Description of Type Seven: The Epicure

Sevens are motivated by the need to be happy and to stay busy by keeping their options open and constantly making plans for new experiences.  They view life as a fun-filled adventure, yet they also want to contribute to the world.  Boredom, suffering, painful emotions, and the everyday drudgeries of life are avoided.  Sevens are constant seekers of excitement.  Attention naturally goes to options and keeping life up.

Healthy Sevens Are: Optimistic, enthusiastic, spontaneous, idealistic, curious, generous, and often multitalented.  They uplift and enliven others and are fun to be around.

Unhealthy Sevens Can Be: Self-centered, self-indulgent, insensitive, narcissistic, hyperactive, undisciplined, and have problems with completion and long-term commitments.

Enneagram Type #7 in Relationships

Strengths (healthy attributes)

·      Spontaneity and light-hearted, high energy

·      Enthusiasm, optimism, and zest for life

·      An adventurous, playful, pleasure-loving spirit

·      Resilience and flexibility

·      Idealism

·      Mental quickness, inventiveness, and resourcefulness

·      Ability to reframe negatives into positives

·      Ability to see alternatives and possibilities

·      Healthy self-interest and independence

Weaknesses (average to unhealthy attributes)

·      Aversion to limitation or constraint of freedom

·      Insatiability for new experiences, interests, and ideas

·      Escapism and extreme changeability

·      Tendency to rationalize and reframe negatives into positives

·      Self-centeredness and narcissism

·      Avoidance of painful feelings and the “dark side” of life

·      Spurn emotional commitment

·      Impatience, wanting more stimulation to keep life “up”

·      Being overbooked and living an excessive lifestyle

Questions?  Comments?  Suggestions?  My e-mail address is:  grussrowe@cox.net

This page was last updated on 05/29/05.