What's your number?

Hoping to find good articles on the net one time, I come across a copy of the enneagram in a file sharing site. It triggered my interest to check again if i'm still a 5. My former supervisor introduced me to this thing -- probably the reason how she knows just how to deal with people though she seemed aloof, yet she is authoritative and kind.

So I scanned through the virtual pages ... and I still am the Observer. Here's what the enneagram says:

5 - The Observer
Alert, curious, inventive, independent, insightful, analytical

How to Get Along with Me

• Be independent, not clingy.
  
• Speak in a straightforward and brief manner.
• I need time to be alone to process my feelings and thoughts. (very true. i just hate people rushing me to do something even asking me my opinion right then and there. most of the time, i always wanted to be left alone to think before doing something. but of course, not in emergency situations. ;))
  
• Remember that if I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be that I am feeling uncomfortable. (and don't ever try to call me when i'm trying to flee. that means i don't want to be there. i don't want to be acknowledged.)
  
• Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt your sincerity. (well, i always doubt...)
  
• If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first place. (one word is enough for a wise man)
  
• Don't come on like a bulldozer.
• Help me to avoid big parties, other people's loud music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy. (number one in my list! call me anti-social. call me introverted but this is my zone.)

What I Like About Being a Five

• standing back and viewing life objectively (well, at some point i hate myself for not 'getting involved'... i always wanted to overcome this but it's really a struggle.)
  
• coming to a thorough understanding; perceiving causes and effects ((...and get stuck in my own web of analysis...hehehe)
  
• my sense of integrity: doing what I think is right and not being influenced by social pressure
  
• not being caught up in material possessions and status
• being calm in a crisis (probably not true. i always have panic attacks.)
  

What's Hard About Being a Five

• being slow to put my knowledge and insights out in the world
• feeling bad when I act defensive or like a know-it-all
• being pressured to be with people when I don't want to be (indeed)
  
• watching others with better social skills, but less intelligence or technical skill, do better professionally (what a pity if they're multiplying mistakes!).