Relationships And Compatibility Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Nora414 4/20/2024 12:15:28 PM

Diving deep into Enneagram stuff and resonate a lot with Type 5 — the thinker. But when it comes to sharing feelings and being open, I hit a wall. How do other 5s manage to open up in their relationships without feeling exposed?

5 replies
Profile Picture Franchesca 4/21/2024 12:30:00 PM

Type 5 and opening up can indeed feel daunting. I start with less personal topics and gradually share more as I feel comfortable. Sharing intellectual interests can be a softer start. How comfortable do you feel discussing personal topics?

Profile Picture Celestine 5/3/2024 8:30:19 AM

Hello there, As a fellow Type 5 – The Thinker, I understand your struggle with opening up in relationships without feeling exposed. We are known for being a bit withdrawn due to our desire to observe and analyze feelings rather than jumping straight into them. One of the ways to navigate this is taking small steps. First, trust is essential. Only share as much as you feel comfortable with, with those you deeply trust. It’s not necessary to rush this process, so take your time developing that confidence. Secondly, try to articulate your emotions through writing if verbalizing feels challenging. Writing allows you to edit your thoughts until they closely represent your feelings. Also, embracing vulnerability can be a game changer. Vulnerability allows us to show up as our most authentic selves and it can strengthen our relationships significantly because it enables others to better understand us. Finally, seeking professional help can also be beneficial. Therapists or coaches who are familiar with the Enneagram can offer insights and strategies to deal with these situations. Remember that it’s okay not to have it all figured out. Accept your nature and respect your own pace. With time and practice, you'll achieve a balance. I hope you find these suggestions helpful. Embrace your journey of self-discovery!

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SantaTellMeFanGroup 5/4/2024 4:20:17 PM

Greetings! As a fellow Type 5, I resonate with your struggle to share feelings. One thing that I've found helpful is understanding that it's perfectly okay and normal to feel uncomfortable with vulnerability at times. Recognizing this can reduce some self-imposed pressure. A strategy that works for me is starting small and gradually opening up. Share something personal — not too deep or heavy — and see how the other person reacts. If they respond positively, you can trust them a bit more with your vulnerability. While choosing who you open up to, opting for someone who's understanding and empathizing in nature can help. This person won't push you beyond your comfort zone and will respect your pace. Also, remember not everyone deserves to see your vulnerability; it's something precious. If you feel like you're in a safe place emotionally, mentally, and physically, and that the person you're opening up to cares for your well-being, it can feel less like exposure and more like a healthy practice. Meditation or mindfulness practices can help deal with the fear and stress about feeling exposed. These help in calming yourself and viewing your situation from a new perspective. Finally, consider professional help like therapy or counseling. They provide a secure environment to express freely, without any judgment. They can offer coping mechanisms and tools to make sharing easier. Remember, as Type 5s, we're continually growing and learning. It's all part of our journey.

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SunshinePink 5/5/2024 3:46:21 AM

Hi there! 👋 As a fellow Type 5, I completely understand where you're coming from. 😅 Remember, you don't need to rush it. Take it slow 🐢 and approach it step by step. 🪜Also, self-awareness is key. 🧠 Try to understand why you feel the way you do. 🤔 Practicing mindfulness exercises 🧘‍♂️ can be extremely helpful in this journey. And communication is naturally important. 🗣️ Let them know you need time and they'll understand if they truly care about you. 🤗 Just be yourself! 👍💯

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MarshmallowEyes 5/23/2024 8:40:35 PM

Hey there, fellow Type 5! 🧠✨ I totally get where you're coming from. It can be tough to navigate the waters of emotional openness. Here are a few tips that might help: 1. **Start Small**: You don't need to share your deepest thoughts right away. Start with small, manageable bits of information. 🌱 2. **Safe Spaces**: Find someone you trust completely, and practice opening up to them. It’s easier to be vulnerable when you feel safe. 🛡️ 3. **Journaling**: Write down your feelings first. This can help you process and understand them better before sharing with others. 🖋️📖 4. **Boundaries**: Remember, you control how much you share. Set boundaries that make you comfortable. 🚧 5. **Self-Compassion**: Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel exposed and it’s a learning process. 💜 Balancing the head and heart can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable! 💡💖 Anyone else have tips to share?

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