Basic eru (EuRuUu)

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The primary difference between the eru and the era [EuRuAu] is that the latter feels that he has made an adequate social adaptation (which, in fact, may be quite ineffective) while the former, the eru, not only does not feel that he had made such an adaptation but really does not care to do so. In other words, the eru continues to be active, involving, and responsive, but entirely on his own terms, consciously, and even deliberately. The era* [EuRuUc] is essentially a thwarted extrovert while the eru, although technically not an introvert, is willing to be individualistic and non conventional in the social sense.

The eru makes his adjustment in a variety of ways. He can identify with, and find satisfaction in offbeat, unconventional or esoteric groups that fit his personal needs; he can avoid interpersonal relationships and become involved with nature, physical activities, or intellectual exercises; he can ignore social demands and seek his satisfactions in highly individualistic or self-centered interests regardless of the consequences; he can delude himself into thinking that his own needs are proper and just and that the needs of others are only irritations or persecutions that should be ignored. Obviously, the social effectiveness of this adjustment is a function of what mode of adaption is selected and applied.

The eru who has leaned to exploit his "feel" or empirical judgement in a precise, imitative, mechanical manner and who is not under too much pressure to be socially dominant and effective can become a productive and efficient artisan, mechanic, engineer, naturalist, or technical-depending on his drive and his intellectual level. He may be socially withdrawn, easily embarrassed, suspicious of friendliness and interaction, but he is never autistic. He may find more satisfaction as an observer than as a participant, but he is rarely out of contact or lacking in curiosity. He may be quite gauche in the way he shows his interest by being irritatingly obvious in his curiosity. Many so-called wallflowers fall into this cluster because they go to many activities and are interested in what is going on, but take little initiative to be included except as observers. The era* [EuRuUc] will actively insert himself even though it is obvious that he is not wanted; the i*f*a* [EcRcUc] will try to do something to earn acceptance; and the er*a* [EuFcUc] will tend to become an advisor or confidant. In spite of his social activity, however, there is always a self-centered, selfish quality about the eru. He resents direction, control, or interference with his own sensory experiences and needs.