What are instinctual variants

The three instinctual variants are self-preservation, sexual/one-on-one, and social. To paraphrase, here are the roles of these instincts (also called survival strategies.)

• Self-Preservation concerns itself with protecting oneself from injury or death. Some examples of the self-preservation instinct would be self defense, taking care of your body, maintaining resources for yourself and your loved ones, and learning new skills that will help you take care of yourself.
• Sexual, or One-On-One as it is sometimes called. is concerned with..well..attracting the opposite sex to keep the human race alive, but can also apply to friendships in general and even competition. Some examples of the sexual instinct are forming close friendships, becoming one with someone else, and feeling the need to have chemistry and have it returned.
• Social concerns itself with connecting with other people and belonging within a group. Some examples of the social instinct are networking, finding common ground with others, mentalizing, and naturally understanding social roles.

Countertypes

Countertypes are types whose instinctual variant is at odds with the stereotypical descriptions of their type. These are one of the main reasons that people mistype themselves. Here, I will highlight the countertype of each enneagram.

• The Enneagram One countertype is the Sexual instinct. Sexual Ones are more focused on perfecting others than they are themselves, they lack the perfectionist trope that their other One siblings have. This type often mistypes as Eight because of their explicit anger, this anger is usually expressed within the context of fixing others mistakes. One thing that sets these people apart is their sense of entitlement, which they believe is justified because they are "doing the right thing." When they are healthy, they are dedicated to making deep friendships with people and being sincere companions. Can also mistype as Fours.
• The Enneagram Two countertype is the Self-Preservation instinct. Self-Preservation Twos expects love and often puts on a cute facade to ilicit protective instincts in others. Unlike other Twos, they are cautious as to who they let into their life, this is a way for them to avoid rejection and also because they know that connecting with others demands a lot of their energy. Like Sevens, they are hedonistic and self-indulgent. However, this is based on distracting themselves from the self-deprivation they put themselves through. Can mistype as Four, Sixes, or even Sevens.
• The Enneagram Three counterype is the Self-Preservation instinct. Unlike other Threes, they are more modest and have an inner drive to be a good person. They believe that it's not enough to look good, the inside must match the outside. Do not be mistaken, they still have the core desire to be the best, even if they don't want others to know that's what they desire. Often mistypes as type One.
• The Enneagram Four countertype is the Self-Preservation instinct. These Fours contrast against the stereotypical "emo" image of their type with their often sunny disposition. Instead of dwelling in their negative emotions, they work hard to obtain whatever they feel is preventing them from being complete..even if it is never enough for them. Another thing about them is that they suffer in silence, unlike other Fours. Here is a song that exemplifies this perfectly Can mistype as Ones,Threes, or Sevens.
• The Enneagram Five countertype is the Sexual instinct. These Fives have a passion for finding their soulmate and their inner world is full of romantic fantasies plus idealism. This idealism is crucial to understanding this type, because one defining characteristic is their need to find the most magical and mystical union-they need to have the highest connection that they can with somebody. The kind of love they strive to find, however, may not even exist at all. Can, and probably most often does, mistype as Fours.
• The Enneagram Six countertype is the Sexual instinct. This is the most known countertype, and are more often known as the 'Counterphobic' Sixes. Quick note here, I have actually read that any instinct can be counterphobic, so keep that in mind while reading this section. I believe I mentioned them in my general overview of the types. This type is known for their backlash against authority and their weaponizing of their own strength in order to turn against their own inner fear. Often mistyping as Eights, this mistype might be the most prevelant in the Enneagram community.
• The Enneagram Seven countertype is the Social instinct. Unlike other Sevens, they are more focused on going away from the gluttony that stereotypical Sevens indulge in. They are ashamed of this ideal in themselves, and actively works to be good and pure. Self-sacrificing, they long for a world without pain and suffering. Naranjo notes that they are often vegans. Often mistypes as Twos.
• The Enneagram Eight countertype is the Social instinct. MLK Jr was thought to be this subtype. They are focused on genuinely supporting and protecting their loved ones and those around them. Ashlie Woods describes them as "social antisocial." Naranjo describes them as the child who protected one parent against the abusive parent. They are senstive towards people they feel are marginalized. More outgoing than other Eights and are being active, may be prone to collecting things. Often mistypes as Twos or Nines.
• The Enneagram Nine countertype is the Social instinct. These Nines like to keep busy and are often workaholics. They are the most extroverted of the Nines, being that they want to participate in everything so they work harder to demonstrate their value. Often makes strong leaders because of their ability to put the group's needs above their own. They have an inner feeling that they do not fit in with the group, however, and this is what drives their need for inclusion. Has a tendency to hide their pain as to not burden others. What makes them a countertype is their outgoing and energetic nature. Can mistype as Twos, Threes, or Sixes.