The Enneagram for Teensنموونە

Type Six: The Loyalist

Type Sixes are known as the Loyalist, the Skeptic, and the Guardian. They are amazing friends who will stick with you for the long haul, unphased by small arguments or bumps in the road. Sixes are some of the most reliable people you know, as they are committed and have a fierce loyalty to those they love.

They have what sounds like a committee in their minds, offering multiple perspectives, fears, cautions, and foresight, which can create anxiety and cause the Six to be unable to make decisions. They seek safety in relationships and belief systems, yet often have a skeptical relationship with authority figures until trust is earned. Sixes are usually prepared for any outcome due to the “What about this? What about that?” dialogue that goes through their minds.

Many Sixes might think their need to feel prepared and question every angle is a negative thing or a problem, especially because the committee in their minds can cause them to worry and feel uneasy, but this trait has positives as well. We really need our Six friends and family members to keep us thinking about what is going on around us and ensuring our safety. Sixes are also able to think quickly and act effectively because they have all the info together and steps planned out. But the challenge for Sixes as they prepare is to trust themselves and the world around them, instead of constantly expecting something to go wrong.

Their core fear is being without safety or security, so they seek it out in every area of their lives. This means they crave predictability and plans, which is why they like to have a strategy ready in case something unexpected happens. The fear of feeling fear itself is very real to them, so their overpreparation is an effort to avoid that entirely.

The little Six has an intense wounding childhood message. They believed from a young age that “It’s not okay to feel safe” or “You cannot trust on your own judgment.” Somewhere along the way, they were led to believe the world is a dangerous place full of uncertain situations and unreliable people.

Their core desire is to feel safe and secure in every area of life, whether that is in relationships, at work, or in their physical environment. They do this by investing in and fostering relationships that feel safe to them. They essentially build a support system for others so they are able to then lean on that support system.

One other way they feel secure is by finding a strong authority figure to follow. Since they are typically hesitant to trust authority figures, it’s rare and extremely comforting to them when they find one.

Faith can be an incredibly comforting and safe place for an Enneagram Six to rest. It gives them an important anchor and a way to hold on to hope in the midst of their worries and concerns. When they are walking in faith, they won’t feel the need to predict and prepare for what’s next because they have the security of their Creator.

There is always unpredictability in life because we are human and each of us have free will, so it can be hard for Sixes to keep steady when things don’t go smoothly and suspicions and doubt flood their minds. But their “what ifs” can be silenced by trusting in God and taking their anxieties to him. When they’re able to do this, they are more confident and trusting of their own discernment when it comes to decision-making. True freedom is found in faith. God wants the Enneagram Six to know that they are safe and secure in every way through him.

Are you a type Six? Before we move on to the next type, there’s one thing I want you to know. You are safe in the embrace of the Father. Pray Psalm 91 over your life as you seek security. Get to know the voice of God so you can trust what you are hearing from him. Walk in confidence, dear Six, that you are safe in his arms.