Both type 5 and type 6 look for safety, but their approaches are different.
While type 6s generally prefer to build support networks through alliances with others, type 5s are extremely self-reliant. They minimize their needs and take refuge in their inner worlds.
So, while the two types are similar in their need for security, they use entirely different strategies to achieve it.
People with personality type 6w5 utilize both methods because they are, in fact, a combination of the two types.
The Enneagram personality test can be found here.
It is important to remember that any Six will have a Five-Wing and a Seven-Wing, but these wings might be developed to different degrees.
When we talk about people with personality type 6w5, we mean those who have a stronger Five-Wing.
Enneagram type 6w5 is more independent than 6w7.
6w7 is a more people-oriented type, while 6w5s are less likely to rely on others to meet their needs.
They don’t need as much reassurance and will generally deal with their typical type 6 anxiety alone.
Overall, they seem to be more detached and pessimistic than the other subtype.
Type 6’s tendency to perceive others as a threat and type 5’s tendency to withdraw from others out of fear of being depleted reinforce each other in 6w5.
People with a 6w5 personality type are unquestionably introverts.
They may have one or two close friends, but generally, they prefer to keep to themselves.
It takes a while to get their trust, and their relationships take a long time to develop.
When dealing with people with a 6w5 personality type, boundaries are essential.
Both type 6 and type 5 people want to control their environment. Type 6 people don’t want their energy wasted; type 5 individuals fear other people’s attacks and criticism.
As a result, 6w5 people don’t want you to show up unannounced. They won’t appreciate your spontaneity, either.
If anything, it will make them uncomfortable and will make them want to avoid you in the future.
Compared to those with personality type 6w7, 6w5 people are less concerned about other people’s opinions of them and express their ideas more freely.
Because of their strong Five-Wing, 6w5 people come across as being knowledgeable and sophisticated.
It’s not uncommon for 6w5 people to get involved in politics or otherwise fight for what they believe is right.
6w5 people value emotional control.
Because they are essentially type 6, they may be riddled with anxiety. In fact, they usually are.
However, they are good at hiding their fears and discomfort, preferring to deal with their issues alone.
The stronger their Five-Wing, the better they are at controlling their emotions.
When a 6w5 person is anxious about something, he or she will use intellectualization as their defense mechanism.
Intellectualization is an attempt to leave emotions behind and focus on a rational analysis of the upsetting event.
It may involve a lot of reading and studying of the subject, perhaps even some written analysis.
If their Five-Wing is particularly strong, they will also reduce their needs and hoard their financial resources.
This strategy gives 6w5s reassurance that they will always have enough of whatever they need to deal with their problems, should such need arise.
To understand this personality type better, it’s recommended to read the original type 5 and type 6 profiles.
5w6 profile can be found here.