Personal Narrative: The Enneagram

As a child, I had always been very quiet and very reserved. My mom always said that I barely cried and was always particularly calm. When I was in the 3rd grade, I often struggled in math class and was too shy to ever ask for help. I was given news that I was to attend summer school and that it would determine if I would move on to the 4th grade. In summer school, I also struggled and even though I knew I wasn’t understanding the concepts I remained silent. I received a call saying that I had failed and was at risk of repeating the grade. Luckily for me, my mother and counselor advocated on my behalf and I was given a second chance. Now you may be wondering so what? Well, this experience served as an eye opener for me and marked the day that
Even with my closest friends, I back away from talking about myself because I feel as if I do not need to burden anyone else with my problems. The Enneagram characterizes me as someone who, “doesn’t trust easily” and is “ambivalent about others until the person has absolutely proven themselves.” Being conflicted between trust and distrust is probably one of the reasons why I detach myself from opening up. With time I become comfortable and seek relationships with people who I can truly connect with. Authenticity and compatibility are important aspects in most of my close relationships. This shows how keen I am when it comes to honesty and how small my group of friends can
The Enneagram test describes me as this type of person, but I disagree. The test states that this personality type, “often fears that they don't have enough strength to face life, so they retreat into the safety of the mind.” This personality type enjoys the comfort of being alone and they often alienate themselves from people. I consider myself to be the complete opposite, I need to be surrounded by people or I will get lost in my own thoughts. When I am alone, I have more time to think about my mistakes and I start to overthink everything. It’s not until I am surrounded by people that I start to feel energized and full of life. The do what you are inventory describes me as the type of person who “thrives off of the comfort of those around them.” I do not consider my mind to be a safe zone, therefore I do not believe my mind brings me security. The people I meet and am close to are the ones who grant me safety and