IEA Portugal, International Enneagram Association
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How the instinctive triad shows love

4 September 20262 min read

The Enneagram is made up of 3 triads: instinctive, emotional and mental.

The instinctive triad is made up of personality types 9, 8 and 1.

Type 9 shows love mainly through a humble presence, unconditional acceptance and quiet support. They express affection by creating a refuge of peace and harmony for the people they love.

They offer a safe space where the other person can be exactly who they are, listening to them unburden themselves without criticising or trying to mould them.

They easily give way on preferences (such as choosing the restaurant or the film) to ensure the comfort and happiness of those they love.

In moments of crisis or stress, a 9's love shows itself as a steady anchor. Their soothing energy calms the atmosphere.

They encourage the plans of their partner or friends, acting as invisible support in the background.

The height of a 9's love is when they share their own voice: when they express their true wishes, set boundaries or enter into healthy conflict, it means they fully trust the relationship and love enough to step out of their comfort zone.

Type 8 shows love through fierce protection, unwavering loyalty and practical, active support to make sure the people they love are safe and strong.

They stand up to any person or situation that threatens the wellbeing of those they love, acting as a barrier against the injustices of the world.

With their practical spirit they will sort out the problems that come up for the other person, not only by offering solutions but also by rolling up their sleeves. Even so, they will always try to empower the other person, teaching them or giving them tools to become independent. They will celebrate the other person's victories and achievements with genuine joy and admiration.

When they love, they lower their guard, and are able to see and be moved by the other person's concerns. They show tenderness and can adjust their fast pace of life to the other person's.

Type 1 shows love mainly through practical acts of service, attention to detail and a continuous effort to improve their partner's life. For Type 1, loving means looking after, protecting and making sure everything works perfectly for the other person's wellbeing.

For them, lightening their partner's load of responsibilities is the ultimate proof of love, so they may take on routine tasks with great satisfaction, such as dealing with paperwork, cleaning the house, organising the finances or repairing the car.

They encourage their partner's goals and offer practical advice to help them grow.

Although they may seem critical, they are often simply pushing for their partner's improvement and for the future of the relationship.

They keep their promises and create a safe, predictable environment for those they love.

They remember their partner's exact preferences, significant dates and important commitments, and take care to make sure nothing goes wrong in daily life.

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