Know More about an Enneagram 5 – The Investigator

Key Takeaways

• Enneagram 5s are scholarly, simple, intellectual nerds who are known for being thoughtful and poised.
• They put their energy into maintaining sufficient privacy, boundaries, and limits.
• Enneagram 5s prefers to avoid strong feelings, including their own. Feeling drained and depleted of inner resources can make them feel empty and inadequate.
• Too many emotional intrusions and demands can upset them in no time. No private time to restore their energy can irritate them sooner than expected.
• Stress may cause short bursts of temper and irritability in them.

Are you a thinking freak and prefer to live in an inner world of deep wisdom? Do you feel curiosity drives you towards attaining knowledge? Has anyone ever told you that you’re innovative and can play with diverse ideas at a time? 

Are you eager to know why things happen in a specific way, the details and functions of each, and everything happening around you? Be sure that you would come out to be an enneagram 5.

Fives are inquisitive and want to gather knowledge more than anything else. They are keen observers who are alert and want to know the underlying truth of a phenomenon.

Others call them intellectuals and visionaries of the future because they are always hunting, searching, questioning everything that they experience around them. 

Fives are the ones who go into the depth of things, test everything before accepting them as authentic and true. They never rely upon received viewpoints and subjective analogies. For them, life needs to be lived with clarity and vision, without which it appears futile.

Let us know more about you……

Enneagram 5 Personality Infographics

Enneagram 5 – meaning and personality description

SUMMARY
Enneagram 5s are intellectual nerds. They are boringly studious, thoughtful, and innovative. Most of the time they live in their heads. They think, analyze, cross-check facts and opinions before giving them a nod. They stay calm in a crisis. Sometimes, they appear emotionally disconnected, aloof, and too scholarly, as if distant from the outside world.

Enneagram 5s are self-contained and conserve sufficient energy to maintain privacy, boundary, and limits for themselves. It is not easy to get into their inner world of deep thinking and knowledge. 

They are interested to know how the world functions, why things work in the way they do, why people behave in dissimilar ways even in a similarly confronted situation.

They are fiercely questioning almost anything and everything. Their curious minds are asking questions and checking facts and figures in detail. 

At the same time, these people are innovative and creative. They have the ability to play with many ideas at a time and fruition a few of them into reality.

Enneagram 5s also suffers from insecurity. They question their ability to function efficiently in this world. For this, they remain open to new information. 

They love to observe, analyze, and rethink to gain control and feel confident in themselves.

Insight and wisdom are strongholds of enneagram 5s. They value reasoning and delving deeper into unknown territories. Their attention often gets drawn towards unknown and occult happenings. 

Somehow, fives never drain their energy with too much socialization. On the other hand, they like to be competent and able and become self-sufficient as much as possible.

Enneagram 5s prefers to keep their relationships simple and relaxed. They avoid conflicts and try to keep a safe distance in their social sphere. 

Even in their personal relationships, fives are emotionally distant and not touchy-feely types at all.

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What can you expect being an enneagram 5?

If you are an enneagram 5, you will surely be like this – 

Being an enneagram 5, you’re a born thinker. You would prefer to live in your head and observe the world silently. 

The social drama, wishy-washy behavior of people doesn’t interest you much. You’re thoughtful, curious, and well-informed as well.

Being an expert in logical thinking and reasoning, you are too good at analysis and synthesis. You have the ability to master even the hardest of tasks that others may think of many times before pursuing. 

Your inner resources are creative and innovative. Thus, you prefer to work with finesse and grace.

Like all other enneagram 5s, you’re super talented and self-reliant. But, at the same time, you may also suffer from self-doubt. Your perceived weaknesses may make you weak and vulnerable.

Your worst fear is a feeling of being helpless and losing control over your surroundings. Sometimes, your sensitive and introverted ‘self’ may tell you that you are not good enough. 

Enneagram 5 personality traits (Adjectives that describes you)

The major personality traits that govern your overall functioning are:

• Self-sufficient
• Understanding
• Quietly caring
• Knowledgeable
• Investigative
• Thoughtful 
• Curious

Enneagram 5 – thinking pattern

As enneagram 5s are introverts, they prefer to spend time alone and feel happy about it. They are motivated to know, explore, enquire, and understand anything and everything that they perceive around them. This is the reason they are logical and curious learners.

They think deeply and prefer to analyze facts and figures in depth. Fives are ready to explore unknown dimensions. 

They try to know the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the phenomenon and rely on tangible information and not assumptions.

Enneagram 5 –Feeling pattern

People with an enneagram type 5 are thoughtful and imaginative. They prefer to live in a quiet abode away from the hustle of everyday living. 

Most of the time, they prefer to keep a safe emotional distance from others. Fives are not insensitive but prefer to remain aloof and distant from emotional situations.

These individuals are not emotionally charged up rather always seem to be in good control of their affective responses. 

Enneagram fives trust the power of logical reasoning to decide on important matters in life. They never get swayed by emotions.

Enneagram 5– Action pattern

Enneagram fives prefer to live alone and act independently as far as possible. These people are fiercely autonomous and prefer to do things at their own pace. 

They use their ‘me time’ to recharge and rejuvenate so that they can think more deeply and analyze situations closely.

Fives prefer to set clear boundaries in their workplace. Since they are highly competent people, they prefer to work alone and contribute solely to the growth of the organization. 

They dislike unnecessary intrusions in their private space and remain distant from too much socialization.

If you are interested to know more about enneagram 5 personality description in detail, you can click the link given here.

5 Signs of being an Enneagram 5

People with enneagram type 5s are keen observers that making them inquisitive thinkers. Their quest for knowledge and wisdom makes them aware of the various happenings going around them. 

These people are alert, present, and rooted in reality. Being a highly practical type, they scan through events in their life with great detail and understand the underlying issues easily.

If you’re an enneagram 5 or know someone close to you with this personality type, you’ll be able to relate to the following signs closely.

1. You’re an introvert

Enneagram 5s are introverts and prefer to live inside a closed shell of happiness and absolute peace. They reside within and recharge their resources and innate skills. 

These people are quiet, poised, relaxed, and thoughtful. They can sit inside a room for hours doing nothing great but maybe creating innumerable ideas to work on. 

Fives are private people and prefer to be with themselves. Too much of socialization may appear exhausting and intriguing to them and they may hate to waste their resources for no genuine reason.

2. Fives may find it hard to process emotions

You may not be the one to handle the sentiments and emotional highs of others because you are really poor in this area of functioning. 

It’s like a foreign territory that appears overwhelming and disturbing. Fives can neither give emotional support to themselves nor to others. Emotionally, they are always distant and aloof.

Fives can detach their own feelings as well. They just detach themselves from pain and suffering, as if trying to ignore the emotional cues coming to them.

3. You dislike public intrusion in your space

People with enneagram fives are private people. They love to protect their personal space more than anything else. 

They dislike people who try to invade their private space and try to get too personal with them. Since these people are not good at handling emotions, they prefer to stay lonely and private as much as possible.

4. You are an independent person

Fives like to depend upon themselves. They are not the ones who try to seek help and assistance from others. 

Fives are autonomous and independent decision-makers. Sometimes, they may become over-confident and feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness. They prefer to do things on their own. 

They do not like overly-helpful and clingy people who may try to help them with every small thing.

5. Fives use their resources wisely

People with enneagram 5 personality types use their resources after thoughtful consideration. They are actually well-known for their simple and minimalistic lifestyle. 

They may take pride in high thinking and simple living analogy.

Fives are cautious and use their physical, emotional, and financial resources wisely. They are not spendthrifts at all. Sometimes, fives are also choosy about their social invitations. 

They will accept only a few of them and reject others. People with these personality types are careful and never interact more than what is actually needed.

If you are eager to know more about enneagram 5 personality traits, you can access the link given here. 

Enneagram 5 motivations

Each of the nine personality types described in the enneagram model is driven by some core motivations. 

These driving forces actually determine your core enneagram number and tell you why you behave in the way that you do?

The core motivations rewire your thought processes and affective states so that you behave in certain ways under certain circumstances. 

It also shows the dynamic nature of your personality. 

The core motivations of enneagram 5s can be divided into:

• Core desires or basic desires
• Core fears or basic fears

The core desires of enneagram 5s are:

• Their basic desire is to always be competent, capable, and independent.
• Fives prioritize knowledge and intellect more than anything else.
• They passionately seek new learning and want to develop their key strengths.
• Fives desire autonomy and want to work alone.

The core fears of enneagram 5s are:

• They fear being incapable and incompetent.
• Fives may become insecure if they find that they are helpless in a particular situation.
• They feel emotionally overwhelmed if they feel stuck in a place. It means they prefer to experiment and analyze things. If someone or something stops them from being curious, they may feel anxious and insecure.

Core values of enneagram 5

People with enneagram fives live for knowledge and wisdom. Their critical thinking skills make them question known and unknown facts. These people are intelligent, non-conformists, and uphold a minimalistic view of life. 

They are least bothered about the trends going on in society. They defy pointless rules, traditional beliefs, and conventions that cannot bring a greater good to the community.

Fives are fiercely self-reliant and don’t seek help from others unless absolutely necessary. They value autonomy and freedom of thoughts and actions. 

Some of the core values that govern the behavior of enneagram 5s are:

• They value ‘me time’ and live a solitary life away from outside influences.
• People with an enneagram type 5 personality are not into social niceties.
• They are the ones who are a little careless about what others may like or feel about them in a social setup.
• Fives value authenticity and honesty. They do not prefer people who appear deceitful and can harm others.
• They can challenge customs that appear pointless and unnecessary.
• Fives can keep their calm demeanor intact in times of adversities. They never lose their temper.

To know more about the core values and motivations of enneagram type 5, you can click the link given here.

Healthy and unhealthy behavior patterns of enneagram 5

In the enneagram model, all the nine personality types possess both healthy and unhealthy behavior patterns. 

The healthy patterns show the arrows of integration and unhealthy patterns resemble problems and stressful circumstances under which the type can disintegrate and behave differently.

The manifestation of healthy or unhealthy behavior depends upon the changing circumstances and the person’s ability to cope up with the situation.

When enneagram 5 moves towards growth and integration, they may manifest the behavioral qualities of enneagram 8. 

However, in times of disintegration, the stress arrow of enneagram 5s may show some unhealthy traits and start behaving like an enneagram 7. 

Healthy enneagram 5

The healthy enneagram 5s are curious and deep thinkers. They prefer their private space to ponder over known and unknown issues. Being good problem solvers, they can break complex issues into small parts and deal with them separately.

The healthy fives can become subject matter experts because they are highly skilled and knowledgeable in their field of expertise.

Since they have a very clear idea about concepts and patterns, healthy fives can simplify complex problems easily. 

They can also share their wisdom and know-how about diverse topics with a large group of people.

Signs of healthy fives

The typical signs of healthy enneagram fives are:

• The healthy fives are perceptive and innovative.
• Their curious nudge makes them seek the unknown.
• They have a relentless pursuit for knowledge.
• These fives are inventors and prefer to discover things unknown to others.
• Visionaries who are open-minded and flexible as far as new learning is concerned.

Unhealthy enneagram 5

The unhealthy fives are socially withdrawn and isolated. When enneagram 5s disintegrate and become unhealthy, they may lose touch with reality. 

They may lose foresight of the events happening around them and get into conflicts and disagreements with others.

The unhealthy fives may retreat in a closed space of their own to save their face from further insult and humiliation.

Under stress, enneagram 5s behave oddly. They lose emotional awareness, their power of logic and reasoning may crumble into pieces. 

In such a situation, fives may choose to move away from the real world, just to get some peace within. 

Signs of unhealthy fives

An unhealthy enneagram 5 looks like this:

• They may isolate and seclude themselves from reality.
• Tends to become more eccentric and whimsical.
• Rejects social participation completely.
• They may become mentally unstable, insecure, and fearful.

Average enneagram 5

The average enneagram 5 is withdrawn, reserved, and shy. They prefer to keep themselves away from the public eye. Most fives have very few friends who are really close to them. 

At average levels, fives stay aloof and are well-read and knowledgeable people. Sometimes they may appear as ‘bookworms’ also.

In their free time, fives may take refuge in their inner world to create interesting ideas to ponder and work upon. These fives are intellectuals who hate mundane tasks and daily chores.

They may need continuous mental stimulation to thrive in this competitive world. 

Signs of average fives

• These fives are studious and work in their minds.
• They can go against established rules and challenge the specific methodology of doing things.
• The average five is detached emotionally because they are busy joining the dots in their heads.
• They may appear emotionally distant, cold, and affectless.

You can learn more about the healthy and unhealthy behavior patterns of enneagram 5 by clicking the link given here.

Enneagram type 5 wings

The Enneagram model of personality typology describes nine interconnected types. Each of these nine types has two wings. The ‘wings’ refer to the second side of your primary enneagram number.

It symbolizes the two types on either side of your primary Enneagram type. Your personality dynamics and overall functioning in everyday life are determined by the core enneagram number.

The wings actually complement, harmonize or contradict the main enneagram personality that you possess.

Precisely, the wings give a special touch to your main type. Sometimes these wings help to understand the complexities of human nature. 

Enneagram 5 wing 4 characteristics

People with an enneagram 5 wing 4 possess the main characteristics of type 5 and some traits of type 4 as well. These individuals are reserved and thoughtful, intelligent and curious. 

An enneagram type 5 with four-wing fear being incapable and helpless. If they lose their competence, they will become extremely insecure and vulnerable.

Sometimes they may try to compensate for this fear by learning new skills, exploring new areas of expertise, etc. for them, pursuing new knowledge makes them an able and worthy people.

• 5w4 are introverts. They prefer to maintain a quiet life away from the chaos of society.
• People with this personality type bring a lot of curiosity to explore and know the unknown.
• They seek knowledge and wisdom. For them, a day without learning anything new is a day that is wasted.
• These individuals are highly competitive and rational-minded.
• They fear being incapable.
• 5w4s can think and express creatively.

Enneagram 5 wing 6 characteristics

People with an enneagram 5 wing 6 identifies with the characteristics of enneagram 5 fully and have some traits of enneagram 6 also. These individuals are called the troubleshooters because they are analytical problem solvers.

They are much more practical, rational, and thoughtful. Being an introvert, they shy away from their social connections in trying times. These wings of enneagram 5s also fear incompetency. They desire to remain capable, independent, and well-informed always.

• They are lifelong learners.
• 5w6s are fiercely logical and analytical.
• Has a quest for knowledge.
• Prefers to remain in their alone time 
• Efficient problem solvers
• They can remain calm and maintain peace in times of turmoil and upheavals.

Enneagram type 5 subtypes

The subtypes of a specific enneagram number refer to the instinctual tendencies that make up that type. It refers to the combination of your primary enneagram number and your instincts.

Instincts can be defined as the primal forces that are body-based and always remain as a part of our system. These instinctual tendencies are mostly unconscious forces that determine our specific ways of thinking, feeling, and acting.

The enneagram model describes three instincts that make up the three subtypes of a specific enneagram number. For the fives, the subtypes are as follows:

• Self-preservation (SP) – castle
• Social (SO) – totem
• Sexual or one-to-one – confidant

Let us know these subtypes in detail

1. Self-preservation (SP)

These subtypes of enneagram 5 are protective of their private domain. They hate intrusions and make sure to keep their inner world safe and secure. 

The self-preserved five sets clear limits and boundaries for others. They value their privacy more than anything else.

As already referred, enneagram 5s are introverts and as such, they have very few close friends to share and confide with. 

This type is a lonely soul who prefers to see the social life around them but never shows interest to participate in it.

2. Social (SO)

The social subtype of enneagram 5s is curious to know the underlying meaning of different situations.

They show their quest for knowledge by sharing their big ideas with other intellectuals. This subtype of fives are emotionally aloof but they connect with others intellectually. 

They prefer discussions and debates on many known and unknown things. They are motivated to gather more information and gain knowledge on diverse topics and subjects. 

3. Sexual or one-to-one (SX)

This subtype of five is passionate and loves to connect deeply with others who share their interests and skills. They come out of their private space and permit openness and intermingling. 

This subtype of five believes in sharing and caring. They enjoy the chemistry and try to nurture it with more affection and compassion.

If you are interested to know more about the wings and subtypes of enneagram 5, you can access the link given here.

Enneagram type 5 relationships

So far, we have discussed a lot about the signs of being an enneagram 5. Now let us discuss at length how they perform in maintaining healthy relationships being at various social roles.

As for enneagram fives, relationships are based on loyalty and mutual trust. Usually, fives are passionate lovers, committed friends, and protective parents. 

As romantic partners / spouse

Enneagram fives are patient, faithful, and helpful partners. Being an introvert, they may not be good at expressing their deepest love and concern for their partner. 

This doesn’t mean they are emotionally distant from them.

Frankly speaking, fives are silent lovers. They may not take their partner or spouse for an exciting date, yet they care and support their partner thick and thin.

Fives prefer to love without show-offs. For them, intimate relationships are mutually built with trust and humility. Partners should feel free to share their life secrets and problems with each other.

Fives prefer to have and give space in their relationship. They prefer partners who can give them enough lonely time to thrive in their heads and think about abstract things.

Moreover, fives prefer independence and autonomy. Thus, they do not like their partners to become nosy and too interfering in each and every matter of their life.

Fives are able to logically work through issues in their married life. They respect their partner’s independence and expect the same from them.

As friends

Enneagram 5s are loyal and honest friends. In friendship, they like to partner with people who can engage them in thoughtful conversations. 

Being introverts, they prefer silence and solitude. They prefer to connect only with a small number of close friends who understand them well. 

They look for a perfect chemistry in the friendship that is both loyal and engaging.

Enneagram fives are helpful, caring, and considerate friends. Sometimes, you may go out of your comfort zone just to be on the side of your friend who needs you the most.

They like friends who can offer them new learning, opinions, and insights into new things. Mundane activities, small talk, chit-chats amongst the friend’s group are not meant for an enneagram 5.

As parents

Enneagram 5 parents prefer to expose their children to a wide variety of experiences. They help their children to learn new things by practical examples. 

Being patient parents, they enjoy both baby talks and insightful conversations with their growing children. 

Sometimes, being an introvert, fives may tend to avoid attending social functions with their kids. In this way, there are high chances that they fail to understand the social needs of their children.

Enneagram 5s are caring parents yet they stay firm as far as discipline and morality are concerned. 

They do not set pointless rules at home but set limits at home in such a way that children have a fair idea of what can happen if discipline is violated in some way.

Enneagram 5 compatibility with other types

A compatible relationship is a healthy union between two individuals where they can work together to build a healthy bonding and live life joyfully

Relationship compatibility may go a long way in developing deeper emotional connections with one another. 

It is important because it allows you to tune in, or sync with the likes and preferences of your partner.

Here couples relate with each other with freedom, equality, love, adoration, and respect. After discussing so much about enneagram 5 relationship patterns, it’s time to highlight how these intelligent types connect with other enneagram types.

The chart given below shows the relationship compatibility and degree of connections that fives can have with other enneagram types.

If you are keen to learn more about Enneagram type 5 relationships nad compatibility, you can access the link given here.

Dating tips for enneagram 5

When you’re dating an enneagram 5, make sure that you know their type dynamics and set your skills in place in order to relate with them at a deeper level. 

These people are intelligent, logical, and thoughtful. For them, emotional drama is a waste of time and energy.

You may find them living in a closed comfortable space of absolute silence and deep thought. Sometimes, dating enneagram 5s may appear difficult and absolutely different. 

But you can use some tips and tricks to know them better and connect with them easily.

• Fives love books, puzzles, and interesting games. So, if you’re interested in these things, you’ll have an extra nudge to connect with them emotionally.
• They would prefer partners who can talk with them on science, facts, fiction, history, discovery for hours.
• Never rush into relationship commitments with an enneagram 5. They may not like it. Give them time and personal space to thrive happily in the relationship.
• Their dating ideas appear weird. They may take you for a date to see a historical monument or museum. Never get surprised because they are putting you on a test and trial method.
• If you wish to connect with them deeply, appreciate their skills and never dare to criticize them. Criticisms and evaluations can make five questions about the future of the relationship.
• Enneagram 5s like honest partners who are not show-offs, rather authentic in their outlook towards life.
• They prefer to live alone. Give them enough solitary time to recharge their batteries and come back to you with many more new ideas and surprises to look for.
• Help them share their deepest fears and agonies, if any with you. Since they are quiet and reserved people, they may struggle to express their feelings explicitly. They need partners who can lend them patient ears in trying times.
• Be kind and gentle with them. They actually long deeper emotional connections, though they hardly show their softer side to the outside world.

Enneagram 5 workplace habits

Enneagram 5s are serious and meticulous when it comes to completing a particular assignment. These individuals are highly esteemed in their workplace because of their hard work and honesty.

As their basic desire is to feel competent and capable, these people strive to attain excellence in their field of work. They are skillful and passionate learners.

Most often, enneagram 5s can work well if given a chance to think and act independently. They prefer to remain objective, rational, and free from emotional ties in their workplace.

Their workplace habits typically involve honesty and integrity, logical thinking, point-to-point discussions, and no overdoing of emotional expressions.

Now let us discuss their contribution in different positions across the organization.

As colleagues

Enneagram 5s are helpful and supportive colleagues. They may guide their colleagues with expert knowledge and technical skills. Being an intelligent nerd, fives are less emotional and more productive.

They may help their colleagues to work efficiently with many ideas on the table at a time. Fives are competent and focused when it comes to fulfilling job duties. 

Thus, they can support the weak people in the team with all the guidance that they may need in accomplishing a task.

As subordinates

If you know an enneagram 5 subordinate, you may find them working relentlessly to get things done. These individuals never procrastinate and feel lazy about doing something.

They are technically skilled, well-informed, and lifelong learners. Their thirst for knowledge remains their first choice.

Their effort and dedication towards their work make them earn accolades and appreciation from their immediate managers.

The interpersonal skills of an enneagram coworker are not great because they are reserved and prefer to walk away after their job is done. 

You’ll never find them socializing too much with anyone in the work setup.

As managers

Enneagram 5s are able and competent leaders. They lead their teams with authority and proper guidance. 

These skillful people set goals, develop the right strategy, divide work amongst the team, plan and organize backup plans and know-how to get things done.

Fives are efficient, logical, and can bring different innovative ideas to the table for further discussion and exploration by the team members.

Being a boss, they are always assertive and straightforward. They are not unkind, yet remain firm and frigid always in their appearance and body language.

The team members respect them for their talented ideas and superb problem-solving strategies. Enneagram 5s also believes in a growing work culture where team members are safe to voice their opinions also. 

To know the details of enneagram 5 workplace habits and communication style, you can access the link given here.

Enneagram 5 career choices

Being an intellectual mastermind, enneagram 5s are inquisitive and talented. They shine in careers where they get an opportunity to explore, experiment, analyze, and create novel things. 

Most of the time, they are well-suited for professions that foster a deep understanding of concepts and patterns. 

They will feel energized and motivated to work in free environments where their managers will support their endeavors in the best possible ways.

People with an enneagram type 5 are hardworking and dedicated. Thus, they choose serious careers that can foster personal growth and development.

On the other hand, these introverts will never choose careers that lack privacy limits and boundaries. No way can they get too social, right?

They never like their superiors ignoring or avoiding their suggestions and advice. Sometimes, they may become agitated if their subordinates want too much guidance. 

Thus, it is obvious that any career that doesn’t respect their personal space will be a ‘big no’ for them.

Depending upon their preferences, Enneagram 5s can choose the following career options:

• Engineer
• Computer programmer
• Cyber security specialist
• Technician
• Scientist
• Statistician
• Mathematician
• Scholar

You can get more details of type 5s favorite career options in the link given here.

Core strengths of enneagram 5s

Each one of the nine enneagram types has its own strengths. These are the areas of expertise and in-built capabilities of an individual that help them to function skillfully in personal and professional settings.

Enneagram 5s are known for their logical and analytical mind. They think deeply and can create innovative ideas that are original and novel. These individuals are smart, well-read, and studious.

Being an intellectual type, fives prefer to stay alone away from the hustle-bustle of everyday living. 

They take refuge in their introspective self and never get into unnecessary socialization. They prefer high-end logical discussions on science, history, literature, fine arts, etc. 

At the same time, they are not into small talks and backbiting sprees. These individuals are not people-oriented types but set their connections free-flowing with a small group of trustworthy friends only.

Some of their key strengths are:

1. Keen observers

People with enneagram 5s are keen observers. They remain open to the happenings going on around them.  

Thus, they will quickly notice changes in others’ behavior or body language. Moreover, they can notice even slight changes in their immediate environment.

Fives feel that if they remain aware of the details, they will be able to control their surroundings easily.

2. Fives can stay calm in trying times

As enneagram 5s are introverts, they are quiet and reserved. They are peace-loving and maintain poise and patience during hard times. 

Having full faith in their skills and competency, they know they will easily sail through adversities.

3. Fives are deep thinkers

Deep and innovative thinking is their key strength. They prefer to stay focused in an inner world of deep thinking. 

Enneagram fives are curious about knowing the unknown, so they go on thinking about complex things that are absolutely new and creative.

Sometimes they may think about abstract ideas that are beyond preconceived notions and opinions. It means that they think out of the box. Unconventional ideas have always fascinated the fives.

Core pitfalls/blind spots of enneagram 5s

Just like the strengths, each one of the nine types also has some potential trouble spots or issues that need to be overcome in order to have healthy personality growth. The personality weaknesses of an enneagram 5s are:

1. Absentmindedness

Fives are absent-minded and remain lost in their thoughts. Being an introvert they have a rich inner world that remains closed from outside interference. 

This drawback makes five asocial and forgetful. They miss out on enjoying the present moment of life.

2. They’re emotionally cold and numb

Most fives are insensitive towards the needs and feelings of others. They may appear cold, numb and others may not be able to connect with them emotionally. 

These individuals always keep a safe distance from others because they are not good at handling emotional situations.

3. Fives are socially aloof

People with an enneagram type 5 are socially aloof and distant. They have a very small group of friends and acquaintances and prefer to live a lonely and secluded life.

Fives are quiet and reserved people. Being an introvert, they do not prefer unnecessary socialization and prefer to stay away from the chaos of social living.

To know more about the strengths and weaknesses of enneagram 5, you can refer to the link given here.

These individuals are not the ones who can face harsh realities boldly. Their self-esteem may get hurt and shattered forever.

Stress triggers of Enneagram 5

Stress refers to a state of emotional discomfort or psychological disturbance that can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious in no time. 

There are various life situations that can make an enneagram 5 feel the burden or pressure.

Some of the main stress triggers could be:

• Being an enneagram 5, you may feel frustrated and angry if someone tries to invade your personal space forcibly.
• You get overwhelmed if asked to wipe someone’s tears. Emotional outbursts are not for you at all.
• You may become irritated if someone just gets into your room without prior permission. You prefer to keep things private and behind closed doors.
• If someone ignores you, whenever you talk to them, it can be a source of stress for you.
• Sometimes too much socialization like partying, night out with friends, or with office colleagues may make you angry and anxious.
• You may become overwhelmed if someone tries to micromanage you because you always prefer independence and autonomy.

How do they handle stress?

When an enneagram 5 faces stress, their coping mechanisms may break down. They may show signs of anger, anxiety, and mental restlessness. 

They may fail to connect with their inner world. It may seem to be confusing and hazy. Everything may seem to fall apart fast and fives may fall in a state of disintegration. 

In such a state, they may behave differently, just like an enneagram 7.

If you are an enneagram type 5, you may follow some coping strategies that may help you to gain clarity of the stressful situation and guide you to process the negative emotions that you might be experiencing in a healthy manner.

• To beat the stress, you may take a nature’s walk or meditate to be present in reality.
• Try to connect with loving people, either family members or friends with whom you may connect at a deeper level.
• You can even try out reading self-help books on how to combat anxiety and stress. Sometimes motivational videos can also help you to overcome your negative emotions.

If you are eager to know more about the stress triggers of type 5s and the ways they use to combat stress, you can access the link given here.

Famous persons with enneagram 5

Being an enneagram type 5 personality, you must be interested to know the names of celebrities and renowned people who have earned respect in their professional life. 

These people were always looked up to as those who are highly competent, curious, and independent in their thoughts and actions. Let us know the names of a few of them.

• Mark Zuckerberg, entrepreneur
• Diane Sawyer, American broadcaster
• Agatha Christie, author
• Albert Einstein, scientist
• Alfred Hitchcock, author
• Kurt Cobain, American singer
• Jane Austen, author

We have compiled a list of enneagram type 5s famous personalities from all walks of life. These esteemed personalities have left an impression that is deep-rooted in people’s minds. You can know the names of these famous people here.

What enneagram 5s hate?

Being an enneagram 5, you have an itch to explore the unknown. But in doing so, you may fall into a black hole of fear and deep insecurity. 

There are so many things that you do not like going on around you.

• Enneagram 5s hate interruptions. You hate being stopped in the middle of something.
• You hate those who try to invade your privacy and personal space.
• Being a number 5, you prefer alone time. You would hate to get tied in needless socialization.
• If you are forced to deal with someone’s emotional struggles, you will withdraw in an inner space of comfort. Fives hate emotional drama.
• Fives need to know things in depth. Thus, they dislike superficial discourse and on the surface problem solving strategies.
• They hate to rush with things. Usually, you prefer to do things slowly and with a good thought.
• Fives are introverts. So they hate social niceties. They prefer to say what they feel.
• If they ask people to please, they may become upset and irritable.
• They do not like people who seek personal information from them.
• Being a five, you have a tendency to overlook conflicting situations in life. You would hate to disturb your inner serenity.
• People of type 5s hate being judged or criticized. It makes them question themselves about their ability and self-worth.

Hobbies of enneagram 5

People with enneagram type 5s have a natural affinity towards learning new things and gathering more knowledge about the world they live in. 

They love challenges and prefer to defy established rules and protocols of society. 

When it comes to hobbies enneagram 5s may engage in leisure activities that are intellectually stimulating and interesting. 

They take up hobbies that give them enough opportunity to satisfy their curiosity and satisfy their inner need to gather knowledge and wisdom.

More than this, fives prefer to spend time alone to recharge their energy. Thus, they would engage in activities that can be done alone sitting in their comfort zone away from the spotlight and chaos of social living.

• Solving puzzles
• Card games
• Playing chess
• Solving math quizzes and puzzles
• Solo sports
• Hiking / cycling

If you are interested to know the various hobbies and side interests of enneagram type 5s, you can click the link given here.

How rare are the enneagram 5s?

In a research study done by Truity.com, enneagram 5s are to be found in almost 0% of the population. 

This type is commonly found amongst men, comprising about 14%; while women comprise only 7% of the population.

Growth tips for enneagram 5s (How do you grow better)

Personality growth refers to a gradual process to develop your key skills and areas of expertise. It also refers to improving your habits, behavior, and emotional responses that are in sync with the society you live in.

This growth process will help you improve your overall quality of life. Being an enneagram 5, you need to remove your blind spots to enhance and enrich your hidden talents and skills to become a better being.

Enneagram fives are reserved and socially inhibited types. You may find socialization extremely draining and thus try to stay away from it. As such, you prefer to live in an inner world of quietness and silence. 

Though it helps you to live in your thoughts actively, you need to understand the fact that socialization is a way to nurture your skills and showcase your talents. 

1. Practice hobbies

Being an enneagram 5, you remain preoccupied with your thoughts, you may not enjoy the tiny joys of life. 

Sometimes, you may seem to lose connection with the present moments because of your overthinking nature.

Thus, you should practice doing something nice and beautiful every day to connect with the subtle moments of life.

Some common activities such as meditation, dancing, cycling, morning walks may help you relax and connect yourself with an inner world of true happiness and poise.

2. Remember, it’s absolutely fine to seek help from others

You should realize the fact that seeking help from others whenever needed is not a sign of weakness. 

It’s okay to lean on someone’s shoulder during trying times. Fives are independent beings and prefer to live an autonomous life. That’s good only to a certain extent only.

Sometimes, you should not keep too many things on your plate. It can make you feel heavy. Thereby, learn to take help from others and seek support from people who are ready to give it gladly.

3. Leave your comfort zone

Enneagram 5s prefer to feel safe, secure, and in control always. They feel that their inner world is good enough to energize them. Thus, they may ignore social stimuli and prefer to live alone.

Being a five, you should learn to step out of your comfort zone and take on the struggles of the real world boldly.

Try to connect with more people by attending big social gatherings. You can even give a nod for parties, friend’s meet up, office picnics, etc. 

If you practice these social niceties regularly, you will be able to leave your world of deep thoughts for the time being and get to know the real humane world around you.

4. Appreciate the way you feel

Enneagram 5s cannot process emotions in a healthy manner. In order to avoid pain and emotional discomfort, they may try to ignore, avoid, or disregard the way they feel altogether.

Being an enneagram 5, you will tend to feel numb and cold from within. You are not the one to share your feelings with others. 

You should learn to face emotional situations where you can actually understand the things you’re trying to repress. 

Sometimes, you may also maintain a journal referring to the situations and subsequent emotional responses that you might have had. 

This will help you to validate your deepest fears and innermost feelings the way they are. You will not try to repress or change the way you feel, rather accept it as a part of yourself.

5. Appreciate others’ suggestions

You are not the one to handle criticisms in a healthy way. When others try to suggest something, you may try to enter a rabbit hole of comfort and peace. 

You hate being judged. Since you have a very high opinion about yourself, you may think it’s futile to listen to others when you know the best.

But, it’s important to appreciate others’ opinions and see if it works for you. Honest feedback from others may help you understand yourself well. 

It will help you understand different perspectives and develop newer insights that you may have not thought of previously.

6. Always remember that you need others and others need you

Enneagram 5s are lonely and prefer to live alone. But you need to acknowledge that human connections are an integral part of good health. 

You need to come out of seclusion and develop meaningful relationships in your personal and professional life, so as to live a joyful life.

7. Work on your sensitive and soft side

Being an enneagram 5, you appear cold and numb. Others may think you are insensitive and expressionless. People may find it hard to connect with you emotionally.

Thus, it’s essential that you learn to open up, share your feelings with others, and let people know how you feel about something.

Sometimes, you may need to choose compassion above everything. Show that you’re kind and considerate. Let people know your gentler side as well.

Enneagram personality test

The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator, commonly known as the RHETI version 2.5, is a popular and widely used enneagram personality test used worldwide.

This test is empirically tested and scientifically designed by thorough research and consists of 144 paired statements that take around 40 minutes to complete.

The RHETI enneagram indicator was created and developed by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson in 1993. The test provides a person’s primary enneagram number with a detailed analysis of the personality profile. 

It also indicates the wings and relative relationship with all the nine personality types.

If you wish to know your primary enneagram number, you may take the test here.

The video link shared below shows the signs and personality dynamics of an enneagram 5. Do check out.

Parting words from ‘ThePleasantPersonality’

Enneagram 5s are the ‘nutty professors’ who desire to learn, know, explore, experiment, and want to have a thorough understanding of the world and life in general. 

These individuals may feel isolated and left out, even if they miss out on a single chance of gathering knowledge.

Fives take refuge in their inner world of deep thinking. They believe that knowing the nitty-gritty of how things function will eventually help them to control their immediate surroundings. It will keep them safe and well-informed.

Enneagram 5s are also interested in verifying their learning by seeking approval and reassurance from others. 

Though they are private people, sometimes they like to be appreciated and regarded for their work and discoveries. It boosts their confidence and competence.

Above all, these individuals get lost in their thoughts and may look like crazy fellows hard to be understood by the common man.

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”

Albert Einstein

Article Sources

1. https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2019/11/11/the-enneagram-five-profile-the-investigator/
2. https://www.truity.com/enneagram/personality-type-5-investigator
3. https://thoughtcatalog.com/heidi-addler/2017/07/11-signs-youre-an-enneagram-type-5-also-known-as-the-investigator/

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Disclaimer – “The opinions and information given in this article have been researched and put to use from the various web sources on the topic. The names of the celebrities / fictional characters given under the particular personality type do not reflect the opinions of ‘ThePleasantPersonality’. We recommend that readers use the names with discretion if required. The company doesn’t make any claims regarding the authenticity or accuracy of the source content on the web.”