Common Misidentifications for Type 6
6s are not only the most common type in the enneagram, but also the most diverse and misunderstood. 6s are commonly mistyped as 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s and 8s, there are many reasons for this, so it can be difficult to distinguish between these types.
Misidentifying 6 and 1
These two types can be mistaken as they are both likely to follow the rules and are both quite uptight, as they are both in the Compliance triad. However, 6s and 1s follow rules and do the right thing for different reasons. 6s follow the rules of their authority figures because they are loyal to them and they think it is safer to follow the rules than to make trouble. Conversely, 1s follow their own moral code and if they think a rule is unjust or wrong, they will seriously attempt to change/reform the rules. 1s also try to do the right thing because they want to be good and they will usually make their own principles, rather than following an authority figure or belief system.
Misidentifying 6 and 2
6s and 2s are not commonly thought of as being mistyped, however there are a lot of similarities between the two types. These two types are both in the Compliance triad. 6s and 2s can both be described as people-pleasers, however, their reasons for doing this are different. 6s people-please because they want to be liked/belong and they also think that if they have a support system it will be better for their safety and security. On the other hand, 2s have a more overt way of people-pleasing and desperately want others to rely on them and need them. They are not as concerned with having a support system for safety. In particular so, 6s can be mistaken for 2s as they are more sociable and outgoing than other variants of the 6.
Misidentifying 6 and 3
6 and 3 can be commonly mistyped as they can both be prone to becoming workaholics and both are concerned with gaining success. The similarities between the two are more pronounced in the 6 if they are in the lower levels of health as 6 disintegrates to 3. Additionally, both 6 and 3 are part of the Attachment triad, meaning they have similarities in their relationships with people. The main difference is that a 6 wants to become successful and gain wealth so they know they can be stable and have security, they have no desire to be ‘the best.’ Whereas, 3s are hyper focused on their image and want to be ‘the best’ at everything they do. A 3’s whole identity is wrapped in their need for success.
Misidentifying 6 and 4
6 and 4 can be mistaken as they are both in the Reactive triad, and they can have some similarities depending on what group a 6 is loyal to. For example, if a 6 becomes loyal to a certain community that promotes being an outsider, they may become concerned with being ‘unique’ to fit in. Additionally, 6s can be very aggressive in defending their belief system and will take a strong stance against outsiders. This is because a 6 wants to protect their belief system or group. However, 4s may feel like they don’t fit in, but they won’t see this as a problem, and they won’t change themselves to become part of a group.
Misidentifying 6 and 8
6 and 8 are commonly mistyped, especially the one-to-one variant of the type 6. These types are both part of the Reactive triad. 6s and 8s are both very concerned with loyalty in relationships and will react badly if their trust is broken. Male 6s in particular may try to cultivate personal strength so that they can be seen as strong and be less likely to have their security threatened.