Do you have the SP/SO enneagram subtype? Then you’re in the right place.
Enneagram subtypes, also known as instinctual enneagram subtypes, help you to understand how your personality is shaped. Your subtype combines your enneagram type and instincts, which is how you’re wired to survive. One such subtype is the SP/SO instinctual subtype.
While we don’t have to look for hardcore ways to survive the way our ancestors did, we have some survival instincts in us that determine how we respond to situations as they arise. Every one of the nine enneagram types
What is the SP/SO meaning?
The three instinctual subtypes are:
- Social (SO)
- Sexual (SX)
- Self-Preservation (SP).
Social (SO)
This enneagram subtype prioritizes community acceptance. It wants to belong to a group or community.
Sexual (SX)
This enneagram subtype is also known as one-to-one or intimate. It prioritizes intimate connection with another person. Note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that you must have sexual connections with people. It deals more with chemistry.
Self-Preservation (SP)
This subtype prioritizes physical needs such as finances, shelter, health, food, and family.
You can further break down these subtypes into six through instinctual stacking. You can access all three subtypes in different levels- dominant, secondary, and tertiary (blindspot). Therefore in the SP/SO enneagram subtype, SP is the dominant subtype while SO is the secondary subtype.
Read: SO/SX Instinctual Enneagram Subtype
Here are the six instinctual variants
- SO/SP
- SO/SX
- SX/SP
- SX/SO
- SP/SX
- SP/SO
If you have the SP/SO subtype, you focus more on self-preservation and a little more on socializing with other people. This doesn’t mean that you don’t need intimacy from time to time. It just means that it’s not high on the priority list.
People with the SP/SO subtypes often focus more on self-preservation and less on social connections. They’d instead prioritize getting the essentials for themselves and family members, such as food, shelter, clothing, and health, then partake in group activities or be active in large communities.
Top Signs of the SP/SO Subtype
They Focus on the Essentials
People with the SP/SO subtype usually focus on the essentials. They are often very goal-oriented and strive to meet every goal they set. Anybody who enters their life must help meet a need, fill a void, or solve a problem.
Most people with this subtype don’t strive to be super wealthy. They just want to cover the essentials and ensure that life is as comfortable for them and their family.
Read: SO/SP Instinctual Enneagram Type
Almost Ineffective at Communicating
People with the SP/SO subtype struggle with communication. A part of them wants to socialize and be part of a community, but they find it hard to communicate with people effectively. They’d instead observe other people and listen to conversations that contribute something meaningful.
This trait often affects their relationships. They often compensate for their poor communication skills with provisions.
They Build Friendships With Conditions
Because they value self-preservation and providing the basics for themselves, they only allow people with something to offer into their circle.
If you have the SO/SP subtype, you’d likely only make friends with people who contribute financially or mentally to your life. You’d ask questions such as:
- Is this person making me better?
- How has this person contributed to my life?
- What role can this person fill in my life?
- How has my life changed from my friendship with this person?
Once you see signs of drainage, you cut the friendship off immediately.
They Love Travelling and Exploring New Places
People with the SP/SO subtype love traveling and seeing new places. If you have the SP/SO subtype, in most cases, you’ll cringe at the idea of working at a place for 30 to 40 years. You hate being stuck in a place or an environment for too long.
While you enjoy being part of a community, that feeling can only last so long. You prefer going somewhere new, exploring the place, immersing yourself, and leaving.
SP/SO Facial Demeanor
They often look and sound emotionless. In most cases, they’re primarily very logical and hate when people try to throw emotional arguments at them.
