Behind the Scenes of Enneagram Type 5

Type Fives are known for being investigators, the ones who always have the answer. They are witty and wise, planned and pragmatic. Fives are also the most complicated Type. But what else do we know about this bookish type? Let’s go behind the scenes of enneagram type 5 and explore the deeper parts of this personality.

Withdrawn Stance

It’s important to know that enneagram type five is in the withdrawn stance (along with types 4 and 9). Stances tell us what center of intelligence is dominant and what center of intelligence is repressed. For type five, the “doing center” is repressed, meaning fives might plan and plan, but never get around to doing or following through on that plan. The type five’s dominant intelligence center is thinking.

The Thinking Triad

Five’s fall into the thinking triad, which is why thinking is dominant for them. They take in information with thinking, and use this center most productively. (they share this center with types 6, & 7). This is why type 5 is probably known as the investigator. They are incredible researchers and love knowledge. They also pride themselves in being able to figure things out for themselves, and want to do things on their own. Their independence can feel off-putting, though they don’t mean it that way.

What else is behind the scenes of enneagram type 5?

This withdrawn type needs their space more than any other type. Having time to be a lone, recharges type fives like nothing else. They have limited energy and make choices depending on how much energy they have to spend.

Though fives are truly dependable friends, they sometimes forget that they need people. They can easily get lost in their books, studies, or hobbies, and literally withdraw into their own world. A little push from a good friend is helpful to remind fives how much they are loved, and to re-join the world.

A huge strength of the type 5 is their resourcefulness. This includes their massive sources of knowledge as well as their logical nature to make things work with what they have. Their analytical minds thrive on the chase figuring things out. Puzzles and word games are magnetic for these thinkers, but please don’t surprise them.

Fives like knowing what to expect; routines, and schedules are their friends. Surprising them will only backfire and make them unwilling to go along. Measured and logical, fives use their limited energy efficiently before they run out. As expert planners, fives compartmentalize information well. They are capable, independent, fair and wise.

Just a few more secrets hiding behind the scenes of enneagram type 5…

As we talked about earlier, fives are chiefly independent. They pride themselves in being capable and doing it on their own. But what about loved ones, friends, and relationships? If you are in a relationship with a five, count yourself lucky. They chose you out of the crowd, and most likely will value you for life. Enneagram fives take giving affection seriously, as it takes high risk for them, and costs them precious energy.

It is also rare for a type five to reveal any needs of their own, or ask you for anything. Since they feel they can do most things themselves, and fear appearing needy, fives tend not to voice their needs. They also don’t want to compromise the self-reliance they have worked so hard to achieve. If they rely on someone else, they may become dependent, and in turn that person may let them down.

What do we love about enneagram type 5?

Fives are great listeners and problem solvers. We can come to them with an issue and they can see the most logical way to solve it. They don’t cloud issues with feelings, but see through to the heart of things with their excellent observation skills, and deep thinking. You won’t find a more responsible type than type five. Trust them with your life.

Behind the scenes tips for loving a type 5…

Allow them the space they need to thrive and re-charge. It’s nothing against you, they just literally run out of energy.

Be straightforward and upfront in communication. These planners want to know the exact details and expectations, without the fluff.

Be a safe place for their needs. Try observing them for a change, and notice what they may not be asking for. Allow them to feel like their needs matter and you can handle them.

I hope you enjoyed reading behind the scenes of enneagram type 5!

If you’d like a printout of the overview below, you can grab it here in the shop!

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