Enneagram and odd wings

[Killsteel]

I'm not really very knowledgeable about this, but I took a test and got my strongest type being 5, but with a really close 8 to it. Does this mean I'm a 5w8? If so, how is this possible? What does it mean? And how rare would it be?

Can someone explain please?

[Elro]

I'm no expert, but I believe there are only two wings per type. There's only 5w4 and 5w6, so you would have as your wing 4 or 6, whichever you scored higher on. Or so I have gathered.

[coffeezombie]

The idea is that one exhibits the motivations of an adjacent point of the enneagram to a small degree. Unfortunately most enneagram tests measure things like behavior so another point can look to be the second strongest. Tests are kind of an inaccurate measure in general and the best way to figure one's E-type is just to read all the descriptions and type yourself, or perhaps ask others how they perceive your type.

[Killsteel]

I just read on one site that it's possible to have a different type as your wing, but it's rare. I'm just trying to learn more...

[coffeezombie]

Well, I'm not an Enneagram imperialist but I don't think this is a well-accepted idea in the field and you're likely to be mocked if you call yourself a 5w8. But I've heard others claim to be a non-adjacent wing for a long time but it seems they usually come around to realizing what their adjacent wing actually is once they gain more knowledge about the system.

[Killsteel]

well, I took another test and got 5 then 8 again. Guess I'll have to keep trying, I suppose. It's just part of the 8 description describes me and so does part of the 5...

Edit: took a longer test and came out 8 highest and 5 next. :blink:

[Eileen]

Wow. An INTP confrontor! I always thought that 8 seemed more extraverted...

[Geoff]

An INTP confrontor, that is unusual.

What type were you Eileen?

I was, rather unsurprisingly, type 9 (wing 1) that is a Diplomat->Dreamer.

-GEoff

[Killsteel]

Yeah, I find it kinda embarrassing, to stand up and say 'you're wrong' and sometimes I'm just too scared it's me that's wrong. But if I get a chance, and I'm confident I'm right, then I will...

[Dr. Caligari]

If an INTP is surrounded by people he or she considers to be exasperating or completely unreasonable, then I'd find it nearly impossible for his or her "8" not to surface. It may not be in our nature to react in a hostile manner every single time someone pushes our buttons, but we all have our limits. I think when we do become confrontational however, we don't go apeshit crazy or yell until our lungs bleed (most of the time).

[Serotonin]

In E theory, 5s "integrate" to 8, which means when we relax and become confident we take on 8ish characteristics. I do this very occasionally in conversation or if I'm giving a talk.... I will be aggressive and confrontational.... and it feels good.
Short, pithy comebacks and arguments. But in a microsecond I can switch back to analytical 5, if a sliver of doubt has entered my mind. It must seem strange and frustrating to other people!!!

[LuridLemur]

In E theory, 5s "integrate" to 8, which means when we relax and become confident we take on 8ish characteristics. I do this very occasionally in conversation or if I'm giving a talk.... I will be aggressive and confrontational.... and it feels good.
Short, pithy comebacks and arguments. But in a microsecond I can switch back to analytical 5, if a sliver of doubt has entered my mind. It must seem strange and frustrating to other people!!!
That does seem fairly accurate that 5's would act more 8ish when they are confident. I certainly do when I'm in a debate or arguing a point with a friend I know well. I never even realized this before :blink:



Also, do you end up as just a 5 if you are evenly 5w4 and 5w6?

[Killsteel]

So what does this all mean for me?

Am I supposedly a healthy 5 now, or what?

[Vagabond]

Or an unhealthy Eight... :P

I don't totally buy the integration/disintegration lines... I think a Five can go to Eight when unhealthy too, or to Seven when healthy as well... it basically depends on whether you take up the healthy or unhealthy traits of Seven or Eight. (It is not my personal theory, I have seen it somewhere [don't remember where] and it makes more sense to me...). But, there is not a 5w8 in the enneagram theory. If you are a Five, it is either 5w4 or 5w6. Don't rely on tests to figure it out, read descriptions and observe people... if you still can't figure out your wing, check other type options too... in my experience (I am not an expert, just in my experience) people with no wings are usually trying to fit in the wrong type.

[Killsteel]

Hey guys, sorry to bump this, but do you reckon the fact that I end up staring into my eyes in mirrors is relevant? If someone stares at me, I'm not going to look away untill they do...

[INTrPosr]

Hey guys, sorry to bump this, but do you reckon the fact that I end up staring into my eyes in mirrors is relevant? If someone stares at me, I'm not going to look away untill they do...Doubt seriously whether you are INTP then. I will have to find the article, but INTPs ranked highest in having the inability to give eye contact.