Enneagram Type 5: The Observer
What to Know about Enneagram Type Five
Enneagram Type 5 is nicknamed “The Observer” for their innate ability to focus on what’s happening without necessarily participating in it themselves. They are introverted thinkers who have a hard time sharing their feelings, or anything personal, with other people.
Fives value privacy and need alone time more than most. They tend to withdraw when feelings arise (theirs or others) and would rather process something logically than emotionally. Type Fives can appear cold and standoffish as a result.
Below you will find an overview of what motivates the Enneagram Type 5 and things they can work on to improve their daily living.
Enneagram Type 5’s Focus of Attention
→ Gaining Knowledge
Learning is the main objective of Type Five’s life. They like to dive deep into any subject they’re learning. It makes them feel more comfortable moving about life.
Fives can suffer internal humiliation if they are caught unaware or look like they don’t know something.
→ Managing Their Energy Level
Type Fives feel like their energy level is in constant danger of being depleted. They only have so much energy to expend on any given day. Think of it in terms of a cell phone battery - most of us wake up fully recharged and ready to take on the day; Fives wake up at 50% battery life, and they go about their day making sure they won’t be completely drained of their energy.
→ Observing from a Distance
Type Fives like to be observers rather than participants. It’s easier for them to process what is happening this way (which they typically prefer to do alone). They feel uncomfortable sharing too much information about themselves, instead preferring to retreat inside their own mind where they are the most comfortable.
Type 5’s Passion: Avarice
The passion (or vice) of Enneagram Type 5 is AVARICE. (Learn about the Enneagram Type Passions here.)
AVARICE is like hoarding energy and resources to ensure one is not depleted. This includes closing their heart to giving and receiving to and from others, often resulting in the Type Five not outwardly showing emotions. Fives would rather process their feelings in private, away from prying eyes.
Type Fives tend to hold themselves back from others. This includes not discussing personal information about themselves or not openly expressing their feelings, including to the ones they’re closest to.
Fives intensely desire to be alone and need time to themselves every day. But they can also benefit from opening themselves up a little more without fear of losing their energy. There’s always time in the day to recharge.
Type 5’s Strengths and Struggles
Struggles
Disconnect from their emotions
Can be socially awkward
Can appear cold or stand-offish
Not easy for them to be spontaneous
Can be too comfortable being alone
Strengths
Independent and self-sufficient
Analytical and objective
Respects boundaries
Good observers
Love of learning
Things for Enneagram Type 5 to Work On
📍 Try connecting more with people without the fear that they secretly want something from you. It’s more likely they just want to get to know you better.
📍 Stop putting so much emphasis on gaining knowledge by researching on your own. Instead, process with people around you and hear their opinions without imposing judgment. > Get more in touch with your feelings and emotions. Feelings are meant to be felt, not thought. When you’re able to open your heart to others and, more importantly, yourself, you can start living a more fulfilling life.
If Someone You Love is a Type 5
❣️ Know that having a relationship with deep connections is what your Type 5 wants the most, even if they’re not always forthcoming in saying or acting it. When they share intimate details of their lives with you (even if it’s only sparingly), take it as a sign that they value your relationship.
❣️ Respect your Five’s boundaries when you can. Get close, but not too close. Get further away, but not too far away. When they withdraw from you, give them their space and know they will return to you.
❣️ Make a safe space for your Five to let them know it’s okay to come forward and talk to you about what they’re feeling. Don’t be pushy about it, and practice patience with them. Fives appreciate knowing they have someone to depend on, even if they don’t always voice it.
““Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.””