13 lesser known Enneagram facts

We've worked with thousands of individual clients and collected a handful of mass surveys over the years. Here are some fascinating facts that we've learned about the different Enneagram types...

1. Ones are often mischievous and rebellious as children

Yes, 1s tend to be pretty typical kids. Got a polite 3-year-old happy to sit quietly and smile with her parents? More likely to be a 9 than a 1. 1s are high-agency and boundaried, so they don’t always like being told what to do, especially if they haven’t yet figured out if they agree with your version of “should.” Expect some limit-pushing and mischief.

2. Twos and Nines can have the most intense connections with animals

Both types are highly sensitive and gentle, and animals seem to pick up on it. Our personal experience is that friends and family who are 2s and 9s tend to be the closest humans we’ve seen to animal whisperers. Don’t be surprised to see a bird land on their shoulders or a notoriously disagreeable neighborhood cat butt-nudge them and purr.

3. Fives and Eights are often into science fiction & fantasy

The “realists” of the Enneagram? In some respects, yes. In other ways, 5s and 8s have thriving imaginations. They both commonly enjoy sci-fi and fantasy, which tend to involve complex power dynamics and heroic action.

4. Threes and Sevens are the most outwardly competitive types

Expecting an easy win? Think again. 3s and 7s, while oftentimes easygoing and cheerful, will not let you have your way if there is pride on the line. Both types turn on “compete mode” in a flash. They also both love shortcuts.

5. Fours actually under-express their emotions

4s are part of the Feeling triad (along with 2s and 3s). What’s interesting is that, despite having a reputation for being emotional, 4s actually under-express their feelings. They report that what’s beneath is so much more than they can articulate. Don’t say they’re “too much”; you haven't even scratched the surface!

6. Sixes can be the hardest to type 

6s have a dynamic relationship with both fear and authority—they oscillate between being counter-phobic (anti-authority) and phobic (rule-following). Different 6s can appear quite different depending on their personal desire to comply, and even the same 6 can seem like an entirely different person depending on their current circumstances.

7. Ones don’t follow all the rules

1s don’t follow the rules because they’re told to; they follow rules they agree with morally. Many 1s report that they’re not invigorated by breaking rules, but they simply won’t comply if the rules bump up against their moral code.

8. Twos and Fours are the romantic relationship junkies of the Enneagram

They may insist they’re practical and grounded, but many 2s and 4s simply can’t help themselves: romance is too dang thrilling of a feeling. They tend to full-on bask in the intensity of a new love story.

9. Fives and Nines often have the fewest outward needs and the richest inner worlds

Both types tend to be highly independent and “low maintenance.” Inside their minds, though, is a flourishing imagination, full of daydreams and creative ideas.

10. Sevens and Threes want to keep moving forward in a positive way, because they fear falling into a dark emotional or existential void

Just keep moving! Getting stuff done, trying new things, and making consistent progress are tried-and-true ways that 7s and 3s can keep their minds distracted from potentially uncomfortable emotions surfacing underneath.

11. There is no type more tormented as a young child than Eights

The 8’s core fear is of being controlled—and children have little to no control over their world. It’s a recipe for parent-child standoffs and outbursts, especially if parents try too hard to prove that they’re the ones in charge. Eights tend to appreciate getting older and independent far more than other types.

12. Threes, Sixes, and Nines (Attachment types) often say “yes” when they mean “maybe”

All three types are highly invested in their close relationships, and they don’t want to disappoint their people. They tend to overcommit and say “yes” even if they have a lot on their plate and when following through isn’t always possible.

13. Leading with your wing traits, i.e., “wing masking,” is a common form of self-protection, and why it can be very hard to type others

Ever met someone you were sure was a certain type, only to find out they’re actually what you thought their wing was? Or do you notice yourself leaning strongly into your wing when you’re in a work setting? Wing masking is a phenomenon in which we take on significant aspects of our wings in order to prevent the feeling of being rejected for being ourselves. It can also make people hard to type!

More fun facts headed your way in the coming months. Stay tuned!!