Working with the Enneagram types over many decades, here are some nuances or subtleties I have learned that may not be obvious.

Type One

While some refer to me as a “perfectionist,” I am more “perfectionistic.”  I know I’m not perfect, but at least I keep trying to improve myself.

Type Two

Some think I want everyone to like me and that I like everyone. Neither is true. I only want to be liked by the people I want to like me and not the people I dislike!

Type Three

I don’t like to show my anxiety, but one thing that makes me deeply anxious is when I have no goals. When this occurs, which is rare, I feel highly distressed, disoriented and lost.

Type Four

I actually have way deeper feelings underneath my expressed emotions. So am I truly in touch with my real feelings?

Type Five

I probably have a secret life, a private one, that I may not even share with those closest to me. I can’t tell you about it or it would no longer be a secret!

Type Six

I like to think of myself as loyal and can be tenacious in my loyalty. But if I no longer trust you, I can be 100% disloyal.

Type Seven

I’m not always as happy as I appear and can be more serious than I let others know.

Type Eight

I often have intellectual interests that I pursue in-depth, but you wouldn’t know this about me.

Type Nine

Although I am known for being highly tolerant internally, I can be judgmental. I just keep these thoughts to myself.

About Ginger

Ginger Lapid-Bogda PhD, author of nine Enneagram books, is a speaker, consultant, trainer, and coach. She provides certification programs and training tools for business professionals around the world who want to bring the Enneagram into organizations with high-impact business applications. TheEnneagramInBusiness.com | ginger@theenneagraminbusiness.com