Have you ever asked an Enneagram Type 5 a question and watched them pause, stare off into the distance, or seemingly disappear into their own mind?

They’re probably not ignoring you. They’re processing.

In this episode of The Working Enneagram, Kelsey sits down with two Enneagram Fives, Kimberly and Nate, to talk about the communication style of the Type 5. Together, they unpack what is often misunderstood about Fives, including why they may need time to think before responding, why direct communication is helpful, and how they decide what information is worth sharing.

One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is that Fives can be selectively thorough.

They may not give every detail about their day, but when the topic matters, when clarity is needed, or when there’s a problem to solve, they can go deep.

In this conversation, we cover:

✨ Why Fives often need time to think before they respond
✨ Why direct communication is usually helpful for Type 5s
✨ How Fives decide what information is worth sharing
✨ What Fives wish others understood about their communication style
✨ How Type 5s can grow in acknowledging the emotional side of communication

Whether you are an Enneagram Type 5, work with a Type 5, lead a Type 5, or simply want to better understand the Fives in your life, this episode will help you grow in empathy, self-awareness, and communication at work.