“Fours often… feel they are missing something in themselves, although they may have difficulty identifying exactly what that “something” is. Is it will power? Social ease? Self-confidence? Emotional tranquility?—all of which they see in others, seemingly in abundance.”
- The Enneagram Institute
Part one of a series? Maybe? Because everybody loves a personality test. Especially when it tells you exactly why you’re broken.
Yozora: Type Eight (The Challenger)
Her bluntness is symptomatic. It isn’t simply that Yozora is awkward and doesn’t know tact from the back of her hand (though that certainly doesn’t help). She says awful things to people because her ego dictates that she’s above the consequences. Even when Yozora’s protective, as in the childhood flashback of episode three, she plays at being the more powerful guardian of a weakling.
Type Eights are about authority and dominance, and Yozora is a perfect example of someone with these traits in overdrive… However, this also means that she’s remarkably good at taking leadership and getting things done. That’s about all I’m willing to give her, really.
Sena: Type Three (The Achiever)
You have to admire her for one thing: Whatever Sena does, she throws herself into it completely. New game? Master it in three days. Swimming? From doggy paddling to freestyle in a day, ain’t no thing. She’s smart, she’s beautiful, she’s stylish, pretty much perfect in every way… and that’s exactly how she wants to be seen. Sena can’t live away from the spotlight.
Unfortunately, that’s what shoots her in the foot when trying to make a social life. She blames her popularity with the boys for scaring off potential girl friends, and it’s true — high school girls can be quite nasty about that sort of thing. But it’s just as likely that her perfectionism intimidates people. As Hugh Prather once put it, ”To err is human — I’m uncomfortable around gods.” It’s lonely being a goddess.
Further reading
Here’s a comprehensive Enneagram info site, complete with practice test.
November 17, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Sena would be the most useful friend I can imagine. I like having friends who are good at things, so I can help them channel their goodness into things I like. If I had a blank slate of perfectionism like Sena, I’d have a drummer for my band already. Plus I’d give her all the friendly attention she craves. BFF.
Yozora’s a bitch, I want nothing to do with her.
November 17, 2011 at 1:19 pm
In so many words, yes.
I think of her as Haruhi, for those who kinda didn’t like the god thing but were REALLY into the manipulative sociopathy.
November 17, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Oh snap! Ok, the second of the two linked test sites (now missing?) has a relationship match system:
http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/5and8.asp
I’m a 5, and it says I need an 8. You have Yozora as an 8, but I haven’t seen the show, so I can’t make the call… but, you have Yozora now as “I think of her as Haruhi”, and I always joke around and say that “Haruhi is the only fictional character I’ve ever fallen in love with”, so that’s fascinating. You can tell I’m having a lot of fun with this one!
November 17, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Ohh, that is interesting. Okay, guess I’m adding that link back on there.
November 17, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Actually, it doesn’t say I need an 8. I selected ’8′ under type 5 because that’s what I scored, but what I really did was select the page for why a type 5 would go for a type 8 (there are pages for every match combo). Nevertheless, what I said still holds, and the other match pages are quite interesting (and I feel pretty damn accurate).
November 17, 2011 at 1:12 pm
“Especially when it tells you exactly why you’re broken.”
Sometimes, I love you, 2DT.
I took the test in the first link (it’s the same test in the second link, just a different site with different names for the ‘types’) and scored a:
6-0-5-4-8-4-4-3-1 (which is probably dead on).
November 17, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Ah, my mistake. The first link was supposed to be Wikipedia. It’s fixed now. Cheers.
A Loyalist, hmm? That’s somewhat unexpected.
November 17, 2011 at 1:42 pm
The 8 is type 5, the Investigator/Thinker. Maybe if I write the numbers out like this, it will be easier to make out: reformer(6) helper(0) motivator(5) romantic(4) thinker(8) skeptic(4) enthusiast(4) leader(3) peacemaker(1).
November 17, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Aaahh. Well that makes much more sense!
November 17, 2011 at 2:41 pm
I’m a type 4 (Romantic) according to this test. I guess when you answer things honestly, you get surprising results. It seems that I need to find another type 4 for a potential mate. Interesting.
November 17, 2011 at 2:52 pm
That’s the nice thing about this test: The forced-choice structure makes gaming the test for desired results a bit more difficult.
I’m a 4 too! Apparently if we find 1s as partners, we become unstoppable forces of creativity.
November 17, 2011 at 8:17 pm
I took the test after reading this comment and got 6 2 6 4 4 5 4 2 3
as far as I’m concerned, that makes me a 1. And I have no doubt that we together are an unstoppable force of creativity!
November 17, 2011 at 5:41 pm
I came out equal parts Reformer, Romantic and Thinker (all 6s). Unsurprisingly to me, I also scored a 0 as a Leader.
Are you enjoying your time of Haganai? Kukuku.
November 19, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Been thinking about the two girls a bit more and what makes them tick.
Yozora is basically jealous of Sena’s good looks (big tits, hers are small) and supposed popularity (with the boys). That’s what started the attempts to bring Sena down. Unfortunately for Sena, she is terribly upset by anything she isn’t already good at or is excluded from. Yozora teases her mercilessly in this weak spot.
On Sena’s side, she is trying to prove that she isn’t just a pretty face (and big tits). Especially to other girls like Yozora. Which is why she comes to Kodaka for help swimming or to get her first mail address exchange. He’s safe. That gets Yozora’s goat because there’s the pretty girl flirting with the only guy around (and apparently some long lost childhood friend).
So yeah, two girls with mutually antagonistic coping mechanisms. So moe
November 17, 2011 at 8:05 pm
6 points each in Motivator, Thinker, Skeptic and Peacemaker. Seeing that I can’t decide which one fits me the most, I’m probably Type 6 (Skeptic)
Also whee first time posting. I’ve been reading this blog long before this, though, and I gotta say I enjoy the little insights you make on anime. Keep on it!
November 18, 2011 at 1:34 am
A long-time reader, first-time commenter… Can it be? I’m so glad to see you! You’ve made my day.
There’s an interesting discrepancy regarding 6: The Enneagram Institute calls 6 “The Loyalist,” and describes it as someone who wants to have security and feel supported by others, and who will often do that by testing and questioning. Same basic features, but skewed very differently from what 9types calls the Skeptic. Food for thought.
Anyway, thanks for reading!
November 17, 2011 at 10:44 pm
I am very strongly type four (to the point where I scored negatively in all other types with the exception of one other, type seven).
It does tell me exactly why I’m broken…haha.
Anyway, thanks for this, it was an interesting read and test. ^ ^ Almost makes me want to pick up Haganai.
November 21, 2011 at 4:18 pm
The bit about feeling like everybody else has something I don’t was a shocker. That’s exactly how I’ve put it to people.
You should pick it up! No bets on whether you’ll like it, though.
November 18, 2011 at 6:32 am
Hm. It seems the majority of people here are 1s, 4s, and 6s, and we also have a five. I oughta read the personality matrix a bit more closely and see how those relate to a 4–what you say you are. I wouldn’t be surprised to see your personality draw us here in a sorta-quantifiable way.
November 21, 2011 at 4:20 pm
My light draws people in like moths to a flame?
An interesting hypothesis! But I think there’s a lot to be said for just being nice to people — it’s worked wonders for me so far!
November 18, 2011 at 7:29 am
Just took the new test, and the results shows a very strong 3, with many negatives in the other areas. A motivator… I didn’t think it’d fit me, but once I clicked into the descriptions, it feels so right. (Though I feel the same way whenever I read Aries horoscopes, which, as an aside, I am totally super into recently.)
It’s a lot of fun to confirm for yourself what you think you are I guess.
November 19, 2011 at 9:21 am
“Unfortunately, that’s what shoots her in the foot when trying to make a social life. She blames her popularity with the boys for scaring off potential girl friends, and it’s true — high school girls can be quite nasty about that sort of thing.”
Re-read the post today… Sena. I can kind of empathize with my fellow three a bit. I feel like my social life is in a bit of a pickle recently for somewhat of a similar reason.
November 21, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Perfection in general, or being attractive and popular? The latter has a funny way of backfiring on women — How many times now have I heard “Beautiful girls are the loneliest”?
November 23, 2011 at 7:45 am
I’d say it’s the self-assertion of a typical three. (I dress well and I’m pretty good at a few things… And I like to let people know that.) It can not only be intimidating, but also off-putting to others. I know a few people who actively hates me and I’ve never even talked to them.
November 18, 2011 at 1:27 pm
I got Type 4. Raped my mind when I read up on it. To be honest, I feel substantially more pathetic now, especially when most of the flaws that characterize them fit me so well.
November 21, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Why? Self-knowledge is a great thing to have. Type Fours at their best are creative and inspirational. I think you can do it.
Thanks for reading. I don’t think I’ve seen you around here yet, either, so welcome!
November 19, 2011 at 2:48 am
Hello I’ve been reading your posts through RSS but this is my first time to comment, isn’t it?
Since I got interested I took the test with my poor English vocabulary using the dictionary.
I only got 7 in Type 1 The Reformer. Others are either of 2, 4 or 5 points.
Found there are many Type 4s here. Interesting.
November 21, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Yes, indeed, this is your first comment!
It’s very nice to see you, Lymiour.
An interesting thing about Type 7. The Ennegram Institute calls it “The Enthusiast,” and they describe it as a flexible, fun-loving person. You seem that way to me!
November 19, 2011 at 3:36 am
I liked this post. I’ve only just started to watch this anime and I’m undecided as to whether it’s going to be just another harem show or something special because it does offer some insight into friendships and relationships.
Anyway I’m also a sucker for personality tests and I scored high as a 9 which makes me a peacemaker and that sounds about right.
Oh, I also like Yozora. I think I’d be able to hang out with her and act as a balance to her meanness in reality which means that test must be right.
November 21, 2011 at 4:34 pm
I see a pretty clear harem, personally. Not that I mind!
A Nine, hmmm… That’s pretty cool! When I read their description, I see someone very relaxed and good at putting others at peace. And from what I’ve seen, you don’t seem like a bad fellow at all.
Thanks for reading!
November 19, 2011 at 7:42 am
6-2-5-3-6-5-1-0-6 for me.
*looks up what it is*
Type 1: The Reformer. The rational, idealistic type.
Type 2: The Helper. The caring, nurturing type.
Type 3: The Motivator. The adaptable, success-oriented type.
Type 4: The Artist. The intuitive, reserved type.
Type 5: The Thinker. The perceptive, cerebral type.
Type 6: The Skeptic. The committed, security-oriented type.
Type 7: The Generalist. The enthusiastic, productive type.
Type 8: The Leader. The powerful, aggressive type.
Type 9: The Peacemaker. The easygoing, accommodating type.
Well, it’s not too much off, since I wouldn’t call me powerful or aggressive. Never considered myself easygoing though.
November 21, 2011 at 4:38 pm
But you are perceptive and rational, I’d say.
And you run a fine new blog!
November 22, 2011 at 8:07 am
I am? o: (what does the blog got to do with it? :p)
November 23, 2011 at 8:29 am
I think so. I’m judging you based on your blog content.
November 23, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I… I have to admit that I don’t understand what you mean :<
November 19, 2011 at 6:57 pm
hmmm this is interesting, thanks for the info. i turned out to be a type 8. my girlfriend has said countless times that certain aspects of yozora’s personality are also part of my personality. i have agreed to an extent, but yozora’s lack of logic has often frustrated me. i find her to be dumb, plain and simple. this may be because of her social awkwardness, which is something that i am not; people have said i’m a very outgoing person who knows how to socialize. just don’t expect rainbows and butterflies if you want to start hanging out with me on a daily basis.
November 21, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Social awkwardness probably doesn’t go hand-in-hand with Type Eights usually, given what they are and what they do. It’s just that Yozora chooses to apply her skills to evil (namely, making Sena feel horrible).
Thanks for reading, and welcome!
November 20, 2011 at 3:51 pm
I dunno, I absolutely adore Yozora. But I suppose that’s because I like women who have their own bite. People like Sena who are all bark but crumple immediately after a serious obstacle are just really tiresome to me.
On the other hand, I didn’t like Haruhi either, probably because her tormenting people wasn’t really conscious. She’s just utterly repulsive at the origin of her being, whereas for Yozora it’s a carefully nurtured art. Tactlessness and meanness in personality should be a weapon wielded with finesse and relentless accuracy. To simply have it radiate out indiscriminately is artless and boring, not to mention unfunny and annoying.
As for the test, I scored a 7 split between Type 5 and Type 7, with the next highest score being a 5 in Type 9.
It’s tough for me to relate to a single one. Perhaps this is in how I’ve managed to mediate my way to acting with people so completely. Maybe it’s a quality of being duplicious or lack of integrity, but I see it as very Confucian how I very consciously and immediately adjust my way of acting towards people depending on the immediate, interpersonal situation.
I make a war of pragmatism and logic with my mother. I make a love of ideals and nurture with my sister. And I try to peacemake at least temporary reconciliation when my sister and my mom butt heads.
It doesn’t help that historically I’ve very Type 5 in behavior (right through most of my High School years), yet while keeping an inner circle of “few special friends” I’ve also always maintained a larger group of less personal friends. During Grade 12 and after though, I shifted strategies into something a lot more hybrid and undiscriminating.
I dunno, I’d like to think I’m as insightful and contemplative as a Type 5. But I lack the achievement, which is replaced instead by the indecisiveness and easy-going flexibility of the Type 7, without much of the idealism. And I go Type 9 during most conflicts, cause I find interpersonal conflict and unrest really tiresome and uninteresting. I’d much rather people get along ASAP so we can stop talking about each other and start talking about something that matters.
So yeah, I dunno, I feel a bit all over the place on this test.
November 23, 2011 at 2:07 am
Rarely are people purely of one type. That’s one beauty of the Enneagram: We actually cycle through types depending on how healthy our state of mind is. A fantastic type for one person (9 as nurturer and peacemaker) could be wholly destructive for another (9 as complacent do-nothing).
November 20, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Oh! Also, interestingly, a major component of both Type 5 and 7 is not entertaining clingy or needy people. That’s a consistent quality between the two Types that I definitely personify a lot, particular when considering romantic partners. Which, I suppose I make fairly obvious with the way I talk about Sena vs. Yozora. Both of them obviously have their issues, but I find Yozora’s way of coping preferable, since it doesn’t require me to actually help her. Whereas Sena escalates a situation by aggravating rude men, Yozora would just crush the spirit of those men and probably beat them up in a fist fight. And that’s awesome.
November 23, 2011 at 2:08 am
That was definitely not a good moment for Sena, I concur.
November 22, 2011 at 9:38 pm
I don’t like putting people into categories, but those descriptions actually fit Yozora and Sena really well. I kinda prefer Yozora’s personality though, show-offs just make me want to ignore them.
November 23, 2011 at 2:09 am
If she stopped being so hateful and manipulative, Yozora would be great!
I suppose I just relate more to the pressure of an image.
Anyway, thanks for reading!
November 22, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Reformer (4), Helper (6), Motivator (2), Artist (3), Thinker (6), Skeptic (2), Generalist (2), Leader (6), and Peacemaker (6).
Well, my test yields some very interesting results. Helper, Thinker, Leader, and Peacemaker do seem to fit my profile quite a bit based on their features! Gonna have to look into these in more depth…
I’ve been enjoying Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai so far. ^_^
November 23, 2011 at 2:10 am
That’s an interesting spread… You’re very well-rounded.
December 28, 2011 at 11:33 pm
[...] my musings on the Enneagram of Personality. Read the first part here. The following post will feature only screenshots of Kobato doing her sideways-V [...]
December 29, 2011 at 7:30 am
Was directed here from the later post on Kobato.
)
Taking the test helped me understand more of why I want to destroy the world and myself in the process (or more precisely, why I’d very much like to carry out a Zero Requiem
(reformer)5, (helper)1, (achiever)4, (individualist)6, (investigator)8, (loyalist)5, (enthusiast)2, (challenger)0, (peacemaker)5
I haven’t read this blog that long, yet I’ve come to love the posts. Keep ‘em coming I say