Social Instinct (So)
This does NOT mean “sociable” and any type, even Social blindspot, may have and enjoy the company of many friends (though they are less bothered than most by not). A Social type wishes to belong to or be connected to a group, to contribute to society, and / or possibly to achieve a level of status and fame (though this will vary). Usually develops as a response to childhood feelings of loneliness or isolation, of being “different” from or “separate” from groups or peers. Neurotic social types find it difficult to participate in groups and thus, paradoxically, many loners are Social firsts. People with this instinct in their first or second place often find it easy to identify the “social hierarchy” and pay attention to who has status within a group, consciously or otherwise, and are keenly aware of their own place within it.
Social second often finds it relatively easy to “network”, to make friends or connections, and may take a relaxed issue towards family and friends. Less healthy Social 2nd may take friends and networks for granted, or exploit them for their Sp first or Sx first ends. Sx/So in particular may cross social boundaries without thinking because they feel that burnt bridges can be rebuilt or replaced.
Social last may have several friends or belong to many groups but does not prioritise them. They may easily join and drop out of social groups (including online groups) with little thought to what other people think (in the sense that it does not really occur to them rather than that they maliciously do not care). They may also be guilty of more “social faux pas’” than the other stackings as they do not care much for how others think of them (relative to other typological factors and health level etc.). They may also occasionally present as somewhat “mysterious” to other people.
Sexual Instinct (Sx)
This does NOT mean “sexual” nor does it mean romantic relationships- any type can fall in love and live happily together. Instead, Sx refers to “sexual energy” and draws to mind a desire to “merge” with a significant other and spend as much time with them as possible, giving 110%. However, this energy need not be directed only at a lover- a cause, a project, a religion, an organization, a dream; anything will do, and individual Sx persons may have several interests at once, or spend their lives searching for someone or something to devote themselves to. In general, Sx/Sp is more “relationship oriented” than Sx/So, but this is more of a trend than a rule and there are numerous exceptions each way. Sx types often feel intense and have a need for intense experiences, though what this entails will vary by person. Neurotic Sx types can be selfish and prioritise their own need for experiences ahead or at the expense of what other people want or care about. Some Sx types may have felt disconnected from an early significant relationship, such as parents or other family members.
Sexual second finds it relatively easy to form or pursue close relationships, romantic or otherwise, and feels comfortable pursuing social or self-preservation goals when they have an intimate other (or others), romantic or otherwise. Even if they never actually enter a relationship themselves, they are often read in them and find them easy to understand. Less healthily, they may feel lonely when not in the company of close friends or family, or they may exploit relationships for their other ends.
Sexual last may feel that they lack a certain “drive” or “energy” in their life and do not find it as easy as Sx types to pursue their ambitions or their dreams, or appear to do so at a more relaxed pace. They may also feel strangely disconnected to people they are close to as if there is some “gap” or “space” between them no matter how close they actually are.
Self-Preservation
This instinct is the desire for security, for home, health, job, fitness, family etc. While everybody must have or pursue these needs in order to survive, the self-preservation type may feel insecure about getting these needs met and about keeping them met. Though in some ways the least ambitious of the three instinctual types, they can give it their all if they feel their personal security (and / or that of their friends and family) are at stake in one way or another. Sp also represents psychological security and many devote themselves to hobbies, careers or projects when they feel secure in the other areas of their life (whether or not they actually are); or, alternatively, to give themselves a sense of security in an less ordered life. Self-Pres types often desire less to be “wealthy” than to “have enough” and are not necessarily interested in riches- though they may chase after them like everyone else, they are more likely to be possessive about what they have than greedy about getting more, unless they want more out of fear of future loss. Though the “average man / woman” is often a Self-Pres type, they can also be found amongst several highly successful and famous persons who have managed to achieve fame and fortune by hard work and good luck rather than as an end in itself. Some self-pres types felt deprived or endangered as children and fear loss of security again.
Self-Pres second finds it relatively easy to take care of themselves or have their needs met. They may feel more “secure” than Self-Pres first and are likely to feel that they are best served building themselves a solid “base” or “nest” and / or achieving a certain level of mental or physical fitness before pursuing their Social or Sexual needs. Less healthily, others may take Self-Preservation for granted and be wasteful with their time and resources as they are so relaxed about these issues that they get left by the wayside or risked in a gamble.
Self-Pres last often felt like their self-preservation needs were either unimportant or easily met (many people from wealthier backgrounds are Sp last; others from poorer backgrounds may simply have been well looked after or felt more secure in their Social or Sexual instincts in support). They may find it difficult to take care of themselves if they fall on hard times or they may fail to consider the physical needs of others.
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