Other Characteristic Features and Psychodynamic Considerations

Competitive

“Anything goes to remain on Olympus,” said Juanjo Herrera when analyzing the film All About Eve. In its relentless pursuit of success and social acclaim, this particular subtype of E3 exhibits an unparalleled and unscrupulous level of competitiveness.

The forms that this competitiveness takes may appear refined, but the core is ruthlessly unyielding. The Social 3, clinging to their self-image of benevolence, conceals all manipulative actions aimed at undermining opponents beneath a veneer of feigned friendliness. They seldom engage in direct confrontations; instead, they favor more or less subtle derogations. They puppeteer from the shadows, with a smile, and without drawing attention, avoiding any space for intimacy. Their endeavors are geared toward preserving their pristine image and social standing, relying on their social charm and affability rather than the actual quality of their work. Their primary focus lies in maintaining a prominent position that affords them control over the situation.

Envy is one of the silent motors of their actions. In the workplace, they pursue their ambitions through crude, chameleon-like tactics, frequently flaunting their ‘wares’—their

possessions and influential connections. They use their discerning gaze to identify those in power, whom they aim to please through strategic silence, well-timed words, and suitable actions. Once they secure a place of recognition, the battle persists, now entailing a continual adaptation to safeguard the privileges they’ve attained. At this stage, they might have no qualms about trampling over anyone or fabricating falsehoods to discredit those who obstruct their path to the podium. This aspect of their character strongly underscores their connection with E8, alongside a penchant for vengeance.

Vindictive

When they fail to achieve their goal or are exposed in their deceit or true intentions, they strive to maintain their positive image. This often presents an opportunity for cold, unforgiving revenge, where no tactic is off-limits. Manipulation of information, discrediting, and smearing are commonly employed in this subtype. The calculated lies they use for payback are so well-concocted that they themselves lose track of the boundary between reality and fiction in their mythomania.

Histrionic

The Social 3 remains unflappable to avoid revealing their anger and pain. Their defense is rooted in maintaining composure and avoiding any signs of emotional vulnerability. So how does the histrionic trait manifest? It emerges as impatience—a concealed form of anger. Frustration arises from not obtaining what they desire precisely when they desire it, and this disruption shatters their unflinching façade, exposing their underlying irritation. If they no longer manage to be the center of attention because their charm has waned, they reach a breaking point. They cannot endure this loss of the spotlight, as it unveils their deception, leading to explosive and exaggerated outbursts that underscore their intolerance.

Chameleonic / Simultaneously Multi-faceted

We could call the Social 3 simultaneously multifaceted. In everyday life, they skillfully juggle various tasks, like watering plants, talking on the cell phone, tending to a roast in the oven, snacking on an apple, all while contemplating their next step.

Their seamless adaptation to diverse environments allows them to master the art of behaving appropriately in any given situation, knowing how to dress, what to eat, when to speak, or when to remain silent. They meticulously synthesize these behaviors from a place

of control, passing them off as natural behavior studied in detail, far from the slightest spontaneity.

Inverted Masculinity and Femininity

The Social 3 woman exudes a lot of masculine energy—she’s logical, rational, and action-oriented. She hasn’t fully embraced the tender, receptive energy she could have absorbed from her mother, missing out on the nurturing and protective qualities. She often finds herself as an ally among men, a colleague who aids them in becoming even more masculine. She admires strong men and adopts a warrior-like exterior to shield herself from the world.

The Social 3 man doesn’t learn to harness his father’s energy, instead looking at it with trepidation while hiding his emotions. He might appear more in touch with his feminine side and fear his inherent strength. To compensate, he might imagine himself as someone wielding power and weaponry. He seeks out strong and powerful friends.

Both genders grapple with a distortion—they equate strength with violence, as if it were an uncontrolled explosion. It’s beneficial for them to experience the qualities of both masculinity and femininity in a group setting, entering a space that’s neither seductive nor competitive.

Manipulative in Giving and Receiving

The Social 3 detests feeling indebted, so they believe they must give more than they receive. They can’t settle for an equal exchange; they have to give more and, if possible, better. They engage in a kind of mercantile exchange where they aim to come out on top to ensure they receive what they desire. This isn’t driven by altruism, compassion, or true generosity; it’s a strictly transactional quid pro quo.

Appropriationist

The Social 3 only operates within the confines of familiar territory, following well-trodden paths. They meticulously analyze, filter, optimize, and produce a new product, often leaving little room for inspiration. They don’t trust themselves to create independently because of their excessive ambition and a compulsive need for control, rooted in fear of others’

judgment. To put it simply, as Giusy aptly notes, “In a metaphorical sense, the creativity of a Social 3 would be like copy and paste.”

Death Experience Avoidant / Frozen

When faced with death, the Social 3 undergoes an emotional shutdown, ceasing to feel and entering a cold, emotionless state to evade the pain and grief. This is how Francesco recalls the news of an attack on his father: “We didn’t know how he was; they didn’t provide details on the wounded. I was profoundly shocked and completely numb.” After this initial shock, anger becomes the chosen expression—whether outward or concealed—rather than allowing themselves to grieve. They avoid creating space for tears or emotional release and fear connecting with their own body, feeling their heart, or letting emotions overflow.

Death represents for a Social 3 the deterioration of the body and the loss of complete control. It’s associated with the body becoming unpleasant to look at, a loss of face. Giusy recollects, “In my imagined scenarios, I always saw myself dead, and I’d confront the repulsive aspects of my body. Mice, insects, worms would eat at me, and I’d feel decaying fluids oozing from my corpse.” Faced with the reality of their own vulnerability, this character panics.

The fear of dying alone and experiencing physical pain heightens anxiety. They address this perceived dread of death by removing emotional content, employing denial as a defense mechanism. They often remain “in denial of the fact, which is the initial stage of mourning,” as Eustaquio points out. They avoid contemplating their own mortality, frequently assuming that they’re immune to death—something that only happens to others. In cases where death has been a constant presence within the family environment, they may even develop a feeling of being a harbinger of death.

It’s not until they lose a loved one that they grapple with their own mortality. When faced with the proximity of death, moments of physical danger, tragic news, or illness, they tend to process them rationally. Instead of breaking down in grief, they focus on taking action. “Even with cancer, I didn’t miss a single day of work,” Ana explains. Haydée adds, “A few minutes after my father passed away, I was already on the phone making arrangements. My father passed away at 3:30 in the afternoon, and by six o’clock, I was at a funeral home eighty kilometers from home.”

As an adult, death becomes associated with inner emptiness, a barren inner landscape, a cold, desolate depression. If they allow themselves to accompany a loved one through this passage, they can experience a profound quality of love that opens their heart, leading to a

pure state of surrender and a transcendental experience. “At my father’s parting, I felt a lot of love, a kind that’s difficult to explain,” Haydée recollects.

Approaching death can also take on a frivolous tone for the Social 3. Instead of mourning, they may ponder what to wear to the funeral. In some instances, the Hoffman process has helped them grieve for all the deaths they hadn’t mourned earlier.

Attached to Money

The Social 3 is willing to take substantial financial risks with the confidence that they can secure the means to maintain their status, even in the face of economic uncertainties. They have a reluctance to ask for things but are unwilling to forgo anything. Instead, they prefer to get others to give them what they desire without having to openly request it.

From a young age, they strive for financial independence. They don’t closely monitor their bank accounts, rarely save money, and tend to spend beyond their means. It’s not about investing in items with long-term returns; it’s more about spending lavishly. They are generous with other people’s money but often more frugal with their own.

Another aspect of their spending habits involves gift-giving and the lavishness of exquisite meals, which they use as a means to buy friendships. This generosity is a matter of image. As Yolanda explains, “It’s frowned upon not to be generous.” The Social 3 is inclined to give gifts to their partner that they truly like but not necessarily to others. These gifts can be manipulative, used to say, “Look what I bought you…” and may end up stashed in their own room or serve as an excuse to buy a particular perfume they enjoy.

If they want to live frugally, they will do so, but they might still keep a Mercedes Benz parked nearby. They often associate with individuals who have higher purchasing power than themselves, behaving as if they belong to the same elite circle, driven by their inner insecurities. Despite not appearing insecure due to their patrician demeanor, they know how to adopt this rich persona. A Social 3 would find it challenging to adhere to the mandate of a new Messiah who arrives saying, “Leave all your possessions and follow me.”

Attached to the Image of Their House

A Social 3 cannot live just anywhere; they seek out ample, well-decorated spaces that reflect their unique style. Their home is not just where they reside; it’s also a showcase of who they are and what they possess. They take pleasure in hosting friends or influential individuals who can appreciate the style that permeates every nook and cranny. Every

detail is meticulously attended to, and the air is often scented with flowers, candles, and incense, creating a home that teeters between a certain organized chaos and immaculate cleanliness.

Scatologically Modest and Dismissive of Physiological Needs

This is a subject the Social 3 would prefer not to talk about. They are neat in their personal cleanliness, sometimes to the point of developing a compulsive need to shower multiple times a day. They go to great lengths to eliminate any bodily fluids, finding them off-putting and believing that proper decorum demands concealing such aspects in public. Possessing a discerning sense of smell, they abhor unpleasant body odors.

They are often constipated due to a masochistic inclination to withhold, capable of continuing their tasks before tending to their physiological needs. They reserve passing gas for private, isolated bathrooms, far from others’ ears. If caught, they might pass it off as “uncontrolled gasses,” and if it’s not their gas, they worry that someone might suspect it was them. When away from home, they find it difficult to defecate.

Seductive

The Social 3 isn’t particularly passionate and may not exhibit high sexual activity. They use their sexuality as a means to an end, especially until they are certain they have captured the other person’s attention. Feeling that the other person likes them is more significant to them than the sexual experience itself. They focus on the art of seduction rather than deepening relationships. They have sex with the other person’s pleasure in mind, rather than their own enjoyment. Being a good lover becomes just another duty, and sex can become just another product for sale. They may experience a fear of losing control before orgasm, which interferes with their ability to fully engage in the act of lovemaking.

If they connect with their instinctual side, they may prefer more aggressive, somewhat taboo sexual experiences that they feel the need to conceal. They may opt for passionate encounters with a partner who gives free rein to their fierceness, while keeping their main relationship less adventurous. In men, this can manifest as problems with impotence, premature ejaculation, lack of desire, and pain in the penis. Among women, there may be a tendency toward frigidity.

Studied

The Social 3 approaches clothing with a purpose, imbuing it with meaning and attributes that transform it into a tool for their social endeavors. They dress to be admired, opting for striking appearances with bold choices in shapes and colors. Their style is meticulously crafted to ensure they never go unnoticed. Inside their closet, you’ll find a mix of casual attire and luxury brands, with an extensive range that spans from clothes suitable for an African jungle expedition to elegant outfits fit for palatial dinners. Their demeanor showcases their wardrobe, and even if the clothes are cheap, they look expensive due to how the Social 3 wears them.

Cheater/Liar

For the Social 3, cheating is not a moral dilemma; it’s a strategy. As Francesco explains, “I start studying a couple of days before the exam, and I tell myself that I’m so good that I’ll pass without any trouble. And I pass.” They set traps to achieve their objectives, often presenting their intentions as genuine concern for the other person’s needs or employing strategic flattery.

They craft their persona just as they create stories, characters, or events to enhance their image or aid in their social ascent. Lies are readily used to defend themselves whenever someone exposes them. Their identification with their mask is so comprehensive that the lie becomes an integral part of their character, virtually indistinguishable from their true self.

Self-employed or Independent In Labour

The Social 3 seeks to avoid bosses and rigid schedules. Independence is of utmost importance to them. If they do have a boss, they endeavor to maintain their autonomy by skillfully influencing authority figures. They strategically navigate their actions to secure positions of power that grant them certain privileges. Over time, they may even turn their boss into a friend.

Repressed Fear, Shame, and Violence / Counterphobic

The Social 3 suppresses fear, using action to overcome it. As Ana recalls, “In my childhood and youth, I was extremely afraid, and I masked it with counterphobic attitudes due to shame.”

When anger surfaces in the Social 3, it’s precise and cutting, akin to a lethal scalpel. They grapple with the feeling that there is a killer instinct within them so great that, if they were to give it free rein, it would turn them into criminals. “I feel so dark inside that I think I could kill; that’s why I repress myself,” confesses Francesco. Haydée agrees, “When I feel rage, the first thing that emerges is total hatred and the desire to kill.” Giusy mentions experiencing diabolical thoughts at times, and Yolanda admits, “I tend to be reactive rather than aggressive as a first response, and I often direct the aggression inward. I fear I might commit suicide.”

Indolent

In a work setting, the Social 3 often neglects their basic needs. They postpone meals, sleep, or even trips to the restroom in order to complete tasks. Although they are constantly occupied, they might still perceive themselves as lazy. This is something Ana can relate to:

“I keep going because I’m convinced that if I stop, I’ll never get out of bed, never. The way I work with my computer is like a kind of machine, a mantra. I can spend eleven or twelve hours straight in front of the screen without even considering whether I’m tired.”

Eustaquio adds a layer to this paradox: “We’re reliable and hardworking when it comes to external tasks, but we neglect self-care.” Ana concurs, “If you save self-care for leisure time, and that time never arrives because there are always tasks, you end up neglecting it.”

This blend of laziness and lack of discipline makes it challenging for them to keep commitments, especially those related to nurturing their inner selves. The intangible nature of the spirit or inner well-being leads them to undervalue it. While they can be highly determined and diligent in ego-driven actions, they tend to overlook their subtler and deeper aspects.

This character becomes skilled at advocating for things they don’t practice themselves, except when such practices are imposed as part of their responsibilities. Francesco acknowledges this:

“In front of my patients, I pretend to follow everything I recommend. Right now, I have about twenty patients signed up for my dynamic meditation class… and this forces me to do it myself. If it’s part of my work, then I do it. I set these traps for myself to engage in beneficial activities.”

Selective Friend

The Social 3 maintains a wide network of acquaintances but has few actual friends. They tend to choose their friends from among the sex they are attracted to, and their choice is often influenced by underlying self-interest, with their relationships rarely being selfless. They struggle to be friends with someone without harboring a transactional agenda, such as seeking financial gain, access to power, prestige, wisdom, or beauty. They find it challenging to simply be friends with others, as they feel disarmed and vulnerable.

“If you’re going to introduce me to the President of the Republic,” Francesco admits, “I can be there in five minutes. But if you tell me to ‘make friends,’ I become very anxious and afraid.”

By masking emotions, they can exhibit envy and manipulation without being noticed. They might indirectly convey superiority when ostensibly praising others. They often anticipate that others should acknowledge and appreciate them, seldom breaking this automatic pattern to simply be themselves and enjoy friendship. They gauge their prestige based on the response of others, as Giusy affirms:

“Without explicitly saying ‘I’m friends with so-and-so,’ without overtly boasting about it, even feigning humility, I subtly drop hints in conversation about my high-level contacts. With this, I subtly convey that I’m a person of significance. My patients include famous models and friends of the Kennedys, the crème de la crème of my city.”

In relationships, they may perceive themselves as faithful even after being unfaithful. They rationalize their actions because, from their perspective, they’ve spent most of their time engaging in seductive behaviors without being consciously aware of infidelity. If a relationship ends, it’s often done abruptly, as they have maintained the impression that everything was fine until that point. They tend to avoid confrontations and may prefer sending a representative, such as a lawyer, rather than engaging in a public spectacle.

Envious

They covet material possessions at a superficial level but seldom yearn for internal qualities, highlighting profound internal disconnection. As Francesco reflects, “Today it’s different for me; I see other skilled therapists and aspire to manage the therapeutic process like them. But this is a recent change. Previously, I craved objects and things, and they never satisfied me. I’d buy them and still feel empty. It was a fixation, almost an obsession.” Giusy also speaks of envy:

“Imagine this scenario: I’m with Eustaquio and Ana, two women and a man. I couldn’t openly compete with her as it would be embarrassing. My strategy would be to speak as if I were praising Ana but sneak in manipulative comments, such as ‘Ana is quite dangerous, a man-eater, be cautious around her.’ I wouldn’t overtly praise myself since my vanity would be too conspicuous. Beneath this manipulative facade lies an underlying envy that I deny.”

Jealous

Jealousy is particularly triggered when they sense a rival. However, what sets the Social 3 apart is that they often neglect their partner, viewing them merely as a means to maintain prestige. They stop looking at them or nurturing the relationship until a perceived threat to their position arises. They see the third party as someone more valuable, attractive, or possessing something of great worth. Not only is the romantic relationship at risk, but they might also lose their power, status, importance, and prestige. The presence of a rival awakens the fear of social failure.

Ambitious

Their approach to climbing the social ladder and building a career differs from that of the Social E2. Both develop strategies and seek to charm individuals who can help them achieve recognition. The E2 presents itself as great and emphasizes its generosity with warmth, while the E3 emphasizes work, organizational efficiency, and, most importantly, professional effort, all while grappling with deeper insecurity. Social 3s take on a more humble role and carefully plan to reap multiple gains, but it always has to look right and proper.

Cold

Emotional coldness obviously has to do with disconnection from the inner affective world. The Social 3 does not know what they feel, and for them, feelings are more like obstacles that get in the way, rather than guides for making life choices. Likewise, although they may exhibit empathy, they tend to disregard emotions in others that are not on their radar. They treat people as objects, keeping a mental ledger of what they receive and what they give. No wonder that in intensely distressing situations, they can appear unperturbed; they never lose the mask.

Impatient

For the Social 3, time is primarily perceived in terms of what they need to accomplish or how long they must wait to achieve their goals. It is a utilitarian concept, emphasizing speed, as they cannot tolerate idleness or emptiness. They live with a sense of urgency driven by the vision of future successes—successes that must be brought about quickly. Finding contentment in the present moment is a challenge for them. To experience the here and now would require flowing with life and savoring the present, but they lack the confidence or hope that such moments alone can fulfill them.