Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent troubleshooters, they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant, and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion.
Core Fear
Being without support or guidance
Core Desire
To have security and support
Motivation
To have security and support, to test attitudes of others, to fight against anxiety
Strengths
- Deeply loyal and committed
- Protective of loved ones
- Anticipates problems
- Reliable and responsible
- Seeks lasting commitment
Challenges
- Tests partner's loyalty excessively
- Anxiety affects the relationship
- Suspicion and worst-case thinking
- Difficulty trusting
- Can be reactive under stress
↓ Under Stress → Type 3
The Six tries to outrun anxiety through achievement. Becomes image-conscious and competitive. May work frantically to prove worth and secure position through success rather than loyalty.
Warning Signs
- • Sudden focus on image and achievement
- • Competing with partner
- • Workaholic behavior
- • Performing confidence while internally anxious
↑ In Growth → Type 9
The Six accesses the Nine's inner peace. Anxiety quiets as they trust their own inner guidance. Becomes more relaxed, receptive, and able to go with the flow.
What Partners Can Do
- • Be consistently reliable and transparent
- • Create calm, peaceful shared space
- • Celebrate their moments of relaxation
- • Encourage trusting their own instincts
Primary
fearful avoidant
Secondary
anxious preoccupied
Desperately wants strong partner to rely on but profoundly mistrusts anyone who takes that role. Tests loyalty through provocation.
Healthy 6s develop inner security and become Earned Secure. Phobic 6s lean Anxious; Counter-phobic 6s may appear Avoidant but internal state is disorganized.
Object Relations
Attachment Triad
Hornevian
Compliant (Moving Toward)
Harmonic
Reactive Group
Think you might be a Type 6?