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Enneagram Type 5 Explained: Why They Always have 17 Browser Tabs Open
27 Plays8 months ago
In this episode of STILL YOU, Katelynn takes a deep (and hilarious) dive into the world of Enneagram Type Five — the Investigator. Known for their curiosity, brilliance, and tendency to disappear into their own minds, Fives are the quiet masterminds of the Enneagram. From their core motivations and secret fears to their witty light sides, shadow quirks, and unique wings (hello existential poet vs. emergency-preparedness pro), we’ll unpack it all.
With funny real-life examples (like why Fives RSVP “yes” but secretly hope you forget about them), and practical growth practices (drink water, share your wisdom, and maybe actually talk to people), this episode celebrates the genius of Type Fives while keeping it light and relatable.
So, whether you are a Five, love a Five, or just want to understand why your friend has seventeen browser tabs open about black holes, this episode is for you.
Email the show: stillyoupod@gmail.com
Book a 1on1 session: https://calendly.com/bundy-katelynn/30min
Tiktok: @stillyoupod
YouTube: @stillyoupod
Resources for todays episode: The Wisdom of the Enneagram and Personality Types by Don Richard Riso
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to 'Still You' Podcast
00:00:03
KateLynn Bundy
Hey everyone, welcome back to Still You, the podcast where we explore the Enneagram and try to figure out why we are the way that we are instead of just blaming our parents or something else for everything.
Enneagram Type Fives Introduction
00:00:19
KateLynn Bundy
i am your host, Caitlin, and today we are diving into the mysterious, the cerebral, the slightly socially awkward, but also extrilliant, extrilliant?
00:00:33
KateLynn Bundy
I think I just created a new word, but the extremely brilliant world of our Enneagram type fives. I'm so excited for this episode. They're called the investigators of the Enneagram. Thanks for tuning in today. Sorry about the last two weeks and no episode.
Personal Updates and Podcasting Space
00:00:51
KateLynn Bundy
All two of you listening, I've been doing some traveling and if you are on YouTube, you can see behind me some boxes that we're moving this week. So it's been a little hectic trying to juggle things everything. So I appreciate you being here, being patient, but we're always going to come back and we're upgrading our little little podcasting space. I got my own little office, everything. I'm so excited.
00:01:15
KateLynn Bundy
But yeah, so today we're talking about our fives. They are probably the ones who know more about the Enneagram than me because I'm like this stupid little expert.
00:01:25
KateLynn Bundy
Not stupid. I take that back. um But if a type five likes the Enneagram, they are probably going to know more about it than me and challenge me on stuff, which is great. That's how we learn. That's how we grow. That's why I love my fives. We can really go back and forth.
00:01:42
KateLynn Bundy
um But if you are a five and you're fact-checking me right now, i'd love to hear your your feedback, but only good vibes, all right? Okay. But if you are a five,
Type Fives as Knowledge Seekers
00:01:52
KateLynn Bundy
welcome. If you love a type five, grr, buckle up, because this episode might help you understand why your partner disappears into their office for eight straight hours to learn everything about something, like bonsai trees or...
00:02:11
KateLynn Bundy
space. um But again, first off, please share this episode if this does sound like someone you know, especially if it's your partner or your friend, brother, whatever, and then rate, review, subscribe on YouTube. You know, it's the easiest way to support and free, if I might add, to support my dream. But thanks in advance, everybody.
00:02:34
KateLynn Bundy
Okay, let's dive in. oh That's our little theme for today for our fives because they are just something else. They are our head types. We are moving into the head slash thinking triad of the Enneagram, which is our fives, sixes, and sevens.
00:02:55
KateLynn Bundy
They live up here in their brains and they're the types that are more likely to deal with anxiety riddled issues, which we will learn out why.
00:03:07
KateLynn Bundy
learn why.
Core Beliefs and Fears of Type Fives
00:03:09
KateLynn Bundy
Gosh, I'm just really stumbling over my words today. Anyway, so what's our core blueprint of our fives? We'll start with the basics. What makes a five a five? At their core, they're all about knowledge.
00:03:23
KateLynn Bundy
They want to understand, observe, analyze, and just simply make sense of the world. So their secret belief is, if I know enough, I'll be safe.
00:03:35
KateLynn Bundy
And their biggest desire then is to be competent, to be capable, and to have mastery. So what's the opposite of that for their basic fear? It's being useless, helpless, or overwhelmed.
00:03:48
KateLynn Bundy
Okay. And their super ego message tells them you are a good or okay if you have mastered something. And this is why they do what they do, which we'll dive deeper into a little bit. Like we're just getting started, obviously.
00:04:06
KateLynn Bundy
So think of that five friend that says, before I make a decision, i just need to research just a little bit. And then weeks, months, years, maybe later, they're still researching.
00:04:24
KateLynn Bundy
Or if you're five if your partner is a type five and you're in the throes of some difficult conversation or an argument or just a hard conversation about your relationship, that's
00:04:39
KateLynn Bundy
they're all And they're sitting there all but silent and you feel like you actually have to pull teeth just to get one tiny response. Girlfriend, I've been there. Pro tip, they are thinking, they're processing or just avoiding altogether the hard feelings.
00:04:54
KateLynn Bundy
Put a pin in that. Literally. Literally. We're going to bring that up again.
Type Fives' Quest for Understanding
00:05:00
KateLynn Bundy
But our fives are called the and the um the investigators for a reason, because more than any other type, they're driven to uncover why things are the way that they Almighty, help me.
00:05:16
KateLynn Bundy
lord almighty help me But fives don't understand why the world. You know what? I meant to say how. I need to calm myself down. i like want to get through this. I'm a little mentally overwhelmed with the move and everything that I got to do. So give your give you girl break.
00:05:35
KateLynn Bundy
Okay. Okay. Unpause. Fives want to understand how the world works, whether it's the mysteries of the universe, the microscopic world, animal kingdom, or even like the inner landscapes of their own psyche or their imagination. Neil deGrasse Tyson is actually a shining and ultra rare type five who is super knowledgeable and also outgoing and public facing. And he's an absolute gift to our world. He's charismatic and funny and literally a master of his craft, which is a very classic type five energy.
00:06:14
KateLynn Bundy
um It's hard to say like If he's not a type 5, I'd be actually surprised because most type 5s are like 99% of them are going to be an introvert. And I wouldn't be surprised if he is like an introvert extrovert kind. i'm But if he's an extroverted type 5, that's ultra rare.
00:06:36
KateLynn Bundy
I'm really curious though. But um yeah, he's just a really good example. And it does, because I come across his videos all the time and makes me wonder if he's capable of any kind of actual small talk other than like astrophysics or some science-y topic, because he is pretty smart in a lot of areas.
Challenging Assumptions and Deep Research
00:06:57
KateLynn Bundy
But it reminds me of that Key and Peele sketch that Go look it up right now. It's where he's – Key and Peele is playing a husband and wife, right? And the wife is upset that the dog keeps peeing on the curtains.
00:07:13
KateLynn Bundy
And all he does is, like, turn toward the camera and respond with, like, time is but an essence of pee and something. Like, he can't. It's just really funny. Just go look it up.
00:07:24
KateLynn Bundy
Anyway, but our type vives, they're always searching, asking questions, and delving into things into ultra depth. They don't want to, they do not accept ah certain received opinions or doctrines, so they feel this strong, a strong need to test the truth of most assumptions themselves. So a perfect example is like my ex-boyfriend was a type five.
00:07:53
KateLynn Bundy
Loved him, right? um You know how long it took me to convince him that he was a type five and to just take the test and learn about the Enneagram altogether? yeah forever. Because it's, oh, you know, those things are just blah. They always have those blanket answers to make everyone feel like that's them.
00:08:13
KateLynn Bundy
Or, you know, um little did he know when I finally forced him to sit down and do it with me and just read some books about it together. Yeah, spoiler. He was I was right.
00:08:26
KateLynn Bundy
And he was obsessed about it. And he would have me read out loud um any and every book we could find on the matter. And I loved it, though, obviously. I have a podcast about it. So I could sit there for hours and just read out loud to him. And it was just, it was really nice. And he who doesn't love hearing about themselves?
00:08:44
KateLynn Bundy
But at their best, our fives are brilliant observers. They can see connections most of us miss, and they can dive into a subject so deeply that they basically become the human Wikipedia page of that subject.
Knowledge Masking Insecurities
00:08:59
KateLynn Bundy
ah But at their worst, fives can retreat really far into their heads that they forget to do some basic research. Things like sleep, that's a big one. They're big night owls. They really deprive themselves of sleep, even eating or um just socializing with other humans.
00:09:19
KateLynn Bundy
And behind Five's relentless quest for knowledge lies this really deep, maybe not really deep, but it is a deep insecurity about their ability to navigate the world successfully.
00:09:31
KateLynn Bundy
And fives often feel like they can't do things as well as others. So instead of diving into activities that actually might build their confidence for realsies, they retreat further into their minds where they feel more competent. That's their little safe space.
00:09:47
KateLynn Bundy
So their belief is that from the safety of their thoughts and analysis, they'll eventually figure out how to manage life and rejo in rejoin the world more equipped and prepared to take on whatever, right?
00:10:03
KateLynn Bundy
Remember earlier also when we talked about the fives in relationships and tough conversations? Yeah, part of the reason they clam up is this insecurity. They may literally have It's not an excuse, but they may literally have no idea what to do or say or even feel in a moment like that. So they shut down and they retreat. It's technically not personal.
00:10:28
KateLynn Bundy
It's survival. And again, more on that later. All right. Keep keep listening. I'm going to keep you hooked. um So fives spend much of their time observing and contemplating, kind of like those like ancient philosophers you think of. What's that statue that's thinking? What's that called?
00:10:47
KateLynn Bundy
I should know. But you know the types that just sat around thinking deeply about life, that's a five. And so as they dive into their observations, they start to internalize knowledge and build a sense of self-confidence.
00:11:02
KateLynn Bundy
And along the way, they might uncover fascinating new insights or even combine ideas in creative ways like composing music inspired by water or wind, you know.
00:11:14
KateLynn Bundy
And when their observations are validated or when other people actually get what they're saying, It then therefore confirms their sense of competence and scratches at that core desire for mastery and for competence, right?
00:11:30
KateLynn Bundy
That should have been our drinking game ah for that word. um But it's just so they can feel more comfortable and be able to live into the world and that they have something to offer. So it's basically an emotional equivalent of someone saying to them, wow, man, you actually know what you're talking about, Wow.
00:11:49
KateLynn Bundy
Oh my God. If you said that to a five, that's the compliment of the century for them. Remember that I'm giving you some, I'm giving you a roadmap into your spouse's or your friend's heart.
00:12:02
KateLynn Bundy
All right. So you better listen. let me what you think. But Knowledge, understanding, and insight are absolute treasures for fives because their sense of identity is built around having ideas and offering perspectives that are unusual or thought-provoking. And this is why they rarely linger on what's already common or widely accepted. So instead,
00:12:27
KateLynn Bundy
um Their focus is pulled toward the hidden or overlooked or the strange or bizarre or even the unthinkable. Okay. Should I add in another adjective there? My God. But in exploring uncharted territory, knowing something ah no one else does or creating something no one else has imagined gives our fives a sense of uniqueness that just sets them apart.
00:12:50
KateLynn Bundy
Okay. And they believe that carving out this niche is the most reliable path to independence, self-confidence, or personal authority. So fives develop an intense focus on whatever they can master and feel secure about.
00:13:08
KateLynn Bundy
Not all of them are going to be astrophysicists or scholars, have five PhDs, but depending on their intelligent intelligence and the resources around them as they were a kid or as an adult, they master whatever it is that has just captured their attention, even if it's rocks.
00:13:29
KateLynn Bundy
Okay. Literally nothing's off the table. There are big nerds of the Enneagram. I love it though. I can, I i vibe really well with fives, but this intense focus, um, of our fives can lead to, um, it's not a bad, but you know what I mean?
00:13:46
KateLynn Bundy
This intense focus leads our fives to remarkable discoveries or creations, innovations. But when their personality is more fixated, like the levels of health that there they might be in, it can create self-defeating problems.
00:14:03
KateLynn Bundy
Okay? Which is true for any type. We're all self-destructive in some way by trying to achieve our core desires. That's the whole point of the Enneagram. One of the main points of the Enneagram.
00:14:15
KateLynn Bundy
Okay. But their work or niche they have created for themselves can serve as a distraction from important everyday practical
Relationships and Emotional Withdrawal of Type Fives
00:14:25
KateLynn Bundy
things that they might be facing.
00:14:27
KateLynn Bundy
So whatever the sources of their anxieties are, like relationships or physical health or inability to get a job, they're et cetera. Fives tend to do just not deal with it and just ignore it all.
00:14:41
KateLynn Bundy
And they focus on the things that make them feel more competent, right? So if it's relationships, guess what they are avoiding? who Those hard conversations, conflict even, or just maybe even relationships entirely. That's not uncommon. My ex stayed single for quite some time on purpose.
00:15:03
KateLynn Bundy
But fives are our hermits of the Enneagram, and it's really just simply easier for them to be alone or locked away in their office all day long and all night rather than expose themselves to potential things that can make them feel less than, all right?
00:15:22
KateLynn Bundy
So The irony here is that no matter what degree of mastery they have in their niche, this cannot solve their more basic insecurities about functioning in the world.
00:15:35
KateLynn Bundy
So they gather information, research, they develop by ideas that they believe will make them feel competent and confident. if you play If you want to play a drinking game, go for it. I'm going to say that word so many more times.
00:15:48
KateLynn Bundy
um But in that process, they're avoiding everything that they need to do to actually gain that confidence that they're searching for. They're not interacting with others. They're not developing their social skills or anything related to their actual real needs. Okay. So the challenge for our fives is to understand that they can pursue whatever questions or problems or subjects that spark their imaginations and maintain relationships, take proper care of themselves, and do all of the things that are the hallmarks of a healthy, fulfilling life.
00:16:29
KateLynn Bundy
Isn't that ironic? Isn't it ironic? Is that a song? No, i don't know. Anyway, let's move on to our next section. um Our light side of the fives are the beauty of them and the gifts that they offer the world. they um Because when they're healthy...
00:16:49
KateLynn Bundy
Oh boy, they're incredible. Here are their superpowers. One, insightful. They see patterns and truths most people overlook. They're also objective.
00:17:02
KateLynn Bundy
I vibe really well with this part of them because I can be objective as well and remove my emotions from a situation. So vibes are less clouded by emotions and more focused on reality.
00:17:14
KateLynn Bundy
Again, this is the healthy fives, right? then they are also innovative. They are the inventors, the philosophers, the scientists of the Enneagram. Any major big time science guy from the past, probably a five. I guarantee it.
00:17:33
KateLynn Bundy
I stake my reputation on that.
00:17:37
KateLynn Bundy
Lastly, they are calm under pressure. While the rest of us might be crying in the bathroom, the five is like, well, according to my calculations, this situation is survivable.
00:17:50
KateLynn Bundy
i'd be right there. Like, yeah, he's right. Totally. And everyone's like, you bitch. That's so indentative. Like, That part of myself, this is not about me right now, but that part of myself has gotten me in so much trouble growing up.
00:18:06
KateLynn Bundy
Like people just think I'm just a total B. When we get to the type eight ah episode, I'm sorry if it's longer than than most. I'm sorry. I'm only human, but I'll be as objective as possible. I promise. I promise.
00:18:20
KateLynn Bundy
But, you know, whether you're a five or an eight or ten, there's no ten, but you know what i mean. You're going to just naturally know more about your own type than the others, okay?
00:18:31
KateLynn Bundy
All right. So but moving on. As an example for a healthy type five, think of... Being locked in, or not ah locked, but stuck on a deserted island with a couple different Enneagram types.
00:18:46
KateLynn Bundy
Type 7 is making cocktails from the coconuts that they found. The type 2 is um hugging everyone and telling them that it's going to be okay. The 8 is... is Yep, me bossing everyone around, telling them what to do and blah, blah, blah.
00:19:02
KateLynn Bundy
While the five, well, they've already built the water filtration system and mapped out the whole island. Like we would not be able to survive without them. um But I will say...
00:19:14
KateLynn Bundy
Even though I would be bossing everybody around. Sorry, that is so loud. This is why I'm so excited for my new house. We will not be disturbed as such.
00:19:26
KateLynn Bundy
um Yeah, I would be bossing everyone around on this deserted island, but I'd also be drunk at the same time because I have a little bit of a type seven in me. um Because of the wings.
00:19:36
KateLynn Bundy
ah So I'd be drunk. But also being like, you do that. Help him do this. Build that. Like,
00:19:46
KateLynn Bundy
um yeah, that would be fun. Also scary. All right. um So that's the beauty of our fives. They hold knowledge that genuinely make the world ah better place. And when they're healthy, they can hold multiple perspectives at once without clinging to any of them.
00:20:05
KateLynn Bundy
Right. That objective nature about them. This allows them to discern the most useful way of approaching a situation. And fives are deeply observant and perceptive. They're tuned into those little subtle details that most people overlook.
00:20:22
KateLynn Bundy
And many also have one or two senses that are unusually sharp, like they're literal, actual senses. One five might have a rare sensitivity to color, while another might be attuned to sounds, picking up on rhythm and pitch with absolute ease. It reminds me, actually, of Charlie Puth. Go look at his TikTok.
00:20:43
KateLynn Bundy
He does exactly that. He'll bang two things together and be like, that's an F minor, and then create a whole song around it. It's incredible, super talented, and I would be shocked if he weren't a five based off of that gift alone. I'd be absolutely shocked.
00:21:00
KateLynn Bundy
all i I'll stake my reputation on that one too. But even though the vast majority of fives are introverts, again, that is my personal hot take opinion. I doubt I'm wrong though, but they do love to share their discoveries and talents when they're in the zone, okay?
00:21:20
KateLynn Bundy
and they'll feel they'll often actually use humor as a bridge bringing depth in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming to a regular person.
00:21:30
KateLynn Bundy
And this is one of the reasons why I admire them so much. You can end up in those all-night conversations, whether you're laughing till dawn or just in the zone of a really interesting conversation with the type 5, and you come out of it just a different person altogether. It's...
00:21:48
KateLynn Bundy
Amazing. And speaking of energy, on our trusty diagram of the Enneagram. yeah Yeah, that rhymed. ah When fives are growing and when they're in health, they move their era moves toward. Can you take like just a wild guess?
00:22:04
KateLynn Bundy
Take a guess. Yeah. Yep, type eight, a healthy eight though, like me.
00:22:12
KateLynn Bundy
Healthy eights don't struggle with confidence, I'll tell you that right now. um But yeah, type eight is where they go when they are in health. um And you're kind of getting a little bit of a sneak preview before that episode even drops, hey.
00:22:26
KateLynn Bundy
But in growth, fives reclaim their presence and channel their physical vitality the way that a healthy eight does. Because true confidence doesn't come from hiding out in your little brain fortress. It comes from feeling strong and grounded and capable in your actual body.
Encouragement for Type Fives to Engage Beyond Intellect
00:22:46
KateLynn Bundy
Basically, it's less floaty head and more human being with legs. When I dated my ex, he loved this about me. And i when I thought I was being like too much or overbearing or too intense, he'd smile and just lean into it. It was bizarre.
00:23:06
KateLynn Bundy
and But that relationship gave me a ton of space to really evolve myself. And we learned a lot from each other. And there was even one time i was just so irked by the dude I and I called him out on some BS that he was pulling which I did a lot but I was really frustrated in the moment and he just looked up at me and smiled and was like I love it when you call me out like that like excuse me says that like who's secure enough in themselves to actually like say something like that and just absorb it you know
00:23:37
KateLynn Bundy
but Enough on that. It's just, that's just an example on how types can feed off of each other in a healthy way. And obviously it can be in a more toxic, unhealthy way as you learn about yourself and those around you. um And these dynamics become more and more obvious and your life becomes more and more easier.
00:23:58
KateLynn Bundy
Trust me on that. All right. So, The type five, when they're in health, they shift down into their gut, right? They're in their head. They're up here way too much. So they shift down into their gut. They're connecting more with their physical body and less with their swirly twirly thoughts.
00:24:15
KateLynn Bundy
But this is also terrifying for fives as they make that transition. And which makes sense. It's a type of vulnerability that they experience. And it's deeply uncomfortable, like most people would experience as they grow.
00:24:28
KateLynn Bundy
But their mind has always been a safety bunker. But the body, it's a little messier, a little more unreliable. They're prone to things like hunger or awkward sweating or catching feelings. a But when they start to, and when they start staying present in their body, big emotions start to surface.
00:24:49
KateLynn Bundy
grief, loneliness, and even that backache probably that they've been ignoring and for years, um they become an observer. No, so instead of being an observer, they are more of a participant, okay?
00:25:04
KateLynn Bundy
It's heavy, but only by staying grounded can they find strength and actually process the big emotions that they start to feel as they as they lean toward their eight arrow. Okay.
00:25:16
KateLynn Bundy
um And as they learn to trust that eight arrow, that instinctual energy, instead of retreating into ah instead of retreating when responsibility knocks, fives start showing up to the real world.
00:25:31
KateLynn Bundy
They stop ghosting group projects or ducking out of responsibilities, and they apply their brilliance in practical ways. And they can even step into leadership roles without even meaning to, which is great.
00:25:44
KateLynn Bundy
We need more of them. But don't worry, they do not, R5s, don't lose their signature brain power or their obscure knowledge of, like, ah medieval sword making or something, which is the name of this whole podcast. You're still you, regardless of what level of health that you're in. You're not going to lose your autonomy.
00:26:05
KateLynn Bundy
um so Fives just learn how to channel those gifts that they have, like a high-functioning eight. They're strategic, bold, and they're actually present.
00:26:17
KateLynn Bundy
The lifelong dilemma for fives is that they often try to figure out how to live life without actually living it. But when they stay present and grounded, they tap into exactly what they need, exactly when they need it.
00:26:34
KateLynn Bundy
Real inner guidance shows up when they release this self-image of being separate or like a wallflower of life. and instead become it fully engaged with reality.
00:26:46
KateLynn Bundy
And healthy fives also discover a new immediacy to their perception. They can experience life directly without all the running commentary in their head.
00:26:57
KateLynn Bundy
And in that state, they're in awe of reality. They're clear-minded and more trusting of the universe itself. Einstein Yep, classic five. Once asked, um the only question worth asking is, is the universe friendly?
00:27:16
KateLynn Bundy
Healthy fives say yes. Instead of freaking out about existence, they're actually captivated by it. And from that wonder, they become true visionaries, creating change that can shake entire industries.
00:27:32
KateLynn Bundy
Basically, they stop doom scrolling and start inventing the future. bruh. If that, doesn't sound incredible? Like if you're a five and that line doesn't motivate you to get off your ass, then I don't know what will. You can actually literally write history.
00:27:52
KateLynn Bundy
oh, you're making me so frustrated. um But no, that is just so inspiring. If you know you're type five and you you're feeling a little stuck or something like that, this is should be a great roadmap to help you find your path.
00:28:08
KateLynn Bundy
um And if you keep listening, we're going to have some action actionable steps or practices for growth, if you will. But before that, we got a couple more things to talk about. Yeah.
00:28:21
KateLynn Bundy
you know where I'm going with this, the shadow side of our fives, because we all have shadows. So let's talk about our where our fives get stuck. I am not going to do any warnings or disclaimers here like I've done in the previous episodes, because I'm pretty sure you fives are extremely curious on this next section and can remain objective, which, you know, when people are listening to this part of themselves, that's key in growth, being curious, a little bit separate from your
Complexity of Covering Type Fives
00:28:51
KateLynn Bundy
feelings so that you can absorb and apply it where it's necessary in your own personal experiences and how you grew up, all that stuff, okay?
00:29:00
KateLynn Bundy
So let's learn something from our fives. But I will say in writing this episode, it was like so difficult and I mean, it is with any type because it's hard to know how deep I should go or what to cover, what to leave out for a different episode.
00:29:14
KateLynn Bundy
But with the five, it was particularly difficult to decide on because I just don't want this to be glossy and sugar-coated, basic, whatever. I want it to be thorough and in-depth, but where do I stop, right? Where's the line? Because with the five, they're their heads.
00:29:31
KateLynn Bundy
their head And the way that they're in their brains, it's just a never-ending black hole. So I felt stuck on what to include and leave for another episode.
00:29:43
KateLynn Bundy
um But all that to say is that if this doesn't feel like enough or something, you're probably right. Just look for future episodes where we'll we'll niche it down a lot more into with every type in different subjects. But, and okay.
00:29:59
KateLynn Bundy
All right. Let's talk about the shadow side of our fives, our anti-superpowers. Okay. Okay. Clues a couple of things. First, withdrawing. Fives retreat into their heads and they forget to engage with life.
00:30:14
KateLynn Bundy
Next, hoarding. Not like that. Not with money or stuff. It's with their energy. They feel like their inner battery is so fragile that they can't give too much of themselves away. Hence that hermit-like introvertness of them. Okay.
00:30:31
KateLynn Bundy
Next is detachment. Instead of feeling feelings, they just study them. Interesting. And they move on. Lastly, cynicism. When they are overwhelmed, they can shut people down with the, well, actually kind of energy.
00:30:47
KateLynn Bundy
So for example, if you invite a type five to a birthday party, First of all, count yourself lucky if they actually RSVP, yes, but they'll secretly hope that they you forget that they exist and or cancel the whole thing so they can stay home and read instead.
00:31:06
KateLynn Bundy
But if they do show up, also, that's a rarity, count yourself lucky there, they'll be the one in the corner petting the dog, avoiding small talk, and leaving early because their social battery has died.
00:31:20
KateLynn Bundy
el least that's their excuse. Okay, I'm not buying it, not buying it. But when fives hit stress, they can take on some of the less flattering, lower levels qualities of our type sevens.
00:31:35
KateLynn Bundy
And suddenly the calm, observant investigator who usually spends hours happily lost in research says, They start bouncing around like a browser with 47 tabs open and no plans to close any of them.
00:31:51
KateLynn Bundy
And instead of staying focused and methodical, stressed out fives scatter their attention. They're chasing stimulation. and novelty to avoid the deeper feelings of fear or inadequacy that start to creep in.
00:32:06
KateLynn Bundy
And they might impulsively dive into new projects. They binge watch entire seasons at 2 a.m. or they shop online for gadgets they don't need or distract themselves with endless YouTube rabbit holes on why the moon landing was fake.
00:32:22
KateLynn Bundy
Boy, I'm just kidding. um I love conspiracy theories. They're always so fun. But That's not why we're here. instead So in their heads, the type five, it feels like and they'll say to themselves, if I just keep moving, keep learning something else, keep distracting myself, I won't have to feel how overwhelmed and powerless I actually am But in reality, they end up overextended. They're jittery and even more disconnected from their grounding. It's kind of like watching a scientist abandon the the lab mid-experiment to go take up salsa dancing and then pottery and cryptocurrency trading all in the same week.
00:33:04
KateLynn Bundy
This seven-ish frenzy is a coping strategy for them. It's a way to escape ah the heaviness of stress ah by flooding themselves with options and stimulation like an unhealthy seven.
00:33:18
KateLynn Bundy
They are constantly running away from their basic needs. Fear, remember what that was, of being helpless and useless.
Type Fives Under Stress
00:33:27
KateLynn Bundy
And they're chasing with relentless pursuit their basic desire to be capable and competent. Have a drink with me. It's okay. Okay.
00:33:37
KateLynn Bundy
And in this state, they do this bouncing around to find this niche or project that reinforces their basic desire, right? But of course, the real growth for fives is learning to pause.
00:33:52
KateLynn Bundy
Notice when they're slipping into that manic seven mode and gently bring themselves back to the center by reconnecting with their body and their core sense of focus.
00:34:03
KateLynn Bundy
But if we're to dig little deeper into the average and unhealthy levels, like ah real unhealthies, the fives retreat further and further into their minds, which has them cutting themselves off from their actual physical needs, like we've talked about sleep, food, water.
00:34:24
KateLynn Bundy
etc. And they move further into the real unhealthy levels. um because Whether it's from like a serious crisis or a trauma in their childhood or even in their adulthood, type fives can become extreme shut-ins, we're retreating so far into their mental fortress that they lose touch with reality altogether.
00:34:47
KateLynn Bundy
And instead of simply needing space to recharge like a normal person, they begin hoarding their time and their energy and their knowledge even rather than sharing it. And they become cynical and detached, hypercritical.
00:35:03
KateLynn Bundy
And they're convinced that other people are either too demanding or too ignorant to bother with. Oh boy. i But in this state, fives may wall themselves off emotionally, living more in books or their theories, fantasy worlds than in their actual relationships.
00:35:24
KateLynn Bundy
Again, it's not uncommon for a type five to be unmarried or have like a really toxic stormy relationship with someone. But picture that like mad scientist stereotype, scribbling equations on the wall at 3 a.m. m and just muttering about how no one else gets it.
00:35:42
KateLynn Bundy
And they're forgetting to eat because the latest obsession has them swallowed them whole. The other irony here is that while they withdraw to feel safe and in control, unhealthy fives actually end up even more isolated and paranoid and dependent on their inner world than ever. And at their worst, they risk slipping into nihilism where nothing seems worth engaging in and they can feel like ghosts in their own lives.
00:36:13
KateLynn Bundy
And it's like a um i high-powered, like the fire hoses that can push back a crowd. The sheer force of a five's overheated mind buzzing with aggressive impulses pushes away anything that might happen influence them in the least bit.
00:36:31
KateLynn Bundy
And at this stage, attachment feels far too threatening. So unhealthy fives defend their isolation by slipping into cynicism and nihilism.
Isolation Leading to Cynicism
00:36:42
KateLynn Bundy
And they toss out everything and anything that once brought meaning to their lives, like faith or love and kindness or friendship or some relationship that they had, right? Because all of it now feels like a dangerous trap that might demand their involvement like a normal relationship.
00:37:02
KateLynn Bundy
um And at these really, like this is really unhealthy levels, fives convince themselves that staying detached is the only way to remain safe and uncorrupted.
00:37:13
KateLynn Bundy
And while they're not usually violent people, they might lash out with rants or write some scathing manifesto, like that's an extreme example, or they'll retreat into a hostile silence that just speaks volumes to the people around them.
00:37:28
KateLynn Bundy
And naturally, of course, this behavior will drive people away, which is deepening the five's isolation, which ironically is exactly what they think they want.
00:37:39
KateLynn Bundy
The problem is That loneliness leaves them more vulnerable to even greater distortions of thought. It's like feeding this downward spiral.
00:37:51
KateLynn Bundy
And unlike some other types who can disguise their inner collapse in these unhealthy levels, but fives are clearly and unmistakably unstable.
00:38:02
KateLynn Bundy
Unhealthy fives, that is. Others can see their disintegration and are both like saddened and just horrified, right, as any caring person is. But unhealthy fives, their aggressive defense of their isolation makes interventions difficult for them.
00:38:19
KateLynn Bundy
They'll even hint that, um no, even the hint ah that they might need help is it can be extremely triggering to them, which is reinforced because it's reinforcing their basic fears of being helpless. Like you're calling out how helpless I am. How dare you?
00:38:34
KateLynn Bundy
Ah, it's just a very awful cycle to be in. And um yeah, that's a difficult one, but that's the really unhealthy levels. um But before we get into ways we can help our fives evolve, let's touch on the wings really quickly.
00:38:51
KateLynn Bundy
That was awkward. I'm sorry. So our wings of the five are going to be our fours and our sixes, okay? um And these are just our neighboring flavors of any type that add spice and duality and malleability.
00:39:06
KateLynn Bundy
that a word? Malleableness, right? going to look that up to any type. So um a five with the four wing is the iconoclast, iconoclist.
00:39:20
KateLynn Bundy
Did I say that right? We're learning a lot over here about words, which is funny because we're talking about the fives who are correct me at at the moment. So are the type ones.
00:39:31
KateLynn Bundy
and Sorry. But um our five wing four, this five has all of the curiosity of a five, but with that artistic, moody, dramatic flair of our fours, which we talked about last week. Go listen to that.
00:39:47
KateLynn Bundy
Well, literally not last week, but it was the last episode. um But these are your are philosopher poet types, your misunderstood geniuses. think ah They're thinking like deep thoughts at 2 a.m. m while listening to obscure indie music.
00:40:03
KateLynn Bundy
That was a dig. Yes. um So the five wing six are our problem solvers. They're the ones who are creating the wallter or the ah water filtration system on the deserted island. okay So these fives are more loyal. They're practical and community oriented.
00:40:23
KateLynn Bundy
They're still cautious and analytical, but they're a little bit more grounded in reality. And they're the ones creating those emergency prepared kits for fun. yeah Send me one because I'm not doing that.
00:40:34
KateLynn Bundy
But let's put in a little example of these wings if you put them, the five wing four and the five wing six side by side at a coffee shop. So the five wing four is writing um an existential blog post about the futility of capitalism.
00:40:50
KateLynn Bundy
Yes, amen, sis. But the five wing six is testing the fire alarm system just in case and probably fixing it if um it's broken. Okay. um All right. So practices for growth. This is where we can take action and not just hear about ourselves and move on with our day, but actually start to become more self-aware about ourselves and how we are affecting the world around us and our relationships around us. Okay.
00:41:20
KateLynn Bundy
So four
Connecting with the Body and Sharing Insights
00:41:21
KateLynn Bundy
R5s. First off, check in with your body. You live in your head. Your body is just, it's just not a meat suit. Okay. Eat, sleep, hydrate.
00:41:32
KateLynn Bundy
If you're listening and there's a glass of water right next to you, pick it up and take a drink right now. Like i'm not joking, but I mean, it's vitally important for any type to um take care of their physical health.
00:41:45
KateLynn Bundy
um And I know fives who do triathlons or they get into a local sport league because that also helps them get out there and socialize with other people, but it's with a purpose and you can avoid the small talk. So pro tip, but have some fun with it. I know there there has to be something that you are interested in, whether it be yoga, weightlifting, or whatever. Many of these sports you can you can just pick one and dive into it and master it, which will, again, scratch that brain of yours. But remember, when your body is awake, blood is flowing, your mind is so much sharper, and you therefore have more internal resources.
00:42:26
KateLynn Bundy
Oh my God. ah
00:42:29
KateLynn Bundy
no one will let me do this. I'm just kidding. I'm being dramatic. um But yeah, when your body is awake, I'm going to repeat myself. When the blood's flowing and um you're moving and grooving, your brain is just sharper and you can have more of those internal resources that you are looking for. And that sounds really great, right? Trust me on that.
00:42:52
KateLynn Bundy
Next, share what you know. Don't hoard your insights. The world needs them. Say the thing, write the book, teach the class. If you're a millennial, get the TikTok and create an account that's in your field of interest or your niche.
00:43:09
KateLynn Bundy
As nerdy as it might be, you might be surprised who's out there want wanting to see that stuff. Okay? Just give shot. Who cares? Three, connect with people. Whether it's in that pickleball league with some people,
00:43:25
KateLynn Bundy
um It will feel draining, um but relationships are worth it, right? Practice showing up without overthinking, okay? You are conditioned to not expect support from anyone.
00:43:36
KateLynn Bundy
Use your mind to figure out who will be stable and there for you when you're experiencing difficulties or in hard times. Also, speak up. It's okay to make your needs known.
00:43:48
KateLynn Bundy
That's something I have to remember. um We all need support, and you may be surprised who's there quickly to help you, just waiting for you to ask, okay?
00:44:01
KateLynn Bundy
Lastly, you're going love this one. Allow your feelings in, okay? Instead of studying your emotions, actually, like, try feeling them, I know that's a really radical concept. I know I'm just breaking glass ceilings over here.
00:44:18
KateLynn Bundy
But don't swallow your feelings either. Okay. But when you're in a safe place or an appropriate place, allow yourself to sense your heart and your feelings that are just locked there.
00:44:30
KateLynn Bundy
And also let your impressions of others and your current surroundings affect you. Essentially, let the world in. You're not going to lose yourself or your autonomy, but you will gain the world. And what do I mean by that?
00:44:45
KateLynn Bundy
You will gain that sense of self-confidence and well-being that you have been endlessly looking for all along. Just don't get lost pondering the insights you find when you do this, but come back to reality.
00:44:57
KateLynn Bundy
i i sound like an Eminem song, but whatever. um Remember, this is your life. You're not an abstraction and your presence here can and does matter.
00:45:09
KateLynn Bundy
All right. So if you're a five, next time you're at dinner with friends, don't just sit silently judging the menu's lack of diversity or authenticity or whatever.
00:45:21
KateLynn Bundy
Order something, share a story, laugh a little bit. You might find you still have energy left over and you might actually enjoy it. Basically, take people up on their invitations.
00:45:32
KateLynn Bundy
Challenge yourself to do that once or twice a month when if there's people still out there that are, you know, still inviting you regardless of your response or whatever, like just take them up on it, okay? And challenge yourself a little bit in that way.
00:45:48
KateLynn Bundy
um So yeah, that's that's our little fives. These are our beloved investigators, our thinkers, our philosophers, the knowledge keepers. Don't keep it to yourself. You remind us that the world is fascinating, that there's always more to learn, and that wisdom is worth pursuing.
00:46:09
KateLynn Bundy
Our liberated fives, they recall the vast spaciousness and clarity of you know what they call the divine mind or what Buddhists call the shining void.
00:46:21
KateLynn Bundy
It's the quiet, boundless expanse from which everything springs, like knowledge or creativity or even life itself. And they yearn ah Type 5s, they yearn to experience and return to that void because at some deep level, it feels like home.
Liberation and Connection with the Universe
00:46:41
KateLynn Bundy
The origin of not just of them, but of everything in existence. But this longing... must be understood correctly. Okay, the void is not this bleak emptiness of nothingness, but it's more like a clear openness of a glass of pure water, a brilliant blue sky on a perfect day. It's it's a fertile emptiness, the space from which all else becomes possible.
00:47:09
KateLynn Bundy
Isn't that incredible? In this liberated state, our fives release the old belief that they're cut off or separate from others and instead um experience and directly directly and unmistakably their connection with all of life. And this sense of openness doesn't dull their feelings. It's actually quite the opposite. They may be moved to tears by a beautiful sunset or holding their newborn baby or how beautiful their wife is or something.
00:47:40
KateLynn Bundy
They are free to feel everything while also understanding its fleeting imp pertinent in impermanent nature. Each moment is a gift from the overflowing abundance of the universe. And from this deeper seeing of the human condition, compassion flows naturally. And fives willingly share not only the brilliance of their minds, but also the richness of their hearts.
00:48:09
KateLynn Bundy
um But you're more than your brains, guys. You are full human, your body, heart, and eyes. And even, yes, your emotions are included. um So whether you're busy researching your latest obsession, building that robot in the garage or whatnot, avoiding the party by hiding in the bathroom, don't ever do that again.
00:48:30
KateLynn Bundy
Just remember, you are still you, babes, okay? Okay. That is our episode. Thanks for listening um and tuning in. If you loved this, please, please leave a review or send it to somebody who knows way too much about Star Wars because they're probably a type five. but um But yeah, everybody, next week we'll tackle our type sixes. Drink some water, close those browser tabs, and know that you are enough. Love you.