Other Characteristic Traits And Psychodynamic Considerations
Idealization of the Couple or Relationship
Sexual 1 individuals tend to idealize both their partner and the nature of their relationship, focusing intensely on the depth and quality of their interpersonal connections. They often have high expectations in their romantic relationships, fueled by the belief that a perfect relationship is achievable. However, this idealization can lead to frustration and disappointment when confronted with the inevitable reality of human imperfection.
Intense Focus on Intimacy
Sexual 1 individuals exhibit a strong focus on the intensity of sexual and emotional connection. They invest significant energy in making their relationship as seamless and meaningful as possible. This intense dedication reflects their desire to achieve a high ideal in all aspects of romantic connection. The underlying belief here is: "If I want it intensely enough, I can achieve my ideal."
High Standards for the Partner and Oneself
In romantic relationships, Sexual 1 individuals generally aspire to excellence and mutual commitment to personal and collective growth. They continuously strive to be the best version of themselves for their partner, reflecting not only a drive for self-improvement but also a desire to shape and perfect their partner. This is fueled by the unconscious belief that they know how to "fix" or refine their significant other.
Passionate Advocacy for Justice in the Relationship
Individuals of this subtype often have a strong need for fairness in their relationships, but they may mistakenly believe that their own principles of justice are the only valid ones. This can make it difficult for them to recognize their partner as an independent person with their own values, principles, and needs.
Idealization of Perfection
Sexual 1 individuals tend to hold rigid ideals about how things should be, applying these standards to both their internal and external worlds. They strongly believe that they know the "right" way to do things.
"I could give many examples of this throughout my life. I can walk into my house as soon as the cleaning lady leaves, after she’s finished her job, and spot a small stain on a piece of clothing that no one else notices. Or I can love a pair of shoes, but as soon as they no longer look perfect, I stop liking them. I can’t stand seeing my house dirty according to my own cleaning standards. It makes me uncomfortable and angry, and no matter what time it is, I have to vacuum. I often say I like walking barefoot at home, but in reality, it’s my way of making sure the floor is perfectly clean." — Roza Picazzo
Harsh Internal Criticism
Sexual 1 individuals usually have a severe inner critic that constantly evaluates their actions and thoughts. This internal scrutiny intensifies when circumstances do not align with their idealistic vision or when they perceive an injustice. In such situations, they may experience anger, which can manifest as self-criticism or as resentment toward others. They are convinced that they have the right to be angry and to criticize their partner when they do not meet their standards, which they see as the only valid criteria.
Compulsion to Improve
Sexual 1 individuals feel a constant compulsion not only to improve themselves but also to improve the world around them. They channel their energy into causes they are passionate about, driven by a desire to make a positive impact. However, they often fail to realize that their need for self-improvement is actually a neurotic compulsion—an unconscious attempt to validate their self-worth—rather than an objective necessity. The underlying belief here is: "Everything can be improved, and I know how to improve it."
"There is a clear difference between a 20-year-old and a 70-year-old man. Recently, one of my employees noticed that the main beam of a building under construction had been placed incorrectly. He asked the construction manager to remove the entire roof and reposition it properly. The poor man came to me in
desperation—doing so would have ruined the budget. I thought about what I would have done years ago: without a doubt, I would have been ruthless, completely indifferent to the cost of correcting the mistake. However, today I know that 'the best is the enemy of the good.' The beam stayed as it was, and everything turned out fine. I have trained myself to temper my rigid impulses." — Patrick Genard
Moralizing Intimacy
Sexual 1 individuals often moralize about intimacy, setting high standards for themselves and their partners. They tend to believe that intimacy cannot rely on spontaneity or present-moment feelings. Instead, they feel that everything must be planned and controlled. To them, an intimate relationship "works" only if it follows a structured framework with clear rules and fairness.
Emotional Vigilance
These individuals tend to be highly attentive to the emotional dynamics of their relationships. This vigilance translates into constant monitoring for potential problems or areas for improvement. They are always looking for ways to strengthen and enhance the relationship, focusing on problem-solving and continuous improvement. They strongly believe that if they fix external issues, the emotional bond will naturally improve as well—assuming that by organizing things, they can "fix" feelings.
Denial of Personal Needs
Sexual 1 individuals may deny or minimize their own needs and desires, seeing them as obstacles to achieving higher ideals. Their underlying belief is: "What I feel doesn’t matter; what I do to achieve my ideals does." In reality, this often leads to a betrayal of their own emotions, which remain unacknowledged. Yet, their desires still manifest—only disguised as "moral truths."
"My first therapist, in one of our early sessions, told me: ‘You are like a devil—highly intellectual, well-organized, deeply grounded in reality, but emotionally disconnected.’ I had internalized intelligence and a strong sense of reality, but I struggled with emotions. I had difficulty expressing myself, or I would speak up when it was no longer relevant, or with an intensity that felt
excessive. Learning to modulate my emotional expression has been a major challenge." — Patrick Genard
Fear of Losing Control in Relationships
Sexual 1 individuals often harbor an irrational fear of losing control in their intimate relationships, leading them to seek predictability and order. Their unconscious belief is: "I must anticipate everything." This can translate into a strong need to dominate their partner or control the dynamics of the relationship.
Fear of Imperfection
These individuals may have a profound fear of imperfection, both in themselves and in their relationships. As a result, they often avoid or hide aspects of themselves that they perceive as flawed or as falling short of their ideal of perfection. They may associate their personal worth with the success and perceived perfection of their romantic relationships. This belief increases their fear of failure and places immense pressure on them to maintain an idealized image of their relationship.
Difficulty in Managing Conflicts in Relationships
For a Sexual 1, dealing with conflict in relationships can be particularly challenging due to their intense desire to avoid discord. This tendency often results in repressing emotions or avoiding conversations that are crucial for conflict resolution. The fear of disrupting the harmony of the relationship may lead them to shy away from confrontation, even when addressing issues would ultimately be beneficial. A subconscious belief may emerge: "If there is conflict, something is not perfect; and if I perfect it, conflict will disappear." This can also manifest in the idea that "emotions produce chaos."
The Sexual 1 tends to externalize their own self-criticism, projecting it onto others by demanding they adhere to rigid standards of perfection. This often results in contempt for those who fail to meet these standards, reinforcing an inflated self-image bordering on moral superiority. They may believe that those who act correctly should be rewarded by life, as if perfection alone could dictate external circumstances.
Despite achieving their goals, the Sexual 1 often struggles to enjoy their successes. This is because they see their accomplishments as mere fulfillment of duty, preventing them from fully recognizing their efforts. They also impose their moral code on others, pressuring them to adhere to the same strict principles of right and wrong. For the Sexual 1, what is deemed
irrational or immoral within their worldview is entirely unacceptable, leaving little room for exceptions.
"A few years ago, I experienced a serious health issue, and instead of focusing on my recovery, I was consumed by the injustice of it all. I led a healthy lifestyle—no tobacco, no alcohol, a balanced diet, regular exercise—a 'perfect' life where such an illness had no place. At the same time, I directed my frustration outward, harshly judging those who neglected their health yet remained unaffected by what had happened to me." — Roza Picazzo
Conclusions and Justifications
When confronted with doubts about their actions or decisions, a Sexual 1 may resort to irrational conclusions to validate their perspective and maintain their self-image. These conclusions reflect their perfectionist outlook and strong sense of moral responsibility. Some examples include:
1."Why didn’t they accept that this was the right way to do it?" – A response to others not agreeing with their method. 2."They should realize this isn’t right." – An expectation that others should naturally align with their rigorous standards. 3."I had to put other people’s things in the right place." – Justifying intervention in others' affairs. 4."They’ll thank me for taking care of their carelessness." – Anticipating gratitude for correcting others' mistakes. 5."Since I did things right, they will follow my example." – Believing their behavior should serve as a model. 6."He’s going to thank me for teaching him how to do better." – Expecting appreciation for their guidance. 7."It’s okay that I had less fun than others because my work was valuable." – Valuing work over personal pleasure. 8."I was justified in staying in the left lane because I was driving at the speed limit." – Rationalizing rigid adherence to rules. 9."It’s not my fault; I did everything that needed to be done." – Avoiding responsibility for unfavorable outcomes. 10."Since I endured this, next time I won’t be so weak." – Minimizing vulnerability while emphasizing strength.
Appropriation of the Truth
For the Sexual 1, truth is the guiding force around which their personality revolves. In moments of doubt or conflict, truth provides clarity, dissolving hesitation and offering a clear sense of direction. This conviction is particularly strong when others display indecision.
Truth not only supports their perfectionist ideals but also fuels a restrained, vigilant anger. It can become an "educational" tool, used to correct those who take shortcuts or deviate from structured rules. Ultimately, truth becomes both a guiding principle and a justification for imposing their standards on others.
Their combination of openness and vulnerability leads the Sexual 1 to wield truth as both a shield and a sword, cloaking themselves in a rigid set of convictions. When their fervor for truth merges with their obsession with perfection and control, it transforms into an energy that legitimizes their authority. They may assume a leadership role, striving to "improve the world" through their unwavering belief in truth and justice.
"Their sole purpose was to strip away the absurd masks that religions had placed upon the face of God over centuries. Everything—our usefulness, our virtue, our happiness—boils down to one simple truth: as long as we desire to uncover and proclaim the truth, we are still striving to find it."
Contradictory and Dualistic Nature
The mind of the Sexual 1 operates in extreme dualities: good and bad, winners and losers, valid and invalid, right and wrong. They can be paradoxical figures—preaching virtue, sacrifice, and courage while simultaneously exhibiting contradictory behaviors. They may extol the importance of morality yet engage in behaviors they themselves would condemn.
How can one reconcile the merits and inconsistencies of this complex character? On one hand, there is their deep love for truth, humanity, and righteousness. On the other, there is pride, rigidity, and a tendency toward control.
"For a time, I displayed patriarchal tendencies toward my children—controlling and dominating. Fortunately, their mother wisely balanced my influence without direct confrontation. When I realized my behavior, I learned to accept (in most cases) her healthier approach. However, it didn’t significantly change my nature." — Jurgen Kramer
Antisocial Tendencies
Rather than experiencing loneliness as a void, the Sexual 1 sees themselves as powerful, competent, and deserving of recognition. From childhood, they often battle internally, developing autonomy and self-sufficiency while resisting reliance on others. However, they still crave validation, seeking acknowledgment of their excellence.
Despite this desire for approval, they struggle to integrate into groups that lack a meaningful purpose. When faced with rejection, frustration and anger may arise, leading them to blame others rather than examine their own behavior.
"I relate easily to people I like. In groups, I only participate when the discussion interests me. I used to be highly critical, but I’ve learned the value of withholding judgment. At parties, I preferred to stay near women because I wasn’t interested in stereotypical male conversations about sports or other trivial matters." — Jurgen Kramer
The Role of the Initiator
In personal relationships, the Sexual 1 often struggles with connection and emotional surrender. They may attempt to control their family environment, believing their influence is for the greater good, without considering the desires of others. When their sacrifices go unacknowledged, they tend to blame others rather than reflect on their own behavior.
"I am always the one who initiates family gatherings. I present the best time and place, making it seem like a consensus rather than an imposition. This way, I can 'do something good' while ensuring fairness." — Jurgen Kramer
Lust and Contradiction
Historically, sexual desire has been stigmatized, and the Sexual 1 may struggle with reconciling their own impulses. While they often adopt a rigid moral framework, they may also justify their desires through a logic of "why not?"
"And then my miserable carnal side took hold of me again. Just an hour later, I succumbed to the voice of vice, ambition, vanity, and desire. I knew where these voices came from—they were destroying my happiness. I fought. I failed. I fell asleep, resentful of fame and women."
In Search of Accurate and Suitable Words
The yearning for perfection in E1 is also reflected in an intense search for the right words to describe situations or articulate thoughts verbally. Strakhov assisted Tolstoy in preparing Anna Karenina for hardcover publication. "Regarding my corrections, which almost always concerned linguistic issues," Strakhov wrote, "I found that Leon defended his choice of words to the death and refused to make the slightest modification. I could tell from his remarks that he cared deeply about what I had written and that, despite the apparent carelessness and strangeness of his style, he had weighed every word and every sentence with the same precision as the most exacting poet."
As long as he is dealing with words or writings within his own domain, his attitude may be justified. However, the Sexual 1 does not limit his actions to the personal realm. In conversations—and whenever the opportunity arises—he finds great satisfaction in correcting others.
Possessive Tendencies
The Sexual 1 can exhibit possessive tendencies in relationships, often struggling internally with jealousy and excessive concern over their partner's loyalty and fidelity. They seek certainty about their partner's commitment and devotion, which can lead them to become overbearing in intimate relationships. In some cases, they may take on a patriarchal and domineering role, belittling their partner—this applies to both men and women.
Relationship with Shame and Guilt
The Sexual 1 often has an intensified relationship with shame and guilt, particularly regarding sexual or sensual desires. They may find it difficult to reconcile their high moral standards and values with their instinctive and passionate nature.
"Shame in me is linked to my shyness. I remember that, in high school, I had to give a lecture in front of the class. As I spoke, my face grew redder and redder. My mind was blurry, and I felt more and more foolish. However, I was an expert at dissembling. Years later, at the age of 21, I hitchhiked to the Avignon Festival. A car with four girls stopped for me. I sat between them, and one of them put her hand on my ass, inside my pants. It was like this the whole trip, touching me... I, unperturbed, did not move an eyebrow, pretending nothing had happened. I insisted on getting off at my destination, but they didn't want me
to leave. The girl didn't let go of my ass until the last moment. I remained calm. In truth, inside, I was dying of embarrassment." —Patrick Genard
Psychodynamic Considerations
As Claudio Naranjo pointed out, passions arise from a background of "covered" obscuration; the loss of the sense of "I am" sustains the desire to be. In the case of the Sexual 1, this "covered" obscuration is central to their psychological makeup. In other words, the Sexual 1’s vital attitude reflects a loss of the sense of being, which manifests as an unconsciousness of unconsciousness, giving them a particular self-satisfaction. However, this unconscious dissatisfaction transforms into the most ardent of passions—though ignored by their active unconscious, it underlies the quality of their interpersonal relationships.
In the Sexual 1, this "covered" obscuration is masked by excessive refinement. One could say that a reactive formation also occurs at this "covered" level: the perceived deficiency becomes a stimulus for compensation through a relentless pursuit of perfection. The search for the self thus becomes a substitute for the good life.
For the Sexual 1, the quality of life is often directly linked to the quality of righteousness—a harmony between personal conduct and an ideal world of principles. This manifests in their unwavering strength to resist temptations and stand firm in what they believe is right. Their motivation to exert effort can often be traced back to early experiences of emotional dissatisfaction, which gave rise to a defense mechanism: "I will be better than you and rise above your ability to evaluate me. I'll prove it to you." This serves as both a defense against their own insecurities and the underlying mechanism of their perfectionism, moralism, conscious benevolence, well-intentioned criticality, and rigid work ethic.
The result of this process—where the search for love fuels an insatiable perfectionist craving—turns into an unyielding pursuit of what is right and respectable. This, in turn, makes it difficult for them to satisfy a still latent (though repressed) need for tenderness, recognition, and respect.