Type 6s are the ones you can always count on. They are reliable, committed, and trustworthy. They are always on the lookout for problems, making them at times defensive and anxious.
At their best, type 6s are the rocks you can lean on, wanting to support others any way they can. At their worst, they are suspicious of any perceived threats, becoming conspirators where no threat may exist.
Committed, Responsible, Suspicious, Anxious
Key Desire: To have support, security, and guidance
Key Fear: Being without support, security, and guidance
Key Longing: You are safe and secure
Strengths:
- Reliable
- Trustworthy
- Loyal
- Courageous
- Observant
- Witty
- Perceptive
Challenges:
- Anxious
- Pessimistic
- Defensive
- Reactive
- Suspicious
- Contradictory
- Hypervigilant
Type 6 Wings
Each type is influenced by its nearest “wing.” We usually lean on one wing more than the other. These wings give more intricacy to who we are.
6w5 “The Defender”
If you lean more on your 5 wing, you are more independent and introverted. You enjoy learning, problem-solving, and mastering skills. You are less likely to rely on or trust others. When you’re overwhelmed, you become reclusive and struggle to take action.
- Idiosyncratic
- Problem-solver
- Extremely vigilant
- Quiet
- Conservative
- Focused
- Cynical
6w7 “The Buddy”
If you lean more on your 7 wing, you tend to be more social and relaxed. You are good at responding to the needs of others and enjoy being a part of a group. You struggle more with discipline and being too easily influenced by the advice of those closest to you.
- Social
- Fun-loving
- Impulsive
- Charmingly funny
- Extroverted
- Want to be liked
- Self-deprecating
Growth & Stress
Every Enneagram has stress and growth paths. These are the directions we go toward as we grow or become more secure, and when we’re stressed and disintegrating.
Security
Move toward healthy 9s
- Optimistic
- Calm
- Adaptive
Stress
Move toward unhealthy 3s
- Terrified of failure
- Arrogant
- Opportunistic
Levels of Development
Healthy Levels
Level 1:
At their best, type 6s trust themselves and others. They are independent, yet cooperative. Their belief in themselves brings them courage, positive thinking, leadership, and rich self-expression.
Level 2:
They are endearing and lovable, able to make others feel open and understood. They enjoy bonding with others and forming permanent relationships.
Level 3:
They are dedicated to people and causes that they deeply believe in. They are community builders who are responsible, reliable, and trustworthy. Hardworking and persevering, they willingly sacrifice for others. They create stability and security.
Average Levels
Level 4:
They invest their time and energy into secure investments and relationships. They find security in safe relationships and authority figures. They vigilantly keep a lookout for potential problems.
Level 5:
To resist having more demands made on them, they react against others passive-aggressively. They are evasive, indecisive, and cautious. They are highly reactive, anxious, and negative. Their internal confusion makes them react unpredictably.
Level 6:
To compensate for their insecurities, they become hostile, blaming others for their problems. They are highly reactive and defensive dividing people into friends and enemies. They enforce strict obedience, while fearing authority. They are highly suspicious and conspiratorial.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7:
Fearing that they have ruined their security, they become panicky, unpredictable, and think of themselves as unimportant. Seeing themselves as defenseless, they seek out a stronger authority or belief to resolve all their problems. They are highly divisive and belittle others.
Level 8:
Feeling persecuted that others are “out to get them,” they lash-out and act irrationally, bringing about what they fear. They become extreme and violent.
Level 9:
Hysterical, and seeking to escape punishment, they become self-destructive and suicidal. They can struggle with alcoholism, drug overdoses, and self-abasing behavior.
Posts About Type 6
The Partner That Can’t Make Decisions: Types 6 & 2 Together
Are you the partner that can never make decisions? Is your partner very caring, but makes you feel too pressured? Read to find out if you are in a Type 6 & 2 relationship and how you can manage conflict.
The Human Connection 