How We Misinterpret Each Enneagram Type

When we are first introduced to the Enneagram, we tend to read up on our own type and neglect learning about the others. We scour articles, listen to podcasts and watch videos to try to understand our type.

However, this leads to us reducing other types to stereotypes, and that can be dangerous. For example, a type Five may see himself as a deep and complex individual, but subconsciously reduce their type Seven friend to a vapid socialite — a stereotype that undermines everything that friend is.

In this article, we will be examining and debunking a stereotype about each Enneagram Type.

Not sure what your Enneatype is? Find out in our free questionnaire.

Type One: They think they know everything

Ones are constantly trying to leave the world around them better than they found it. And while these intentions are noble, they can often lead to Ones distrusting the thoughts and opinions of other people. In their minds, they can only trust themselves.

However, this can leave the people around them feeling patronized and disregarded because the Ones are not listening to them. This is why it’s a common misconception that Ones are prideful and think they know everything.

But under Ones’ rigid perfectionism is insecurity. They don’t think they know everything. On the contrary, they have an exaggerated view of how far they fall short of perfection and it bothers them.

On their quest to learn more about how to interact with the world in the “right” way, their frustration with themselves can manifest as frustration with other people. Until Ones learn that they can’t compensate for the shortcomings of others, they may have a cold, demanding presence. As they mature and grow as individuals they become more accepting, tolerant, and joyful.

Find Out More About Enneagram Ones: The Enneagram 1 Child

Type Two: They are always cheery and spontaneous

When we envision the Helpers of the Enneagram, we picture bright socialites who are willing to drop everything to visit a friend in need. Stereotypical Twos are extroverted, nurturing, and people-focused.

But while all Twos are fixated on their desire to help others, this core value isn’t always expressed through extroversion. In fact, plenty of Twos are introverted and reserved. For these people, showing love can look different.

Quieter Twos enjoy giving thoughtful gifts to their close friends, or may find satisfaction in offering quiet hugs when they see they are necessary. The type of love that Twos like to express is the enduring kind that proves they are there, no matter what. And from the spectrum from introverts to extroverts, this love is shown differently.

Find Out More About Enneagram Twos: 21 Signs That You’re an Enneagram 2

Type Three: They lack authenticity

Known for navigating social situations with ease, Threes know how to switch between personalities to adapt to different people. When other types see their ability to so quickly change who they are, they can assume that Threes do it because they lack authentic personalities.

However, no type is inherently more vapid or shallow than the other. All humans have deep, churning emotions, and the way we show up in the world is a representation of them. In Threes’ case, they feel this shame surrounding who they are. Their striving stems from a desire to prove to others that they are worthy.

As a result, they can try to hide their true personalities, or display variations of them for people’s approval — a practice that can lead to them losing connection with their core personalities.

Find Out More About Enneagram Threes: The Enneagram 3 Child

Type Four: They are selfish

Often referred to as the Individualists of the Enneagram, Fours get a bad rap for being egotistical and self-absorbed. The stereotypical Four is moody; too busy riding the waves of their feelings to notice others. They don’t care about others’ problems because they are hyper focused on their own.

And for Fours going through a hard time, it can be accurate that they aren’t attuned to others. When Fours have internal or external problems, they tend to withdraw from the rest of the world to calm the storm of emotions that is raging within them. However, this self-isolation does not come from a place of selfishness.

Fours’ emotional intelligence makes them empathetic, so they do want to be there for their loved ones. But sometimes, their emotions just feel too big. They cannot extend help to others because they are too busy trying to “sort themselves out”.

Fours will eventually learn that to move on from sadness and it’s crucial that they eventually engage with the world outside their emotions. But until then, they are not ignoring you — they are trying to figure out themselves.

Find Out More About Enneagram Fours: The Enneagram 4 – The Individualist

Type Five: They are socially awkward

Besides their quest for knowledge, Fives are usually characterized by their introverted natures. They enjoy spending time by themselves and, compared to the other types, make rarer social appearances. However, their tendency to keep to themselves leads their more extroverted friends to believe that they are just socially awkward.

Contrary to this common misconception, Fives’ constant introspection makes them funny and interesting to talk to. When around their friends, they open up and can even be the liveliest ones there.

Fives isolate themselves because they recharge with alone time. Retreating into their thoughts gives them solace from the outside world, which can often feel frivolous and draining.

Their love for being by themselves does not make them social liabilities or outcasts, and it doesn’t mean that they dislike people. Alone time is just what they need to feel ready to take on the world.

Find Out More About Enneagram Fives: The Enneagram Type 5 – The Investigator

Type Six: They are constantly anxious

At their worst, Sixes are characterized by constant anxiety. They look at average situations and relationships and see heartbreak and betrayal just waiting to happen. However, all-consuming anxiety is just the Six’s worst vice at its basest level. In reality, Sixes’ worry manifests much more subtly.

Sixes are usually aware of what could go wrong in any situation, but instead of panicking about the possibility of danger, healthy Sixes simply work to avoid it or troubleshoot.

This looks like the subtle things they do to ensure a good future for themselves. A teenage Six may commit to studying for a lucrative job in college over following their creative passion to ensure that their future families are comfortable. Another Six may find it a habit to note the different exits in each restaurant they visit in the case of a fire.

They look for ways to stay safe and ensure that their relationships offer protection and loyalty. But while they tend to be anxiety-prone, not every Six struggles with deep anxiety.

Find Out More About Enneagram Sixes: The Enneagram 6 – The Loyalist

Type Seven: They can’t commit to anything

Drawn to the aspect of starting new things, Sevens can struggle to stay focused on one thing at a time. This, paired with their energy and enthusiasm, leads to people seeing them as not able to follow through on projects.

However, what keeps Sevens from seeing things to completion is not a shallow chasing of “shiny things”. It’s the trapped feeling they get when they are forced by external pressure to commit. They feel limited, and see a way out with ideas for new projects.

But when a healthy Seven discovers a passion or project that is meaningful to them, they are more than capable of disciplining themselves to follow through with daily practices and work days. Because they know that nobody is holding their feet to the fire, they can rely on their passion to drive them.

Find Out More About Enneagram Sevens: The Enneagram Seven Child

Type Eight: They have anger issues

Not known for backing down from a challenge, Eights are assertive and direct. They easily access righteous anger to stand up for themselves and others, and this anger can be scathing when unleashed. But even though Eights know how to use their anger, they don’t automatically have destructive anger issues.

Eights are marked not by their anger, but by the way they desire to be in control of their lives and environment. Gaining control, for some Eights, can look like walking through life with confidence and an assertive attitude. But sometimes, taking control means utilizing anger standing up to others — something that Eights are not afraid to do.

Far more than the hothead stereotypes, healthy Eights have complex personalities and a deep care for other people. When they grow, they become more like Twos — protective and eager to love on the people closest to them.

Find Out More About Enneagram Eights: The Enneagram 8 – The Challenger

Type Nine: They are opinionless

Highly attuned to their environment, Nines create inner harmony by being open-minded, tolerant, and accepting. And in an argument, they may decide that the issue is not worth the work of sharing their opinions. However, this does not mean they don’t have opinions.

Nines feel most at peace when the people around them are in agreement, or in harmony. To preserve that peace, they will tend to hear everybody else’s side before disrupting the progression to agreement by sharing their own. This can lead to people seeing them as spineless pushovers.

But even though Nines struggle with knowing who they are and what they want, they have deep convictions like everybody else. And just as important as keeping the external peace is making sure they are at peace with themselves — something that only happens when they know that they aren’t letting other people trample over their convictions.

Find Out More About Enneagram Nines: Seven Struggles of the Enneagram Nine Type

What Are Your Thoughts?

Did you enjoy this article? Do you have any tips or suggestions for other people with your Enneagram type? Let us and other readers know in the comments!

Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer.