Enneagram Type 5: The Observer

The Way of Thinking and Acting

Enneagram type 5 people have a great need for privacy and protect themselves against the intrusion of others by building an invisible wall between themselves and the outside world. Behind this wall they can observe others without being observed yourself. They are often introvert, occupied with reflections on big issues and with gathering knowledge and information. They are usually very sensitive people, but they are often misinterpreted as "cold", because they do not show their feelings.

Contributions:

Enneagram type 5 are able to maintain their sense of perspective in critical situations. They are visionary and can see connections in phenomena that may appear very abstract. Fives enjoy possessing expert knowledge and are often referred to as specialists.

Preferences:

Enneagram type 5 feel good when they have ample time to think and prefer to be able to withdraw to be by themselves.

Resources:

• Overview
• Visionary
• Objective
• Respect

Enneagram type 5 change in state of stress:

When you are stressed and you feel that people have stepped over your boundaries, you gain access to the behavioural patterns of Enneagram type 7. You lose your internal balance and experience an invasion of unrealistic ideas, which causes an insecure state of mind in you. You have a superficial approach to problems and become very extrovert and talkative. This gives a feeling of being disrespectful towards yourself and others.

Enneagram type 5 change when resourceful:

When you are confident and feel that you are on safe grounds, you gain access to the behavioural patterns of enneagram type 8. You become more dominant and like to take control. It is easy for you to aim at meeting your needs and you can be incredibly charming. Your usual tendency to just think things through is replaced by acting proactively and you just do things.

You may be Enneagram type 5 if the following sounds familiar to you:

• You have a need to be alone and to avoid involving yourself personally.
• You are occupied with gathering knowledge, and wish to have the key to under-standing the world.
• You prefer to be prepared and like to plan in order to avoid mistakes.
• You only need very little and avoid being dependent of anything or anybody.
• You go to a party and have the real experience of it when you come home.
• It is as if you are not present when there are many people around you.
• You have an ability to take up an objective point of view, and do not let yourself be affected by other people's opinions or needs.
• You like to be alone out in the country where you think thoughts and recharge.
• Respect is important to you and you never divulge secrets trusted upon you.

Personality test  - Enneagram test and personalityprofile

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