Blind Spots pt 2
How open are you to discover and work on some of your ‘blind spots’ in personality and behavior?
If you are brave enough, ask your spouse:
What is a blind spot that would be helpful for me to know?
(Warning: Do not attempt this unless you can be safe and supportive. If you have low-grade ill will and distrust only volunteer what you think may be your own blind spot.)
Our Experience
Part 2: Libby’s Blind Spot
Libby’s blind spot is a little tricky because it always starts out as a strength.
She is too nice, too sweet, TOO HELPFUL!
“What’s the problem with that?”, you may ask.
Personally, I have been the beneficiary of all that Sweetness on Tap. (A fact she reminds me of whenever I complain about her doing “too much” for someone.)
She is one of the most loved people I know. Such affirmation makes it nearly impossible for her to resist the need to meet the needs of everyone around her. She is a true Enneagram 2, but be careful. She has a 1 Wing.
Downsides?
Some people do not like being tended to all the time. They are even a little insulted by someone acting as if they need something. Uninvited help is not welcomed. Just ask an Enneagram 5.
Some will take her help for granted and expect her to be ‘on call’ for what they need.
Somone who thrives on being needed is usually clueless about what they need. Their own needs are ignored as being selfish. They can only ask, “Are you okay?” They do not know how to ask, “Am I okay.”
When not needed, a person like Libby can feel unloved and empty.
“I am such a boring and uninteresting person,” Libby sometimes says.
“I’m not an artist, I don’t play golf or tennis, I don’t have any exciting hobbies.”
It is hard for her to appreciate the impact of her life with others. The number of people who reach out to her every week is amazing.
Today she will serve ice cream to the kids at our grandson Grey’s bus stop. She came up with this idea a few months ago to celebrate Friday every few weeks. I suspect that the school will have to close this down because of the near riot that occurs among the students who have to stay on the bus. “We want ice cream,” was the chant as they pounded the windows last time.
Do you have a blind spot that comes from a strength that can go too far?
