The Six with a Five Wing: The Defender
Healthy: People of this subtype often excel at various kinds of technical expertise, making them outstanding practical problem-solvers, analysts, social commentators, teachers, and opinion leaders. They are attracted to systems of knowledge where the rules and parameters are well-established, such as mathematics, law, and the sciences. They often have greater powers of concentration than the other subtype, although they can be narrower in their concerns. Political causes and community service are areas of interest, and they often serve as spokespeople or champions for disadvantaged groups or individuals.
Average: They are more independent and serious than the other subtype, and less likely to go to others for reassurance or advice. They are often loners. They get reassurance from systems and beliefs, while remaining skeptical. People of this subtype tend to see the world as dangerous, leading to partisan stances and reactionary positions. Secretiveness can fuel suspicion, and they usually see themselves as rebellious and antiauthoritarian, while ironically being drawn to systems, alliances, and beliefs that contain strong authoritarian elements. Sixes with a five wing are reactive and aggressive, typically tending to blame or scapegoat perceived threats to their security.
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The Six with a Seven Wing: The Buddy
Healthy: Engaging and funny, people of the subtype are less serious than the other subtype--they tend to avoid "heavy" topics and restrict their focus to their security needs (taxes, bills, office politics, and the like). They are serious, however, about commitments and make sacrifices to ensure the safety and well-being of their family and friends. They also enjoy good company, kidding around, and emphasizing their connections with others. People of this subtype combine interpersonal qualities with energy, humor, and a zest for experience. They can also be self-deprecating, turning their fears into occasions for joking and bonding with others.
Average: These people are eager to be liked and accepted, but they are also more hesitant to speak out about themselves or their problems. While sociable, they are also visibly insecure and depend on loved ones for reassurance and advice before coming to important decisions They have problems with procrastination and initiating projects on their own. They tend to get into diversions and distractions to quiet that anxiety, including sports, shopping, and "hanging out" with others. Overeating, drinking, and substance abuse are possible. They are not particularly political but can be opinionated and vocal about their likes and dislikes. Anxiety about personal failings or important relationships can lead to depression.
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I
these descriptions. I see some of the seven wing in me too.
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I never really liked being a 6 but had to grudgingly accept it.
I would much rather be an 8 wing.
I will say one thing about a 6 is even the nicest, push-over-est looking 6 when backed into a corner can do surprisingly well defending themselves. I think because 'defense' is what a 6 is about, even attacks are just pre-emptive defensive moves. And we're always ready (or at least neurotically pre-occupied) about being attacked and therefore prepared on some cellular level for it.
6 is an odd wing to go with 7 because it gives the otherwise joie-de-vivre 7 this frenetic open/shut quality and more evasiveness/caution. It's not a smooth, consistent outflow of energy or focus at all. Also, it exacerbates greatly the 7 need to escape and avoid pain. I had to laugh out loud at a few of the self-descriptions in this thread because I can visualize so easily what the person means.
My dad was 7w6, and we had a lot in common. I could sense what you describe, in him. He had a nervous energy about him.... he was also "quick on the draw", as if he had been waiting for the opportunity. I think six can offer a seven a level of sharpness that the eight wing doesn't give, on a positive note.
I can empathize with your feelings associated with grudgingly accepting six. I've envied other's "go with the flow" tendencies, and have even smoked a lot of pot at points in my life to "chill out" and become more that way. I feel like life would be easier sometimes as another type, but alas.....
When I went to Egypt last summer with a few friends, I was the one who kept going "ooohhh...my parents would hate to see me in this crazy taxi with no seatbelt" and that sort of thing. THe others kind of laughed at me.
