want it or not. They may use manipulation to influence people. If they feel betrayed they may
even become vindictive ("after all I've done for you!"). Their driving
force is pride (it's difficult to admit they have needs, too).
Threes are self-promoting and can showcase themselves,
sometimes at the expense of others. They tend to look
outward for their reflection in the eyes of others, and their inner life may
be lacking. Their
driving force is vanity, which requires always trying to look good; consequently they tend to be self-deceiving, reframing failure as success.
Fours can
easily focus on their own flaws and sink into moodiness; their conversation is
typically ripe with
sad stories. Their driving force is envy, which shows up in
dissatisfaction with the ordinary, the mundane: the grass always seems greener somewhere
else.
Fives like
to think long and hard, and sometimes sound as if they're giving a dissertation. They may
have deep and passionate feelings, but they tend to disdain the role of emotions in human
interaction. Their driving force is hoarding, which shows up particularly as a detachment
from feelings, a stinginess of affection.
Sixes are
characterized by self-doubt, indecision, and procrastination. In interaction with others
they may look for hidden agendas and can be accusing, especially of those they worry have
power over them. To counter their driving force of fear, they may exhibit reckless
courage, then worry they've shot themselves in the foot.
Sevens
love to tell anecdotes and may forget to invite others to talk, sometimes
perceived as oversimplifying or skating over the surface because they're so interested in
a variety of attractions. Driven by gluttony in search of pleasure and
variety, they're over-focused on
enthusiasm and uneasy activity: life MUST be fun!
Eights
have a
"bull-in-the-china-shop" quality and the reputation of being controlling,
because it's difficult to acknowledge vulnerability. Driven by 'lust'
(in the sense of excess), they feel responsible to direct situations and
may pursue power aggressively. They greatly value justice -- as self-defined!
Nines
are
"nice" people who tend to merge with others' preferences. Taking a strong position
is difficult because they see all sides of an issue and are essentially non-aggressive.
Their driving force is indolence -- they're often out of touch with their own wishes, a
kind of self-forgetting. They tend toward epic tales (it's hard for them to focus).
Mary's Enneagram Poems: "Winding
Sheets"
About Poetry:
I Meet My Shadow in
the Deepening Shade
Poetry as Healer
A Feast for
the Soul
Alphabetical List of Published
Poets (click on poem title)
