I think I’m a 4. So I have that bias. But 4’s being reluctant to identify as such isn’t a pattern I’ve noticed. It makes sense theoretically that 4’s would want to be too special to be boxed into an Enneatype. But it’s more common for me to encounter someone who identifies as a 4 who I’m skeptical and surprised is a 4 than someone who seems to be a 4 but is resistant to the label. My lazy theory is that people who are drawn to the Enneagram tend to think of themselves as more self-aware, emotionally honest, and deep than average. So, the descriptions of the 4 initially resonate for lots of people who aren’t 4’s but are into the Enneagram.
But also maybe my desire to be special makes me more skeptical of others’ 4ness because the smaller the club is, the more special I am :)
Curious if other people notice the pattern you named (4’s not liking the Enneagram or denying that they’re 4’s)
There is definitely a pattern of people who are not 4s identifying as 4s. It can be both right? 4s could be less likely to want to be identified as any enneatype, and simultaneously non-4s could be more likely to want to be identified as 4s.
That being said, my suggestion that 4s don't like to be typed is *veeeery* anecdotal and should be taken with lots of salt
And I really like the frame that 9 boxes-but-not-boxes is an upgrade in complexity in practice for most of us
I think I’m a 4. So I have that bias. But 4’s being reluctant to identify as such isn’t a pattern I’ve noticed. It makes sense theoretically that 4’s would want to be too special to be boxed into an Enneatype. But it’s more common for me to encounter someone who identifies as a 4 who I’m skeptical and surprised is a 4 than someone who seems to be a 4 but is resistant to the label. My lazy theory is that people who are drawn to the Enneagram tend to think of themselves as more self-aware, emotionally honest, and deep than average. So, the descriptions of the 4 initially resonate for lots of people who aren’t 4’s but are into the Enneagram.
But also maybe my desire to be special makes me more skeptical of others’ 4ness because the smaller the club is, the more special I am :)
Curious if other people notice the pattern you named (4’s not liking the Enneagram or denying that they’re 4’s)
There is definitely a pattern of people who are not 4s identifying as 4s. It can be both right? 4s could be less likely to want to be identified as any enneatype, and simultaneously non-4s could be more likely to want to be identified as 4s.
That being said, my suggestion that 4s don't like to be typed is *veeeery* anecdotal and should be taken with lots of salt
Yep, fair
This has made me want to have an Enneagram buddy so that we can hang out and type all our friends.
Love your audacious Dekagram claim!
Yes! You should send some people this episode and see if anyone bites 😜