Which Enneagram Type are You?

Find out which Enneagram matches your personality type, and gain deep insight on how to enrich your life, relationships, career and more.

Enneagram 1 One-To-One Subtype

enneagram 1

Introduction to Enneagram 1 One-To-One Subtype

The Enneagram is a rich and intricate system of personality typing that encompasses a variety of subtypes. Within the Type 1, known as “The Reformer,” exists the One-To-One subtype (often referred to as the “sexual” subtype in some systems). This particular subtype blends the moral clarity and inner critic of Type 1 with a passionate intensity directed towards individual relationships.

Basic Characteristics:
The One-To-One Type 1 tends to be particularly driven by a desire for personal integrity and can be very demanding of both themselves and those they are intimately involved with. They hold their personal relationships to a high standard and expect deep commitment and shared values.

Distinct Features:
While all Type 1s seek a sense of righteousness and adherence to internal principles, the One-To-One subtype emphasizes this within the context of personal relationships. This often translates to seeking a partner or close friend who shares their moral compass and vision of the world.

Relationship Dynamics:
In relationships, they often play the role of the mentor or guide, leading with their strong sense of what’s right and what’s wrong. They are fiercely loyal but can also be possessive, wanting their loved ones to adhere to their standards.

Challenges:
The challenge for the One-To-One Type 1 is to balance their desire for perfection in relationships with acceptance and understanding. Their intensity can sometimes lead to conflicts, especially if their partner feels overwhelmed by their moral demands.

Gifts:
On the flip side, their commitment to personal integrity, combined with the intensity of the One-To-One subtype, means they bring passion, loyalty, and deep dedication to their relationships.

The Inner World of the One-To-One Type 1

Internally, the One-To-One Type 1 experiences a constant interplay between their core Type 1 attributes and the nuances introduced by the subtype.

Self-Critical Lens:
Much like other Type 1s, the One-To-One subtype has a strong inner critic. This self-critical voice is not just concerned with personal actions but also scrutinizes their intimate relationships. They constantly ask themselves if they’re being the best partner, friend, or family member they can be.

Passionate Intensity:
Their intensity is channeled towards ensuring that their relationships align with their moral compass. This means they are deeply invested in the personal growth of themselves and their partner, often engaging in profound introspection.

Idealistic Visions:
They often harbor idealistic visions of perfect love or friendship and can become disillusioned when reality doesn’t measure up. This idealism, while beautiful, can sometimes set them up for disappointment.

Sense of Responsibility:
They feel a heightened sense of responsibility towards those they’re close to. It’s not uncommon for them to take on the role of the protector or guide, ensuring their loved ones stay on the “right” path.

Seeking Depth:
Surface-level interactions don’t satisfy the One-To-One Type 1. They seek depth and meaning in their personal interactions, often gravitating towards intense, soul-searching conversations.

Navigating Relationships as a One-To-One Type 1

Understanding and managing these dynamics is crucial for the One-To-One Type 1, given their intense focus on personal relationships.

The Quest for Perfection:
While their drive for perfection can lead to deeply fulfilling relationships, it can also set unrealistic expectations. Recognizing that no relationship is without flaws and learning to embrace imperfections is key.

Communication is Vital:
Given their propensity for introspection and depth, open communication becomes paramount. They must voice their expectations and concerns clearly and provide a safe space for their partners to do the same.

Balancing Intensity:
Their inherent intensity can be both a blessing and a challenge. It’s important for them to recognize when they might be overwhelming their partner and learn to dial down when needed.

Compromise:
While they have a clear vision of what’s right and wrong, understanding that morality can be subjective is essential. Compromise becomes a crucial skill, allowing them to navigate differences in perspective.

Personal Growth:
Given their focus on self-improvement, investing in personal growth—whether through therapy, reading, or spiritual practices—can help them achieve a better balance in relationships.

The Path to Growth for One-To-One Type 1

As with all Enneagram types, recognizing their tendencies and consciously working on them is the path to growth for the One-To-One Type 1.

Embrace Imperfection:
Life and relationships are inherently imperfect. Embracing this fact can bring a lot of peace and reduce the constant inner turmoil they might feel when things don’t measure up.

Mindfulness Practices:
Given their constant inner critic, mindfulness and meditation can provide a respite. These practices can help them observe their critical thoughts without getting caught up in them.

Seek Feedback:
Given their self-critical nature, they might often be too hard on themselves. Seeking external feedback can provide a more balanced view of their actions and decisions.

Expand Horizons:
While their moral compass is strong, actively seeking out different perspectives and experiences can help them understand the subjectivity of morality.

Self-Compassion:
Above all, cultivating self-compassion is crucial. They need to treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they so readily offer to others.

Understanding the Motivations of One-To-One Type 1

The underpinnings of the One-To-One Type 1 are deeply rooted in their motivations. Recognizing these motivations can provide clarity to both the individual and those interacting with them.

Drive for Righteousness:
For the One-To-One Type 1, there’s an intense drive to be morally upright. This righteousness isn’t just about personal behavior; it extends to their close relationships. They want to ensure not just that they are on the correct path but also that their partner is walking alongside them.

Yearning for Deep Connection:
Deep down, they crave an intimate connection where mutual principles are shared. They desire a partnership where both parties can guide and uplift each other towards moral perfection.

Fear of Being Corrupt:
One of the most profound fears for the One-To-One Type 1 is the fear of being corrupt or leading their loved ones astray. This fear can sometimes manifest as over-vigilance in monitoring both their behavior and that of their partners.

Need for Validation:
While they have a strong internal compass, they also have an innate need for validation. They want their principles and efforts to be recognized and affirmed, especially by those they hold close.

Pursuit of Balance:
In their heart of hearts, they wish to strike a balance. While they are stringent with themselves, they also seek moments of peace, understanding that perfection is an ever-moving goalpost.

One-To-One Type 1 in Professional Settings

While the One-To-One subtype primarily emphasizes personal relationships, understanding its interplay in professional settings is insightful.

Moral Compass in Workplace Decisions:
When making professional decisions, the One-To-One Type 1 always leans into their strong moral compass. They want to ensure that their choices align with their core principles, and they expect their colleagues to do the same.

Intensity in Collaborations:
Just as in personal relationships, their intensity comes forth in professional collaborations. They are often the ones pushing for excellence, setting high standards, and urging their team to adhere to them.

Mentoring Role:
Given their propensity to guide in personal relationships, it’s no surprise that they often take on a mentoring role at work. They are keen to share their knowledge, aiming to uplift their colleagues.

Seeking Alignment:
They are most satisfied in roles where the organizational values align with their own. Working in environments where ethics and integrity are prioritized will see them thrive.

Challenges in Delegation:
One challenge they might face is delegation. Trusting others to uphold the same standards can be difficult, and they might end up overburdening themselves in an attempt to ensure perfection.

The Spiritual Journey of One-To-One Type 1

Spirituality can provide a respite and guidance for the One-To-One Type 1, helping them navigate their inner and outer worlds.

Seeking Perfection in Faith:
Many One-To-One Type 1s are drawn to spiritual practices that emphasize moral righteousness. They might be attracted to religious paths that provide clear guidelines on right and wrong.

Meditative Practices:
Meditation can be especially beneficial, helping them quieten their inner critic and connect with a deeper sense of peace.

Challenges in Letting Go:
Spiritual practices often emphasize surrender and acceptance, which can be challenging for this subtype. The journey towards embracing imperfections can be a profound spiritual lesson for them.

Finding Grace:
The concept of grace or divine forgiveness can be transformative. Realizing that they are inherently worthy and loved, irrespective of their strive for perfection, can bring profound healing.

Community and Connection:
Engaging in spiritual communities can also be beneficial, allowing them to form deep connections based on shared values and principles.

Healthy Practices for One-To-One Type 1

To harness their strengths and navigate their challenges, implementing specific practices can be beneficial for the One-To-One Type 1.

Regular Introspection:
Setting aside time for regular introspection can help them recognize when their expectations are becoming unrealistic. It provides a space to recalibrate and refocus.

Active Listening:
Practicing active listening can help in relationships. Instead of projecting their standards, they can truly understand their partner’s perspective.

Setting Boundaries:
Given their intense focus on relationships, setting healthy boundaries is essential. It ensures that while they are deeply invested, they don’t become overly enmeshed or possessive.

Seeking Therapy:
Engaging in therapy can provide a structured space to explore their drive for perfection, their fears, and their relationship dynamics.

Engaging in Relaxation:
Incorporating relaxation techniques, whether it’s through hobbies, relaxation exercises, or simply taking breaks, can provide a much-needed respite from their constant drive.