We know many Greenvillians love discussing + understanding themselves through Astrology signs + horoscopes — but have you ever heard of the Enneagram?

This dynamic personality system, which is composed of nine types (more on that below), is a popular topic amongst local therapists, coaches, influencers + creatives such as Elaine Bailey-Anderson, Sarajane Case, and Sandra Smith.

How does it work?

The Enneagram system aims to identify our core motivations, patterns + fixations at a deeper level in order to understand how they affect our approaches to life, work, relationships, and beyond. Practitioners also believe that it can be a great tool for developing empathy, strengthening communication, and enabling personal growth (aka getting to our essential nature or essence).

To uncover your type, coaches typically recommend reading through a hefty description and choosing the type that you resonate with most. Cool, right?

What are the types?

Type 1 – The Reformer: Rational, idealistic, principled + perfectionistic.

Essence: Purity

Type 2 – The Helper: Caring, interpersonal, generous + people-pleasing.

Essence: Compassion

Type 3 – The Achiever: Success-oriented, pragmatic, adaptable, driven + image-conscious.

Essence: Love, Acceptance

Type 4 – The Individualist: Sensitive, introspective, expressive, dramatic + self-absorbed.

Essence: Radiance, Beauty

Type 5 – The Investigator: Intense, cerebral, perceptive, innovative, secretive + isolated.

Essence: Omniscience, Peace

Type 6 – The Loyalist: Committed, security-oriented, engaging, responsible, anxious + suspicious.

Essence: Wisdom

Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Busy, variety-seeking, spontaneous, versatile, acquisitive + scattered.

Essence: Serene Bliss

Type 8 – The Challenger: Powerful, dominating, self-confident, decisive, willful + confrontational.

Essence: Power, Innocence

Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Easygoing, self-effacing, receptive, reassuring, agreeable + complacent.

Based on what we know about our city, we think we could be a Type 3, given our drive to connect the neighborhoods of Greenville through the SRT Extension + GVL2040. Maybe we're a Type 7, seeking out variety in new businesses, restaurants, and arts throughout downtown and beyond Main Street.

Question

So what's Greenville's type? Share your thoughts here.