You’re sitting in a classroom and two of your friends get into an argument. One of the friends stays relatively calm, but the other completely freaks out and starts screaming at the other. Enter the Enneagram. 

The Enneagram of Personality, or just the Enneagram, is a test that is taken to figure out your personality type. There are nine personality types. These types are, number one the reformer, number two the helper, number three the achiever, number four the individualist or romantic, number five the observer, number six the loyalist, number seven the enthusiast, number eight the leader and number nine the pacemaker. Each personality type of the Enneagram has unique characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and fears. 

According to enneagraminstitute.com type number one, or the Reformer, typically tends to be very realistic and self-controlled. They are perfectionists and do everything with a sense purpose. They constantly try to improve themselves and their world. One of their flaws, however, is that they constantly have a feeling that they are not performing good enough. This leads to them feeling guilty often. Type two, the helper, who are generous and caring. They constantly try to please the people around them and put others feelings above their own. One of their flaws is since they constantly are trying to help others, they ignore their own needs and don’t put enough focus into their own feelings. Type three the achiever is very success-oriented. They are always driven to excel in the things they do and be successful. Their flaw is they focus very heavily on self-image and have a very hard time accepting failure. They are also often accused of being too competitive and insensitive. Type number four the individualist or romantic is very expressive and sensitive. They are able to connect deeply with their emotions and are deep thinkers. Their flaws are they can be very over-dramatic and self-absorbed. They also find themselves engaging in self pity very often. Type number five the observer is very perceptive and insightful. They are also very curious which leads to them being innovative and are good at developing complex ideas and skills. Because they are constantly watching and observing, their flaw is they get very wrapped up in their thoughts and can be perceived as being secretive or isolated from others.  Type number six the loyalist are very committed and engaged to their relationships. They are also known for being very responsible. Their flaws are they can be indecisive and defiant. They depend heavily on themselves and don’t often reach out to others. Type seven the enthusiast, are very fun-loving, high-spirited and versatile. Their flaws are, they get distracted very easily and are very scatterbrained. Type eight the challenger or leader is very powerful willful. They have the natural ability to take things over, and do them well. They also have a reputation of being inspirational. Their flaw is they can come off aggressive, forceful and they do not back down from a fight. The last type is type number nine peacemaker. They are very easy-going, agreeable and avoid conflict at all costs. They are also very optimistic, stable and supportive. Their flaws are because they are so easy-going, they often get walked all over and taken advantage of. They can also tend to procrastinate a lot. Even if you are one of these types more than the other, some other traits of other types may apply to you as well. This just means that personalities are so diverse and complex. 

Figuring out what personality type you are can definitely help you understand why you feel the way you do, and do the things you do. I myself am a nine the peacemaker and my sister is number eight the challenger or leader. When we found out our types, it helped us realize why we used to fight so often when we were young. Our personalities are so different. When you know why someone acts the way they do it can help you understand why they do those things and that it’s not personal. The Enneagram test gives you a better understanding of your feelings and the feelings of others.