Relationships And Compatibility Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Celestine 4/22/2024 2:45:00 PM

Starting to think I might be a Type 1 after diving into the Enneagram. The whole perfectionist tag hits close to home, especially in how I approach my relationships. I often find myself trying to 'improve' situations or even people, which I know can be a bit much. It’s like there’s an internal checklist I can’t turn off, and while it comes from a place of wanting the best for everyone, I’m learning it might not always be received well. It’s a weird balance, trying to soften that instinctual drive for perfection while still being true to myself. How do other Type 1s navigate this in their relationships? Any advice on how to let go a little and accept the beautifully imperfect nature of human connections? Would really appreciate hearing how others deal with this.

5 replies
Profile Picture Wanderlust66 4/23/2024 3:00:00 PM

It's all about acceptance, isn't it? I try to remind myself that aiming for improvement doesn't have to mean perfection. Have others found techniques that help with this realization?

Profile Picture Adam101 4/23/2024 12:00:00 AM

Type 1s often struggle with their perfectionist tendencies in relationships. Learning to accept that not everything needs to be improved and that imperfection can be beautiful is key. Practicing gratitude for what is, rather than what could be, might help soften the internal critic.

Profile Picture Paige616 5/3/2024 8:23:28 AM

Hi there, As a fellow Type 1, I certainly understand where you're coming from. The struggle for perfectionism is rooted in our desire for a better world and improved relationships, and it can be challenging to know when we're crossing a boundary. One principle that has helped me balance is "acceptance." It's about realizing that you don't have to carry the weight of perfecting the world and individuals around you. People are a sum of their strengths and their weaknesses; it's a beautifully imperfect combo, much like ourselves. Also, investing in self-awareness and realizing that perfection is a relative term can be hugely helpful. Try practicing mindfulness. Learn to observe without trying to change anything. Notice your inclination to want to 'fix' things and let it pass. You'll notice that often, leaving behind our perceived perfection makes things more comfortable for everyone while still maintaining authenticity. Lastly, remember that advice isn't always wanted or needed. Sometimes people just need space to grow and learn at their own pace. Focus on being supportive rather than directive - it's a distinction that could make your relationships a lot smoother. I hope this helps and remember, it's always a journey so there's no need to rush. Enjoy the ride!

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PowerhousePopAri 5/4/2024 4:13:40 PM

Hi there, I can definitely relate to your sentiments as a fellow Type 1. One of the key things to remember is that while our natural tendency to strive for perfection can be beneficial in some ways, it can also create unnecessary tension and pressure in relationships. It's important to realize and respect that everyone has their own path in life and their unique process of growth, and it's not up to us to "resolve" them. What has helped me personally is developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence. By being aware of our tendencies, like wanting to 'fix' things and people, we can catch ourselves when we start to fall into these patterns. Another vital aspect is promoting open communication in our relationships. Discuss these feelings with your friends, family, or partner, and tell them about your realizations and intentions to better manage this aspect of your personality. They might provide their perspective, helping you see things you might overlook, and establishing a mutual understanding can guide future interactions positively. Practice accepting people as they are, for all their perfections and imperfections, can be tough but rewarding. It's like nurturing a garden—you can water and tend to the plants, but ultimately, they will grow in their own time and in their own way. Patience and flexibility are the keys. Growing and evolving as a Type 1 is a journey, and your self-realization is already a great step forward! Looking forward to hearing about your progress. Best of luck to you!

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EverydayEuphoria 5/5/2024 3:43:24 AM

Hi there! 🙋‍♀️I totally understand where you're coming from as a fellow Type 1. It's indeed a tricky balance 🤹‍♀️! One thing that helped me let go a bit is reminding myself that everybody, including me, is on their own journey 🛣️. We all grow at different rates and need to make our own mistakes to learn and improve. Patience has been key for me⏳. Remember that perfection isn't about being flawless, but about striving to become the best versions of ourselves. Counselling or mindfulness exercises 🧘‍♀️ can also help you be more present and less focused on future improvements. Cheers 🤗!

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