The Best

The Social Role of the Three, which appears in the average levels downwards, is that of 'The Best'. Threes, as part of the Feeling Triad (along with the Two and the Four) are seeking attention but they go about it differently than the Two or Four. Threes feel their self-worth comes from being outstanding and shining brightly. They are therefore ambitious and excelling, striving to be the best they can be. In many ways this is very admirable but creates enormous pressure for them and can lead them into trouble as this way of thinking does not allow for them to be average or good or, perhaps even, really good. They can feel that only being the best is good enough, that they have to shine, and start to only be able to relate to others comfortably when in this role. If Threes cannot be the success they demand of themselves they will pour their efforts in to appearing to be successful ie: into the image of success. This social role is related to another role of the Three - that of Family Hero - as the one who will redeem the family by meeting the - often unexpressed - expectations of the family.

The real difficulty is that living up to an image is not only hard work but sets us up for failure. Ultimately we cannot live an image.