Am an I an Enneagram 1? What does it mean to be a Body type? What’s a good contrast between 1w9 and 1w2? How are self-preservation 1s, social 1s, and sexual 1s different from each other? This in-depth analysis answers all of your questions!
INSIDE THIS POST:
THE 1 AS A BODY TYPE
Body types experience life in terms of energetic output and the tension and friction that exists between themselves and everything else. It feels like the world bears down on them, determined to move them in ways they don’t want to move, so they must bring the energy required to push back. They know the pain that comes from doing things, and see life as a battleground in which they must defend their autonomy, lest others take control and leave them without options. A Body type never wants to be without control, choices, or the right to choose their own path and listen to their intuition.
1s are idealists who long for a world where perfection and order are everywhere they look. It’s hard for them to turn away from the painful contrast between their sense of what could be and reality, which is plentiful with imperfections. If reality isn’t unfolding how it’s supposed to, their conviction and grief over the disparity drives them to correct the situation. They solve problems by taking action when their inner compass alerts them something is out of alignment with the best possible outcome. 1s notice what is “wrong” in their environment, want to fix it, and to do so in a manner that does not introduce more wrongness or impurity to the situation.
They see how things are supposed to be, how things don’t fall in line, and try to create excellence by holding their inner sense of guidance up as a measuring stick of good or bad, right and wrong. Their standards don’t come from others or from analysis, but their internal reaction based in what feels right or wrong. Their swift and automatic “knowing” is firm in the face of opposition, making them a fearless advocate for high standards, self-improvement, or an ideal version of events. 1s refuse to look away from or think there is nothing to be done about the things that upset them, and are tireless advocates for the change they want to see.
In their mind, anything is possible if they reach for it, so they can accept nothing less. The world could be a better place if we all treated one another with respect and kindness, committed to using less plastic, cared about starving kids in poor countries, tried to conserve resources, saved the whales, or took more personal pride in our daily efforts with our loved ones. In all things, there is a superior version that could be made real with focused effort and care. It is not enough for them to imagine a better version, they want to see it, hold it in their hand, to bask in it, and know they left their mark.
Rather than let their feelings cause a “scene” (that feels messy and crude to them), 1s separate from them to hold them inward, and use them as fuel to identify problems and find the best solution; it falls in line with their felt-sense of the right outcome, based on their high standard. They know the correct way, because this feels wrong and that feels right. An inner conviction drives them to steer things in the direction they want them to go. 1 can’t stand by or let bad things happen that violate their self-guidance and standards, because to do nothing about what upsets them feels akin to giving it their stamp of approval. If they can do something, it will have a positive effect on the situation. It’s hard to believe there’s nothing they can do.
If they encounter anything that triggers them, 1s feel it on a body level. Disbelief and anger resentment hits them. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be! The wrongness of it fills them up, followed by irritation that leads to a clean and decisive action, with the conviction of what they want instead. It feels divine to intervene, because inaction says they don’t care. Apathy is the enemy of good, because it lets evil survive.
They draw a strong boundary to let others know where they stand, what they won’t tolerate, and either to stop events from unfolding or ensure they turn out how the 1 wants them to. Anger is their fuel. 1s stand for nothing less than their own personal best. They know who they want to be, and feel good about denying themselves the things that don’t feel right for them or that could derail them. It falls on their shoulders to be the change they want to see in the world, and to lead by example by being virtuous, honorable, or poised. To be or do otherwise lets them down. They strive to be composed, self-controlled, and polished, by being proper and living up to their own standards.
They alter their outer behavior to reflect their internal standard. If they relax their standards, 1s worry it might affect their character or behavior. It is important for them to be good, right, above reproach. To avoid evil from tainting them, they hold fast to their beliefs and convictions, which gives them the courage and fortitude to stand firm on what matters. 1s stand by their opinions, even if others deem it wrong, foolish, or attack them. It’s more important to hold to their beliefs than to please you. They know having strong convictions does not win over everyone, but it attracts people of similar moral character, and that is who they want to associate with and be around. If this feels right for them, 1s know they are where they belong.
1s use their feelings to lead them into action. They feel like their ability to judge the validity of things is a given, and find it confusing if others won’t adapt to a standard that seems so obvious to them. They believe it’s right for them to identify what upsets them and to take a stand against it; to stop and question what they’re doing or if they are correct doesn’t occur to them. This makes them good at problem-solving, but unrealistic in their expectations.
For example, perfection doesn’t exist, yet 1s strive for it. They use up immense amounts of time, resources, and energy in pursuit of it. Because “perfect” is an abstract concept, they strive for “good” instead, and only they know what that looks like. 1s fail to define what perfection is in their mind, which means they push themselves (and others) hard to capture an out-of-reach ideal, when they could be clear instead (perfection means there’s no typos in this manuscript).
By having idealistic standards for the self and others, 1s feel like the world, themselves, and people are always lacking or falling short of their potential, which frustrates them. Deep down, 1s know nothing is without fault, but rather than accept that as a fact and be satisfied with it, it pains them so 1s try to improve it. They struggle to learn how to be fine with “not being okay.” To find the joy in the messiness of life and to not want to “fix it.”
The 1w9
1w9s pour their energy into their poise, their resolve, and restrained calm. They control their disapproval, unless they believe it’s right or justified to display it. Rather than make a fuss, 1w9s show a quiet disapproval for the things they hate, and do not want to leak their emotions all over the place, or have others embarrass them with fits. It feels right to control themselves, and wrong for others not to do the same, or to bring chaos to them.
They see those under their influence as their duty of care and hold tight standards for those close to them. 1s are aware of differences between themselves and others, but if the other person’s beliefs do not infringe on them (seem bad or wrong), they leave them alone; if their actions affect the 1w9, they will nitpick the situation or the discussion or find fault with their behavior. Their disapproval grows over time if that person doesn’t change. They deal with frustration by moving away from it, cutting off the source, or getting away from a person who upsets them by plotting an exit strategy.
1w9s keep a tight rein on their anger and use it in targeted ways. If someone gets something important wrong, they may point it out and if that person refuses to listen to them, they will share a whole list of inaccuracies, to politely but firmly establish their rightness. It is important for them to show their disapproval. They do not like people who ignore feedback (why did I waste my time with this then?) or are petty about it, or who don’t change something that is incorrect. If a 1w9 spends their precious energy on your behalf, only for you to ignore it, they feel resentment that you took up their precious time and disrespected their efforts; they didn’t have to help you.
They feel intensely and express anger easily, but rarely to the full extent. 1w9s feel more rage than they show, but see no reason to release their wrath on anything stupid. In a desire to be unaffected and unhindered, 1w9s create distance from those they dislike rather than confront them, or show withdrawn disapproval. They give you the impression that they won’t stop you, but don’t approve of your choice, either. As their anger feels righteous, it’s hard for them to move past it, forgive it, or cope with it, without it creating a bodily response. Stress often manifests physically and affects their health or the state of their overall being.
In matters where a 1w9 has no opinion, they go along with others, but wherever there is a conviction, they stand their ground in the face of all opposition. Their standards reflect their ideals, but they struggle to match their efforts to their expectations. Rather than give up hope, 1w9s work at them, in the belief their diligence can help them achieve the impossible. They are philosophical, which gives them a distance from the world. They may be trusting, idealistic, or naïve in their assumption others have the same high standards and sense of responsibility that keeps them in line. It’s painful for them to learn otherwise, or find out they can’t affect change by drawing attention to obvious flaws. It gives them a sense of powerlessness; they know there’s nothing they can do about it, and are angry about being helpless in the face of evil or preventable mistakes.
The 1w2
1w2s have a wing in the Image center, which makes them aware of the vital role they play in the lives of their family and friends, and want to be seen in a way that reflects their self-image as someone who embodies unselfishness, duty, love, and integrity. They feel as if they are the one person who can get this done right, and bring about a good outcome, because of their high standards. 1w2s see themselves as the only reliable person involved.
They are aware of power dynamics; how to bring about change by influencing the flow of conversation and touching people’s hearts by regarding their response to the situation as the most moral one. It is right, because it is the best option, one that fills others’ needs. 1w2s get involved with those around them, and try to do what is in their best interests. Others need them more than 1w2s need others, because they’re capable enough for self-care, and only they see how things should be. They’re sure of being right or knowing what’s best.
1w2s are a blend of strong criticism and encouragement. Where a 1w9 will ignore or walk away from someone who frustrates them, a 1w2 will point out the problems with their behavior and encourage them to do better, or emphasize how they do not need this person to be happy or survive. They are strong-willed and confident they have the skills required to bring about a favored outcome. As they are reliable and trustworthy, others follow them and feel encouraged by their conviction. To join them feels right, because they are on a righteous path. 1w2s know what they want and pursue it, but hope to help others along the way. They draw attention to problems, but are aware of the effect it has on their audience. 1w2s try to embody their internal self-image and live up to their standards. Others need to see them as competent, driven, kind, and good. That is both who the 1w2 is inside and how they see themselves.
While compassionate, they are formidable when crossed, but use disapproval before wrath, as they’re aware of their audience. “I am not angry, just disappointed.” Out of a desire to maintain their connections, 1w2s target the heart of the person who let them down and want to trigger an emotional response. They need the correction to fix or deepen their relationship. 1w2s expect others to behave properly and feel grateful for what they receive (or at least polite). It’s right to be thankful or civil, even when it’s not how they feel.
1w2s hold on to lost causes because it feels right to do so, or their emotions/heart get involved and they feel a need to save them, but the instant their internal sense of right or wrong changes how they feel, they withdraw their warmth from that person or situation and move on without it. This happens after an unforgivable action that violates an inner principle, shows them this person is bad, or stems from a lack of appreciation.
Read the full profile, almost 9,000 words including self-work, about the Enneagram 1 in my book, 9 Kinds of Quirky.
Social Variants:
Since my book does not include social variant types, I recommend you purchase John Lucovich’s excellent and ground-breaking work on the topic. You can read more of his content here.
Social variants determine how we respond to the world around us and where our major priorities in life lie. Attentiveness to bonding, social responsibilities, and how we ‘appear’ to others is in the realm of social (soc). Survival, fulfilling all of one’s needs, and a focus on ensuring one always has enough resources for a comfortable life is self-preservation (sp). Sexual displays, competing for attention, being like a moth to a flame in your pursuit of another person, or competing for a mate falls under the realm of sexual (sx). Read through each to determine which resonates the most with you.
Self-Preservation 1
Self-Preservation Ones seek to experience Essential Integrity through their lifestyle and well-being, and they put a great deal of energy into determining the best way to live in accordance with their values. For them, living with integrity means making sure the choices they make correspond to principles of good. Every area of life is intentionally considered: the right diet, work, hygiene, and even how the day is structured and how time is spent, because creating coherence between their personal values and how they are expressed in micro and macro details help the Self-Preservation One find clarity, orientation, and purpose.
Many Self-Preservation Ones can exhibit a great deal of anxiety around lifestyle choices. Their home, for example, is often the object of emotional fuss. Contrary to stereotypes, it’s not always the case that Self-Preservation Ones’ living spaces are perfectly tidied and ordered, but there is almost always some clear intentionality. It might be aesthetically “just right,” it might represent an ideal environment for caring for a family, or it might be an expression of a particular kind of lifestyle.
Self-Preservation Ones are also typically quite frugal and have strong boundaries around money and can be surprisingly intense about territory and having control over their sense of autonomy.They can emphasize correct procedures and correct habits, in themselves and in others. For distressed Self-Preservation Ones, there is little room for disruptions or flexibility outside narrow parameters. Therefore, punitive self-control can be met with “leaks” whereby the One tries to release some of the pressure built up around their harsh inner critic, such as being extremely choosy around their diet and then binging on sugar after a lengthy period of “good behavior.”
In attempting to avoid feelings of being flawed, the imbalanced Self-Preservation One will feel a need to justify the correctness of their lifestyle, leading to some rather bizarre rationalizations for the way they live and how others ought to be, especially when physical and emotional needs arise that don’t fit cleanly within their ideals.
The Social 1
Social 1s look to experience Essential Integrity in relationships, causes, and vocation. They have a great deal of awareness about what’s going on in the world at large. They want to understand their place in it and how they can meaningfully contribute to its betterment. People of this type be reformers, social crusaders, and standard bearers. They have a sense of mission and purpose and wish to set an example of how to live from integrity.
Their sensitivity to context makes them adept at seeing the potential in others and where others fail to live up to it. This gravitates them toward mentoring, teaching, guidance, coaching, or leadership positions where they can foster the growth of individuals. Autonomy conflicts come into play as a desire to become attached to a particular soc set while finding that group to be not quite up to their ideals. Thus, the relationships and connections they seek to foster are in need of improvement. This keeps them engaged, oriented toward particular dynamics and people, yet on the outside. By being critical, they remain autonomous and separate.
Although their impulse to reform is well-meaning, as their ideals become rigid and unrealistic, their judgments become more intense. Unconsciously, the imbalanced social 1 is perpetually striving for moral superiority, which finds an uneasy tension with the desire for connection and the social instinct’s awareness of others’ states. This plays out in chronic frustration and judgment of loved ones and groups as a way to remain separate from them and attached through a negative effect. To keep up the identity, no matter how others actually are, they must find fault and come from a position of judgment and condemnation.
If pathological, they become a zealot for their visions of how society should be, taking on an air of purifying the social climate. An identification with feeling right can prevent them from being willing to see how their ideals may not work out as imagined.
The Sexual 1
Sexual Ones seek to experience Essential Integrity in their sexual relationships and attraction displays. The idealism of Type One manifests here most acutely as attempting to be the best kind of romantic partner, to have the best partner, and to have an untouchable kind of chemistry. They’re not so much interested in appearances, though they certainly give it attention; instead, they aim to exemplify traits that make them exceptional and therefore desirable, and, in turn, they look for a partner who shares these qualities and with whom they can have the right kind of relationship.
In contrast to the stereotype of the straight-laced One, Sexual Ones often have hobbies, interests, and careers that may seem out of bounds for a type that is typically perfectionistic. These interests often seem, on the surface, unrelated to attraction, but their “hook” is that they’re usually fascinating, adventurous, or creative, and performed to a high enough standard of excellence that it stands out. By seeming to be rooted in an ideal other than attraction, their attraction-displays also serve the additional purpose of giving the Sexual One’s ego “plausible deniability” that these activities are sought for a higher purpose than just procuring sexual attraction.
Sexual Ones can have an infatuation for the ideal. They may unconsciously create conditions where they either keep a relationship with a potential partner from being consummated or they become obsessed with unobtainable lovers, believing that this person is “perfect” for them.
Autonomy plays a central role in the Type One personality, so the judgment that they direct at themselves, at lovers, and the relationship as a whole unconsciously functions to reinforce separateness. If the partner is too X, Y, or Z to infuse themselves with, or the Sexual One judges themselves to be unworthy or not good enough for their partner, this may present emotional difficulties.
Sexual Ones often have an ideal kind of partner in mind, but their bodies may betray an attraction to people that don’t accord with their ideals. They may seek out partners who hit every box on their checklist but are poor lovers, or vice-versa. This can pit a Sexual One against themself in a clash between standards and reality, and there may be an unconscious dynamic of being turned on by their own frustration toward their partner. In partnerships, Sexual Ones can become ruthlessly critical and controlling of their partners, as if getting a thrill from turning partners into improvement projects.
Influences on MBTI Types:
Editor’s Note: Because of its emphasis on perfection, repression of sexual and other impulses, and rigid moral standards, certain types are less likely to be 1s (I have left them off). Sometimes 9w1 NFPs mistype as 1.
ISTJ: efficient, detailed, and organized, with high personal standards of behavior and work performance for themselves; may take on and do others’ tasks instead of asking them to do them over and/or take on too much at work, school, etc, because it “takes less time for me to do it.”
ESTJ: efficient, detailed, organized, with high professional standards for oneself and others, often strives to model oneself on being the “perfect” (partner, parent, employer, employee, etc) based in external stereotypes rather than building strong emotional connections. Becomes petulant under stress (“No one ever does any work around here except me!”).
ISFJ: efficient, detailed, and has strong moral judgments about the attitudes, behaviors, and performance of others; struggles mightily both with their inner critic and habitual fear of what others may say about their output (Fe), which could cause them to delay starting things indefinitely.
ESFJ: efficient, detailed, and has strong moral ideas of how others should behave and what is socially appropriate; often has unrealistic standards for others and may not realize their own self-standards are equally impossible (due to inferior Ti / lack of self-analyzing), but can usually find ‘pleasing’ ways to ‘correct’ others and shift them toward betterment, without realizing their anger isn’t as hidden from others as they think.
INTJ: strong work ethic and high personal standards, which combine with a Ni-dom desire for a total perfect vision and inferior Se anxieties about not achieving that level of perfection in the real world when executed (which leads to procrastination and fear of beginning, because if they can’t have their perfect vision, they won’t take anything!). May tend to over-simplify complex morality into rigid black and white guidelines.
ENTJ: efficient and organized, with a strong and sometimes unrealistic “perfect” vision it wants to attain in the real world through work / school, etc., more than willing to take decisive action to make it happen, but may blame others if perfection isn’t attained (due to low Fi / 1’s tendency to refuse to take responsibility when things go wrong). Prone to strong views of morality, and may push away from tert-Se desires for pleasure, and new experiences, etc., which may leave the ENTJ feeling imbalanced, angry that their morals prevent them from having fun, or envious of freer spirits.
INFJ: strong personal standards, often unrealistic in their desire for “perfection,” prone to idealized visions but abstract horror at the idea they may not be attainable in real life (inferior Se problems), which could mean they never start, leading to feelings of self-disappointment and criticism for being “lazy” (which is evil!); strong moral opinions on how others should behave, often tied to a Ni-sense of “who they COULD” be. Often, total neglect of inferior Se / looking down on people who “over-indulge.”
ENFJ: a sense of who people could be, as a more perfect version of themselves, prone to trying to push them toward it; strong moral ideas of how others should behave and what is socially appropriate; often has unrealistic standards for others and may not realize their own self-standards are equally impossible (due to inferior Ti / lack of self-analyzing). Struggles to reconcile tert-Se desires (food, sex, experiences, etc) as not being “bad” or “shameful,” and may neglect Se-development, while secretly being envious and resentful of people who “live a little.” Also prone to anxiety about not realizing their “perfect” vision in real life, but more often focused on an idealized, unattainable “perfect vision of oneself.”
ISFP: super strong moral judgments which dictate all their decisions; their desire to be hard-working and efficient will tax their inferior Te, making them prone to self-berating for lack of organizational skill or efficiency; they want to ‘control’ their Se impulses and may feel dissatisfied as a result.
ENFP: prone to unrealistic, ever-changing standards of perfection that are vague (but all amount to “not what you currently are”), strives for perfection in all their relationships and creative projects; is meticulous when it comes to work and triple-checks everything (low Si problems), then feels much more guilt than necessary over “honest mistakes” (due to anxiety about how the other person must feel about them now). Strong moral views of behavior which makes them frown at others who seem irresponsible, immoral, or do not get their work done on time.
INFP: super strong moral judgments which dictate all their decisions; their desire to be hard-working and efficient will tax their inferior Te, making them prone to self-berating for lack of organizational skill or efficiency; prone to unrealistic personal standards of perfection which are vague, and reverts to negative self-comparison to stereotypes (Si), more meticulous due to low Si and harder on themselves than on anyone else.
