Introverted 7's?
[Enneagram Type 7]
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Are we a rare breed? I'm an INTP, 7w6. I find I show more of a 9 attitude to people I don't know; once I'm within my comfort zone I quickly become far more confident and like my 'true' self. This only happens around people I've decided are competent enough for me to, well, stand in general. The thing is that while extroverted 7s may draw their energy from fast-paced activities with other people, I prefer stimulation of the mind and doing so on my own. I don't mind if people tag along so long as they aren't a hindrance to whatever I'm trying out/learning. I slow down very rarely for others to catch up and you'll be lucky if you get a second attempt at an explanation if you don't get it the first time around.
Extroverts would be more likely to take enjoyment from having others participate but as an introvert, I get energy/happiness adequately on my own. It's difficult to explain; basically, our enthusiasm manifests itself differently but aims towards a similar goal.
Extroverts would be more likely to take enjoyment from having others participate but as an introvert, I get energy/happiness adequately on my own. It's difficult to explain; basically, our enthusiasm manifests itself differently but aims towards a similar goal.
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We are indeed a rare breed, I can only think of about 5 total on this site.
@dreamcurse has it pretty much right, though. I feel less assertive than most 7s but I'm still assertive on the inside. Out of all introverts, type 7 introverts are probably most likely to hate their personal space being invaded. My time alone is when I do whatever the hell I want without anybody questioning me. I'm quiet about my wants and desires, I just achieve them in my own personal time. The focus on fun and enjoyment is still there, it's just more subdued.
@dreamcurse has it pretty much right, though. I feel less assertive than most 7s but I'm still assertive on the inside. Out of all introverts, type 7 introverts are probably most likely to hate their personal space being invaded. My time alone is when I do whatever the hell I want without anybody questioning me. I'm quiet about my wants and desires, I just achieve them in my own personal time. The focus on fun and enjoyment is still there, it's just more subdued.
I'm as close as you can get to being an introvert without actually being one. I think the biggest difference is in the ways of dealing with anxiety. Extroverts tend to escape by partying and being with other people, while introverts retreat to their thoughts and prefer being alone. I say tend because this isn't true for everyone; I'm an extrovert who acts like an introvert, and I'm sure there are others who prefer being alone to going out every night. I couldn't agree more with what @Kito said about personal space. I think it sums up introverted 7s perfectly: it's all about freedom that comes from independence.
lol when anxiety really hits I usually dislike company. If I was forced to, I might start bossing people around to compensate or something. Would you say extroverts prefer to settle it through external stimulation (music / funny vids etc) and introverts go back to their imaginations more?
That's exactly what I (extrovert) do when a streak of anxiety hits me: I spend my alone time listening/dancing to music or lose myself in the endless void of videos called YouTube. Just so I don't have to think about anything negative.
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I agree with this post almost entirely. Well, minus escaping via partying. I'm not a group sort of individual, although yes talking to other people can be a nice distraction if it's one on one. But I feel very introverted for an extrovert. I've often wondered if I was mistyped because of it.
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I identify as an introvert but I don't think I could just get lost in my thoughts for hours on end. For me it's more about finding something external (films, music, games) and dragging it into my imagination instead. It's like my mind needs inspiration to do anything. Either way, the first thing I'm prone to do in a stressful situation is to slap on some music or bring up a cheerier topic.
@Saira is definitely right about independence, which comes from personal space. I can't stand losing either of those. I'm actually pretty insecure and somewhat dependent on others on the inside, but I don't show it much. By independence, I just want the freedom to do what I want without things getting in my way. It's no wonder we disintegrate to type 1, that's the total opposite.
@Saira is definitely right about independence, which comes from personal space. I can't stand losing either of those. I'm actually pretty insecure and somewhat dependent on others on the inside, but I don't show it much. By independence, I just want the freedom to do what I want without things getting in my way. It's no wonder we disintegrate to type 1, that's the total opposite.
Make it six lol (7w8 sx speaking)
Yeah, I'd say so, but of course that's not always the case. I spend a lot of time in my head, but it's always triggered by something external. If I listen to music or read something, it will fuel my imagination; I feed on something external to create an imaginary scenario. I guess it depends much on the functions. For example, Si users find it easier to dwell on their memories than to be energized by the here and now. This is just my guess, I'm far from being an expert.Jiktin said:
Lol @Eerie, I wonder that, too. It's kinda weird being extroverted and a big loner. So confusing... The only extroverted trait I have when it comes to socializing is that I prefer larger groups of people, I'm really retarded with one-on-one talk.
Again, I agree with you completely, both about inspiration and independence.Kito said:
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Maybe it has to do with instinctual variants, I'm sx.Yeah, I'd say so, but of course that's not always the case. I spend a lot of time in my head, but it's always triggered by something external. If I listen to music or read something, it will fuel my imagination; I feed on something external to create an imaginary scenario. I guess it depends much on the functions. For example, Si users find it easier to dwell on their memories than to be energized by the here and now. This is just my guess, I'm far from being an expert.
Lol @Eerie, I wonder that, too. It's kinda weird being extroverted and a big loner. So confusing... The only extroverted trait I have when it comes to socializing is that I prefer larger groups of people, I'm really retarded with one-on-one talk.
Again, I agree with you completely, both about inspiration and independence.
Hmm. Though the reality is, the stereotypical 7 is quite different from the somewhat reclusive INTP. I find it intriguing that people automatically assume all 7s to be party animals when I'm anything but (so perhaps I'm not one). The reason I considered myself a 7w6 in the first place was the description of quick learning, hating to be bored, curiosity, optimism, need for interesting (mental) stimulation, never really knowing exactly who I am or what I want, etc. A lot of the descriptions clicked perfectly with me, so I thought it made sense at the time.
Now knowing a bit more about the enneagram syste, this makes me wonder - do they have a point? You rarely see introverted 7s, and perhaps it's for a reason I've missed. Perhaps 7s are actually meant to crave the sensation and experience in the physical world, not the inner, mental world as I do. I honestly have no idea how a 100% surefire, verified introverted 7 would act. I'm curious for the comparison though. Could it be that many introverted 7s are actually healthy 5s? 5s have the same intelligence, same curiosity, same wish to learn. I get the sense, though, that average 5s are more insecure and concerned with being capable (please correct me if I'm wrong), compared to the average 7.
So - thoughts? Sorry, my ideas are a bit disjointed right now. I'm finding it difficult to properly differentiate them here.
Now knowing a bit more about the enneagram syste, this makes me wonder - do they have a point? You rarely see introverted 7s, and perhaps it's for a reason I've missed. Perhaps 7s are actually meant to crave the sensation and experience in the physical world, not the inner, mental world as I do. I honestly have no idea how a 100% surefire, verified introverted 7 would act. I'm curious for the comparison though. Could it be that many introverted 7s are actually healthy 5s? 5s have the same intelligence, same curiosity, same wish to learn. I get the sense, though, that average 5s are more insecure and concerned with being capable (please correct me if I'm wrong), compared to the average 7.
So - thoughts? Sorry, my ideas are a bit disjointed right now. I'm finding it difficult to properly differentiate them here.
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I'm an INTJ 7. Are there really not that many introverted 7's? Wow.
I'm an ISTP and 7w8 sx. I never knew that introverted 7's were uncommon.
But I've heard it before that we might actually be healthy 5's and we're mistyped. I originally thought I was a 5, however, I thought and studied the possibility for quite a while and I am positive that I am not a healthy 5, but an average 7. Of course, I only speak for myself when I say so.
But I've heard it before that we might actually be healthy 5's and we're mistyped. I originally thought I was a 5, however, I thought and studied the possibility for quite a while and I am positive that I am not a healthy 5, but an average 7. Of course, I only speak for myself when I say so.
For the record, this site Personality Types: Enneagram and Myers Briggs Type Correlations - Enneagram and Myers Briggs lists you as common enough. But then it had a small selected sample.
http://personalitycafe.com/enneagra...agram-type-mbti-type-compared-statistics.html <- 3rd most common for ISTPs. (heh, all the thinking types first)
High Five. I don't party. I'm just there for the food. Any enneagram type can be any MBTI type. You've just got some rare Pokémons along the way, that's all. (http://personalitycafe.com/enneagra.../101541-rare-mbti-enneagram-combinations.html - you're not even on the list ;P)
Although..not knowing who you are? Are you sure that's 7-ish?
The source of stimulation for a 7 can easily be their own mind. I mean hey, there's a lot in there - the mind stores your life experience, plays with it in different ways, contains your imagination.. the sheer fact of its capability does not automatically speak to your motivation in its use. Not sure why introverted 7s are deemed uncommon, I've seen no lack here who are typed that way.
The way to differentiate 7 and 5 is, as everything Enneagram, through what motivates their activity. You can get 7-like responses on a questionnaire and the person can still be a 5, if they haven't written anything to indicate what their motivation is - and of course, vice versa.
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Love this topic!!!!:crazy: haha....
I actually covered this to some extent in a type interaction video I did with an INFJ type 2. She even pointed out after hearing that I was a ISFP type 7 that "Wow, how common is that?" and proceeded to inquire about it. I talked her about it not being too common, and that I only know of a few introverted 7's personally on Perc. and gave a shout out to @Kito. She even remarked that we must be a rare breed lol.
I also discussed with her how it can sometimes be conflicting for me being such an Introvert and a 7. The introvert side of me is very shy and keeps to himself and prefers his alone time more than anything but at the same time I'm keen on exploring new places, people, situations, etc. I'm very open to new experiences and am uber curious to check something out. I also mention that I'm hyper positive and am always looking forward to things etc......Sometimes it's hard for me to put myself out there with people,places,situations cuz' i'm really introverted irl, but I can't help myself in 'exploring' something as cliched' 7 as that sounds. Everything really is like an exciting adventure to me believe it or not. My isfp self didn't want to do interaction video with a stranger at all, but my 7 nature did. And usually my 7ness wins out with new experiences.
I am usually happy when I do have these new experiences or getting to know someone new.
I'll let everyone know once the video is posted.
I actually covered this to some extent in a type interaction video I did with an INFJ type 2. She even pointed out after hearing that I was a ISFP type 7 that "Wow, how common is that?" and proceeded to inquire about it. I talked her about it not being too common, and that I only know of a few introverted 7's personally on Perc. and gave a shout out to @Kito. She even remarked that we must be a rare breed lol.
I also discussed with her how it can sometimes be conflicting for me being such an Introvert and a 7. The introvert side of me is very shy and keeps to himself and prefers his alone time more than anything but at the same time I'm keen on exploring new places, people, situations, etc. I'm very open to new experiences and am uber curious to check something out. I also mention that I'm hyper positive and am always looking forward to things etc......Sometimes it's hard for me to put myself out there with people,places,situations cuz' i'm really introverted irl, but I can't help myself in 'exploring' something as cliched' 7 as that sounds. Everything really is like an exciting adventure to me believe it or not. My isfp self didn't want to do interaction video with a stranger at all, but my 7 nature did. And usually my 7ness wins out with new experiences.
I am usually happy when I do have these new experiences or getting to know someone new.
I'll let everyone know once the video is posted.
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Please do! I'd love to see if we have any similarities in communication.
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I'm another one who is struggling between 5 and 7 in my tritype.
I need constant stimulation. My own mind can be stimulation, but often I look for something external first.
If I have a lot of socializing, I want alone time, but if I have a lot of alone time, I want to socialize
I'm shy, not very outgoing, so I find my self usually with more alone time than I really want!
A lot of things in the 5 description fit too, the fact that 7 integrates to 5 and 5 disintegrates to 7 doesn't help any!
Offhand, this sounds more 7ish than 5ish. Everyone needs stimulation in life, but the 7 sort of depends on it in a way other types don't. The 7 is an experience seeker, and mental stimulation can be a real experience, or lead to interesting ones.
The 5 withdraws from experiences into concept-land. A 5ish fear would be to put yourself directly into real experiential states, especially ones you're not competent to deal with. Sure I like a measure of mental stimulation, but I also know when I'm overstimulated (I clamp down on such states) and I don't value the stimulation so much as what it gives me to mull over, the increased perspective and understanding I gain.
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