The Enneagram Some psychologists use a system caled the enneagram to study people's personalities. The word enneagram comes from the Greek words for nine and picture, and the system describes nine different types of people. Which number are you? 1. These people try for excellence in everything they do. They worry a lot about making mistakes, and always want to be "the best.” They sometimes criticize other people who don't try hard enough. Often, they feel there is only one right way of thinking and doing things, but they can be playful when they are on vacation or away from their usual tasks. 2. These people are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive. They are happiest when they are helping other people, and friendships are important to them. At time, they forget about their own needs. They are flexible and can adapt their personality to give different people what they want. This type finds it easy to be a pushover, and very difficult to be independent, 3. There people are go-getters—energetic, optimistic, motivated, and productive. They are very concerned with results and success, and can become overachievers and workaholics, with no time for emotions. Their biggest fear is failure, and they are happiest when other people see their accomplishments. 4. These people love to experience intense emotions and have very sensitive feelings. Emotional honesty is very important, and they are always looking for someone who will make them feel special. They are very creative, and ofen, they find their daily routine ordinary and boring—they like to have drama in their lives. 5. These introverted, curious people have a strong need for knowledge and love to study and analyze. Many of them don't feel comfortable interacting with out people—they prefer to be alone and removed from the world. They have a difficult time with feelings, and instead, they try to gain for understanding of the world. 6. These people are responsible, trustworthy, and always loyal to their family, their friends, and the things they believe in. It's important for them to belong to a group that accepts them. They tend to worry a lot. Some are reserved and shy, others are outgoing and even aggressive, but all of them have a great need to feel safe and secure. 7. These people are always looking for new and exciting experiences, and are optimistic about the future. They want to make the world a better plae. They don't like rules and restrictions, and they enjoy chnge because they get bored easily. They are sociable and outgoing, and always try to find enjoyment in life. 8. These people are direct and self-reliant. They want to make all of their own decisions. Independence is very important to them, and they like to have power and authority over other people. They are very self-confident and assertive. They are protective of their family and friends, and they often rebel against authority. 9. These people want to bring harmony to other people and to the world around them. In any situation, they will try to help people understand each other. They are sincere, patient, and easygoing. Often, they have too many things to do because it's difficult for them to say "No." They have a talent for seeing all sides of an issue.