In-Depth Comparison

While it may seem surprising, Nines and Fours can be mistyped, especially among more introverted, creative Nines or more withdrawn, melancholy Fours. Both can be highly sensitive, emotionally attuned, and deeply affected by beauty and relationships. They may each spend a lot of time in their inner worlds, but those worlds look very different.

Fours feel most themselves when they’re tapped into their unique identity and emotional truth. They long to be deeply known, seen as special, and understood, especially in their struggles. Their attention gravitates toward what’s missing, what’s broken, or what makes them different.

Nines, on the other hand, aim to avoid inner disturbance. They often don’t even notice what they’re feeling unless prompted. Their sense of self tends to blur with the people around them, leading them to downplay their uniqueness or avoid digging too deeply into difficult emotions. Nines want to dissolve tension; Fours want to express it.

A mistyped Nine might describe themselves as “emotional and artistic,” while a mistyped Four might say they “keep the peace and get along with everyone,” but the motivations behind those behaviors are key. Nines do not want to stand out. Fours absolutely do.

  • Nines tend to feel disconnected from their own desires

  • Fours are preoccupied with their emotional experiences and often feel too much.

  • Nines repress anger and strong emotion to keep things calm

  • Fours lean into emotion, even if it causes conflict or pain.

  • Nines avoid discomfort and complexity

  • Fours are drawn to discomfort and complexity

  • Nines struggle with inertia by way of numbing out

  • Fours struggle with inertia by way of emotional paralysis.

If you’re unsure, ask yourself:

  • Do I withdraw to avoid conflict and stay comfortable (Nine), or to process my emotions and feel uniquely understood (Four)?

  • Do I struggle to know what I want because I go along with others (Nine), or because I feel misunderstood and emotionally overwhelmed (Four)?

Quick Spot-the-Difference Table

Reflect & Explore

  • Do I focus on my uniqueness and feel different from others (Four), or do I tend to blend in and minimize my own preferences (Nine)?

  • When something upsets me, do I dwell on it and analyze it (Four), or do I try to forget about it and move on (Nine)?

  • Do I secretly want to be seen and known for my depth (Four), or do I feel more comfortable being in the background (Nine)?

  • Is my struggle with motivation about being emotionally overwhelmed (Four) or emotionally numb (Nine)?