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Type Six Variant Stackings

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enneagram type type six
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Grey

· MOTM Nov 2009
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Self-pres/social

This subtype of Six is generally warm and friendly. The self-pres combines with the social instinct in such a way that the Six looks to find security in alliances. This type is the least counterphobic of the instinctual stackings of type Six. It's not so much that they can’t be counterphobic; it’s just not where they locate their security. They would rather feel comforted by the safety of like-minded individuals. Family and traditions are often very important to them. They can appear like enneatype One in their ability to get things done, their organizational style, their sense of duty, and their loyalty. This type is usually very independent and proactive when it comes to the details of life. They get things done before they become a problem. On the down side, they can become frozen with anxiety. This stacking is the most visibly anxious Six. They can exhaust themselves from worrying.

In relationships, when healthy, they are very loyal and trustworthy. The self-pres in the Six brings a focus on security. Security to the self-pres/social Six is generated by connections with other individuals or groups. These alliances with others foster a "going towards." This stance usually involves a testing of others to make sure that they are safe. Does the other person have the best interests of the Six at heart? They question other's intentions. It’s not generally an overt confrontational testing, but still, testing others is always an essential element in determining who becomes a trusted friend or romantic partner.

Self-pres/sexual

This type shares with the self-pres/social stacking the need to keep their environment in order. They also can appear One-like in that way. The differences revolve around the fact that they find their security more in their ability to attract a mate. They are concerned about how they are seen sexually. Their alliances to groups and authority can be quite conflicting. With the social instinct last in their stacking, this subtype can have a natural distrust of the social dynamic, especially when they fear it threatens their self-preservational concerns. The stance with regards to political or social concerns can vary wildly within this subtype. The self-pres is looking for safety and alliances with others, usually in a "going towards" fashion, but at the same time, the more assertive energy of the sexual instinct can manifest in a more counterphobic stance.

Their intimates are very important. Their issues with security are focused on their loved ones; their anxiety is closely tied to the pulse and feedback of the people closest to them. They are less outwardly fearful than the self-pres/social. While mainly phobic, their counterphobic nature shows in their sense of fun. They are drawn to intensity, and are likely to overcome fear in order to engage in adventures.(This is especially true with the Seven wing.)
 
Discussion starter · #2 ·
Social/self-pres

This type appears One-like also, but for different reasons. This time, the social instinct combines with the self-pres to give this subtype a strong desire to know where they fit within the group, with whom they can make strong alliances. Conversely, they can counterphobically oppose groups. They are usually political in some form. Adhering to rules is seen as very important to this type. They have issues with authority, such as distrusting reactively or trusting too vehemently. This is the result of their lack of a close connection to people (a function of the undeveloped sexual instinct). Their allegiance is not to individuals but to a group of like-minded others. This subtype could possibly find themselves in jobs such as with the police of firefighting force, and in such professions where it is possible to identify with a group which has clearly defined rules and purposes. On the up side, these are people with a strong moral compass; they can be counted on to do the right thing. They do volunteer work. They become politicians. They are generally solid people. On the down side, their "us against them" thinking can turn into bigotry, paranoia, and "playing the martyr."

In relationships, they can appear almost Two-like sometimes. Their need for people in their lives, coupled with the sexual instinct being last, causes them to worry about the close bonds they have with others and can also cause them to "go towards" while at the same time requiring validation about the strength of the bond. On the down side, they can become very critical of others when they fear their differences. Their need to find security within the group is threatened when others don’t do things the way they do or think the way they think. This occurs mostly when this subtype is unhealthy. When they are healthier, the differences between themselves and others are not bothersome and may even be seen as reassuring.


Social/Sexual

This type can be very different from the other social type, because with this type, security comes from making alliances with individuals. Their weakness comes from their self-pres instinct being last, so they are not as independent as the self-pres/soc. They rely on key people in their lives when doubt sets in. Their security comes from maintaining close bonds. They fear rejection much more then the soc/self-pres. This softens the strong stances seen in the soc/self-pres, because the soc/sex doesn’t find its security in organizations and government. They go through life looking for the people they think will be able to direct them. On the down side, they can make individuals into their authority figures and rely too much on them. They are a lighter Six. They go with the flow more than the other subtypes. They are likely to use humor to charm people, but on the down side may whine and complain about their circumstances to garner support. When healthier, their charm, enthusiasm and curiosity are infectious. They are very loyal friends, although that can be said more or less about all reasonably healthy Sixes. But with the self-pres/soc and the soc/sex nothing much more then your support is required, for maintaining their friendship.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Sexual/Self-pres

The sexual/self-pres Six is more concerned with strength, beauty and merging. With this stacking, the counterphobic energy is directed more toward individuals than towards ideas and concepts. It’s more about controlling the people closest to them. Paranoia arises when the Six feels abandoned by intimates. In the sexual/self-pres Six, doubt and anxiety is relieved by the knowledge that one's intimates really are trustworthy. These Sixes are always testing their mates for loyalty. The sexual Six is counterphobic in terms of needing to prove their desirability and strength.


This type is identified with their respective gender roles for security. They can be competitive and appear Eight-like. Male Sixes are likely to show strength as a form of counterphobia. Female Sixes are likely to emphasize their looks in order to be attractive. Security comes from knowing they are desirable. They can be very possessive of their mates. This can turn to extreme jealousy. On the down side, paranoia about the relationship can set in. The sexual/self-pres Six can appear Three-like, because of their need for validation and competitiveness.

On the high side, this subtype can be the most fiercely loyal to their friendships and to those loved ones who have gained their trust. The intensity of the sexual instinct brings with it a passion that is unwavering for the love and protection of their loved ones. The nature of the Six to "go towards," combined with the merging of the sexual instinct, can sometimes create an idealization of others, the ones that have passed the test of the Six. On the down side, the fear of losing the close relationship can cause this subtype to desperately lash out counterphobicaly.




Sexual/Social

The counterphobic stance of the sexual Six can be seen in competition for attracting the right mate, and in testing to see who is worthy of trust. This is true of both sexual subtypes and especially true of the sexual/social. This type is likely to be found quite commonly among actresses and actors as they tend towards a dramatic presentation. Their need to be identified with their desirability and their strong social instinct, combine to sometimes make them public figures. They are less possessive of their mates, but still feel the need to have control in the relationship. They can have a very focused intensity. They can appear Four-like in their desire to express themselves and give into their passions. They define themselves in accordance with the prevailing gender norms opting to appear masculine or feminine as the case may be. This outward energy is sometimes counterbalanced with inward doubting, which can lead to depression, anger, and acting out, at the lower levels of health.

Anxiety isn’t as noticeable with the sexual variant of type Six, especially when the self-pres instinct is last. The typical things we associate with anxiety aren’t obvious with this subtype. Their anxiety is focused in the arena of relationships, and since their stance is mostly counterphobic, anxiety is not always obvious, and the Six too might be unaware of its presence. This can be true of all the subtypes of type Six. Their anxiety exists at a core level so that Sixes don't always know how to gauge its existence. So, even the more visibly anxious subtypes might not be aware of their underlying anxiety. The sexual/social can appear Eight-like, in their defense of their loved ones and social standing.

[Source]
 
#4 ·
Grey said:
Self-pres/social

This subtype of Six is generally warm and friendly. The self-pres combines with the social instinct in such a way that the Six looks to find security in alliances. This type is the least counterphobic of the instinctual stackings of type Six. It's not so much that they can’t be counterphobic; it’s just not where they locate their security. They would rather feel comforted by the safety of like-minded individuals. Family and traditions are often very important to them. They can appear like enneatype One in their ability to get things done, their organizational style, their sense of duty, and their loyalty. This type is usually very independent and proactive when it comes to the details of life. They get things done before they become a problem. On the down side, they can become frozen with anxiety. This stacking is the most visibly anxious Six. They can exhaust themselves from worrying.

In relationships, when healthy, they are very loyal and trustworthy. The self-pres in the Six brings a focus on security. Security to the self-pres/social Six is generated by connections with other individuals or groups. These alliances with others foster a "going towards." This stance usually involves a testing of others to make sure that they are safe. Does the other person have the best interests of the Six at heart? They question other's intentions. It’s not generally an overt confrontational testing, but still, testing others is always an essential element in determining who becomes a trusted friend or romantic partner.

Self-pres/sexual

This type shares with the self-pres/social stacking the need to keep their environment in order. They also can appear One-like in that way. The differences revolve around the fact that they find their security more in their ability to attract a mate. They are concerned about how they are seen sexually. Their alliances to groups and authority can be quite conflicting. With the social instinct last in their stacking, this subtype can have a natural distrust of the social dynamic, especially when they fear it threatens their self-preservational concerns. The stance with regards to political or social concerns can vary wildly within this subtype. The self-pres is looking for safety and alliances with others, usually in a "going towards" fashion, but at the same time, the more assertive energy of the sexual instinct can manifest in a more counterphobic stance.

Their intimates are very important. Their issues with security are focused on their loved ones; their anxiety is closely tied to the pulse and feedback of the people closest to them. They are less outwardly fearful than the self-pres/social. While mainly phobic, their counterphobic nature shows in their sense of fun. They are drawn to intensity, and are likely to overcome fear in order to engage in adventures.(This is especially true with the Seven wing.)
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Grey, both of these 2 sound a lot like me.. how do I find out what my Variant stacking is?
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Essentially, what you might want to do is simply figure out which of the two sounds like your second variant - do you direct your energy more towards the structure of a group, or do intimate, one-on-one connections?
 
#8 ·
They define themselves in accordance with the prevailing gender norms opting to appear masculine or feminine as the case may be.
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Does this mean a conformity or an against the grain reaction against gender norms? I believe in feminism and masculism, I don't particularly dig the labels though, I just prefer to say, 'I believe in equal rights for both sexes' not 'Im a feminist'.

Anxiety isn’t as noticeable with the sexual variant of type Six, especially when the self-pres instinct is last. The typical things we associate with anxiety aren’t obvious with this subtype. Their anxiety is focused in the arena of relationships, and since their stance is mostly counterphobic, anxiety is not always obvious, and the Six too might be unaware of its presence. This can be true of all the subtypes of type Six. Their anxiety exists at a core level so that Sixes don't always know how to gauge its existence. So, even the more visibly anxious subtypes might not be aware of their underlying anxiety. The sexual/social can appear Eight-like, in their defense of their loved ones and social standing.
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I think I relate corely most with the SX/SO variant stacking, I also have a sense of high individuality but I am aware of my anxiety, my partner and others have noticed it but I don't like to show it for that screams vunerability nor do I want to come across as an overt alpha female coz im not, I have no desire to control anyone vice versa unless they have are behaving obscenely against the interests of equality, at that point, I want to put my foot down. Uhh...
 
#11 ·
I can't ever figure out what my variant stacking is. It changes depending on what test I take, and I think it changes depending on whether I'm in a counterphobic or phobic swing.
 
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#13 ·
Anyone have advice about differentiating between sx/so and so/sx for 6s? I identify with the so/sx description more, I don't really test others for strength/loyalty. I do tend to strongly look for individuals that I can trust and feel safe with. I'm not a particularly serious people, but I think I do tend to whine and feel overwhelmed too much. However, I identify much more with the idea of being aware of my personal chemistry with people rather than group identities. I rubbed my close friend , who probably has a primary social instinct, the wrong way (and vice versa) in my desire to hang out individually and intensely vs his preference to hover around many different people. He far preferred parties and hanging out in larger groups. I've noticed I care how I'm perceived by others intensely, and I'm really curious about others standards for beauty. But at the same time I'm generally too lazy to really push myself to actually appeal to others that way outside of fantasies. I like comfortable friendships and relationships where I'm accepted and liked as I am. Blah I know that was a hard to read wall of text >_<, but I hope it's relevant information.
 
#14 ·
I have a question: so E6s tend to seek security in something external. I'm an Sp/Sx 6 and have this clinging towards... female beauty... Am I the only one who actually looks for security in sexual relationships? Since my E6 is the second in my tritype, that basically means that I want to trust the person in an intellectual way first, that we understand and respect each other's needs, we can efficiently communicate the intimate matters. But other then that, the intellectual sparring is just secondary. My primary concern aren't emotions that much either since those are society oriented (E4 so/sp) and what I'm really interested in is just sex. Experimental, experiential intense, sex. Am I the only one like this?
 
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#15 ·
Neokortex said:
I have a question: so E6s tend to seek security in something external. I'm an Sp/Sx 6 and have this clinging towards... female beauty... Am I the only one who actually looks for security in sexual relationships? Since my E6 is the second in my tritype, that basically means that I want to trust the person in an intellectual way first, that we understand and respect each other's needs, we can efficiently communicate the intimate matters. But other then that, the intellectual sparring is just secondary. My primary concern aren't emotions that much either since those are society oriented (E4 so/sp) and what I'm really interested in is just sex. Experimental, experiential intense, sex. Am I the only one like this?
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Intense, experimental sex, no definitely not the only one. I'm a sx/sp so even on top of that, there is security in many conquests "I am mascaline and desirable"
 
#16 · (Edited)
000 said:
Intense, experimental sex, no definitely not the only one. I'm a sx/sp so even on top of that, there is security in many conquests "I am mascaline and desirable" Not to mention some bad choices putting female beauty over character (a.k.a. 'quality' ) or equating the two.
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Oh yeah, I know that feeling. It's rare to have both, definitely high risk if you let your Sx rush you in.

I guess what I wanted to lay down here, and I see now my tiredness muddled it up, is that E6 blocks out emotions. I actually read it in one of the descriptions that being obsessed with future security and doing your "duty" (strictly according to the "rules") makes it harder to relate on an emotional level. The anxiety rush, the delaying the affection for a possible better future. But as being an INFP I still have to admit that the way I trust someone has mainly to do with their emotional aura first and intellectual rapport second. I'm more into "neutral" or "compliant" people, if you fancy Hornevian terms. And by sex being intense and experimental: it also has to do with the anxiety of the 6. As a 6w7 I prefer to keep verbal contact with the person, have this compulsion to check back with her all the time. I like to make fun of the situation and not to take the whole ordeal seriously at all, also to engage her, to enhance the feeling of her presence. But I constantly need that presence, that external something with which I feel not alone. Protected somehow.

When it comes to beauty, though, I think my w3 does the job. It's also an "image" type, I guess, if you look at the idealistic side of emotions and how images, colors, flavors of sounds are equivalents/projections of emotions. I think my E3 is the one that looks for the high standard, ideal body types, symmetry, curves, all smooth and refined. I may be wrong with this, however, I always believed there's some lechery in all men for the "Marilyn Monroe" hour glass-curves. Odd thing, it turns out some of the guys I know aren't into big boobs at all, as if they've had enough of seeing their mothers' and receiving their care, contrary to the coldness and skeletal build of mine. My mom doesn't like to cook either, she's always late with lunch on weekends and quickly fixes something for us for the weekdays when we're spending our holiday at home. Security in nourishment or lack of. Finding a better (surrogate) mom? But not with exposing immature emotions in the background. It's like sex disguised for science's sake. And have the emotional connection build up later. We pretend to be experimenting until then. Still, I think a lot of the guys have it the same: just looking for their 2nd mom and making up excuses, pretenses, dressing up the naked truth with colorful cultural concepts and sanctions. Difference is: some of them may want to offer protection, whereas I, as an E6, Sp/Sx type want rather to receive protection without having to go through with getting the appeal of any specific group, except for the big brother watching you, the omnipresent all seeing eye to be able to provide the security on my side.

I'm a sx/sp so even on top of that, there is security in many conquests "I am mascaline and desirable"
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The heck is that? I've never really understood that definition of Sx where you display your sexuality as a form of competition. Isn't like, Sx as primary supposed to be hidden and overshadowed by the creative instinct (Sp secondary) as something that is less addicting and more proudly displayed hence?
 
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#17 · (Edited)
Interesting post @Neokortex

It's a bit different as a 6w5, I don't get concerned or wonder what the other person is up to, after an affair, hook-up, short term relationship. After a breakup, sure, though that's rare. I've seen the primary instict to be listed first, definitely a Sx attachment throught my lifetime motivations and behaviors, FWIW. It's not competition, it's an affirmation of the strength/ beauty subconscious
 
#18 ·
I feel like a combination of SP/SO, SO/SP, and SO/SX. I'm less traditional though than typical SP/SO, less political than typical SO/SP, and more indepedent than typical of SO/SX.

I kind of lean slightly towards SO/SP atm but that could change.
 
#19 ·
Sexual/Self-pres

The sexual/self-pres Six is more concerned with strength, beauty and merging. With this stacking, the counterphobic energy is directed more toward individuals than towards ideas and concepts. It’s more about controlling the people closest to them. Paranoia arises when the Six feels abandoned by intimates. In the sexual/self-pres Six, doubt and anxiety is relieved by the knowledge that one's intimates really are trustworthy. These Sixes are always testing their mates for loyalty. The sexual Six is counterphobic in terms of needing to prove their desirability and strength.


This type is identified with their respective gender roles for security. They can be competitive and appear Eight-like. Male Sixes are likely to show strength as a form of counterphobia. Female Sixes are likely to emphasize their looks in order to be attractive. Security comes from knowing they are desirable. They can be very possessive of their mates. This can turn to extreme jealousy. On the down side, paranoia about the relationship can set in. The sexual/self-pres Six can appear Three-like, because of their need for validation and competitiveness.

On the high side, this subtype can be the most fiercely loyal to their friendships and to those loved ones who have gained their trust. The intensity of the sexual instinct brings with it a passion that is unwavering for the love and protection of their loved ones. The nature of the Six to "go towards," combined with the merging of the sexual instinct, can sometimes create an idealization of others, the ones that have passed the test of the Six. On the down side, the fear of losing the close relationship can cause this subtype to desperately lash out counterphobicaly.
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Looks like my instincts are accurate. This is exactly like myself, although I wish i didn't relate to this. I don't like to experience it. I do focus on my appearance a lot, but not aware of proving my strength. I don't like to talk about weaknesses or my problems, so I often avoid opening up, so perhaps that is proving strength is about. Admiting to weaknesses or flaws is humiliating, and other people pointing that out is even worse. I would never admit that I was too nervous to do something, and would convince people that my avoidance was for other reasons. Not sure what is counterphobic about this description exactly, but it must be the part about proving strength and desirability, because it's the opposite of fear or weakness. It's very similar to enneagram 8 in a way, except much more anxiety and trust driven.
 
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