Misidentifying Type Six:

When Loyalty Looks Like Something Else


You might know you’re a Six… or maybe you’ve just always been the cautious one, the planner, the person scanning for red flags.

But here’s the thing: not everyone who worries, troubleshoots, or double-checks everything is a Six.

Type Sixes are wired for loyalty. They want to feel safe, prepared, and supported, both by others and by their own inner frameworks. But depending on how that plays out, Sixes can look a lot like other types, especially those who are heady, responsible, driven, or skeptical.

This page is here to help you figure out whether you’re really a Type Six, or if another type might be behind your need for certainty. Below you’ll find brief comparisons between Sixes and the types they’re most commonly confused with. If you're stuck between options, click through for a deeper breakdown of the differences.


Common Mistypes for Type Six

📌 Type Six vs Type One

Both are responsible and rule-following, but Ones act from conviction and inner morality, while Sixes act from anxiety and loyalty.
Read the full comparison

📌 Type Six vs Type Two

Both are people-focused and helpful, but Sixes focus on security and trust, while Twos focus on connection and being needed.
Read the full comparison

📌 Type Six vs Type Three

Both work hard and value competence, but Threes seek admiration and achievement, while Sixes seek reassurance and belonging.
Read the full comparison

📌 Type Six vs Type Four

Both can be emotionally intense and self-doubting, but Sixes want to belong and be safe, while Fours want to be unique and understood.
Read the full comparison

📌 Type Six vs Type Five

Both are cerebral and cautious, but Fives withdraw to stay self-sufficient, while Sixes seek reassurance and backup.
Read the full comparison

📌 Type Six vs Type Seven

Both are head types with big imaginations, but Sixes anticipate danger and prepare for the worst, while Sevens chase options to avoid discomfort.
Read the full comparison

📌 Type Six vs Type Eight

Both are protective and confrontational at times, but Eights trust their instincts and assert strength, while Sixes seek guidance and backup.
Read the full comparison

📌 Type Six vs Type Nine

Both want peace and safety, but Sixes scan for threats and seek security, while Nines go quiet and avoid anything disruptive.
Read the full comparison


Still Not Sure If You’re a Six?

Take the Enneagram Greenhouse Quiz to get a personalized snapshot of your top results, or explore the full Type Six Deep Dive to see what resonates.

🔗 Want to Explore Other Types?

Return to The Enneagram Greenhouse to view more Enneagram content and other types’ comparison pages.