The ways you naturally hide and shine

Type 5: The Investigator

Fives are the quintessential experts of the Enneagram. They are the most introverted point on the Enneagram, rejecting intrusions on their time and space. They investigate, observe, acquire knowledge, and develop genuine expertise in all sorts of fascinating fields and sometimes, in quite obscure fields.

Type 6: The Loyalist

Enneagram Sixes are known as the Loyalists. I think of them as the quintessential team players. They thrive when working together and achieving collective goals. They’re reliable, with a deep sense of responsibility. They’re security-oriented and look to create stability and safety in their environments. 

Type 7: The Enthusiast

Sevens are adventurous and optimistic. They seek variety, excitement, and new experiences. In their pursuit of stimulation, they dive into things (people, circumstances, areas of study, internet rabbit holes) but become easily bored and abandon them just as quickly as they pick them up.

Type 8: The Challenger

If you’re going to reduce an Enneagram Eight down to one thing, it’s their capacity to wield power. Whether for good or evil, is up to the individual. Eights are direct communicators. They generally don’t back down from confrontation, and are comfortable expressing most emotions, including anger and frustration.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

Nines desire harmony and peace. They look for points of connection and attempt to create emotional stability in themselves and in the world. Each Enneagram point has a high attunement to something. For Nines, it's conflict. Often this can mean they avoid putting forth their opinions, waiting to hear from others first.

Type 1: The Perfectionist

Ones uphold high ethical standards - to the point of perfectionism - and strive for integrity. They have a keen eye for detail and excel at ensuring quality and precision in their work. They take their commitments seriously, follow through on their promises, and are committed to consistent improvement in their careers and lives.

Type 2: The Helper

Twos are the nurturers of the Enneagram. They're focused on the needs of other people, especially people they care about and want to build strong connections with.

They thrive in relationships where they can be nurturing and supportive, whilst also having partners who appreciate and reciprocate their care. Without that reciprocation, they can start to feel like door mats, resentful that they’re being taken for granted. 

Type 3: The Achiever

Threes are the achievers. They are focused on tasks, goals, and the most efficient solutions. They like to share their successes and are interested in how to be the best at what they do.

Beneath all of that, however, there’s a struggle. A struggle that ties their feelings of self-worth to their achievements and a drive that keeps them hustling to avoid feeling failure.

Type 4: The Individualist

Fours are often emotionally insightful, drawing on a rich inner world to create beauty and meaning. They can be sensitive and attuned to the depth of human experience, often feeling that they are fundamentally different from others.

At their best, Fours embrace their uniqueness with self-acceptance and inspire others with their creativity. In less healthy states, they might become envious and withdrawn.