1w9 vs 1w2 (A 7 Point Guide):

In this blog we will be drawing a comparison between Enneagram type 1w9 and 1w2. We will also be covering the strengths, weaknesses, compatibility and interpersonal and occupation functioning of these two personality types. 

1w9 vs 1w2:

1w2 and 1w9 are personality types in the Enneagram system of personality. 1w2s have a core type 1 with a type 2 wing, indicating that they primarily have traits of type 1 with a few characteristics of type 2.  1w9s on the other hand, have a type 1 core with a type 9 wing, meaning that they primarily have traits of type 1 with a few traits of type 9. Thus, while both personality types have a common core type, their wings vary which leads to some crucial differences between the two. 

1w2s have the title of ‘The Activist’ because they strive for social justice and equality. 1w9s have the title of ‘The Optimist’. This is because they have an aversion for negativity and try to avoid negative emotions and situations as all costs. The defense mechanism they frequently use for this is withdrawing completely from the situation.

Although both personality types have a common core, they have some differences. Both emphasise justice and equality and strive for a better social order. Additionally, both have a basic fear of doing something immoral or unethical. In line with this, they have a desire to always do the morally correct thing in every situation. However, 1w9s are a lot more level-headed and balanced compared to 1w2s. They are also less dependent on the approval of others. Both 1w9s and 1w2s have a strong set or principles and standards that they adhere to. Both also tend to be highly critical of themselves and others. 

1w9s have a deep-rooted aversion for negative emotions and experiences and often go out of their way to void them. This characteristic is not prominent in 1w2s. Furthermore, compared to 1w2s, 1w9s are introverts and prefer to keep to themselves. In fact, their efforts to avoid negativity often involve them withdrawing completely from a situation. 

Additionally, while 1w2s may plunge headlong into a situation where injustice is taking place, 1w9s are prompted by their 9 wing to be more cautious. Thus, 1w9s face a conflict between their 1 wing that urges them to take action and their 9 wing that makes them avoid taking risks. Due to this contradiction in their personality, 1w9s often come across as indifferent observers rather than action-takers. They prefer to protest or advocate for justice, but in a safe and peaceful way, compared to the confrontational tactics employed by 1w2s. 

Furthermore, while 1w2s enjoy forming personal connections and engaging with others, 1w9s tend to withdraw and avoid people. 

An important area of similarity between 1w2s and 1w9s is their arrows. On the Enneagram there are arrows leading to and from the nine personality types. These indicate whether an individual with a specific type is moving in the direction of integration or disintegration. Arrows that move away from a certain personality type indicate disintegration or stress points for that type. Conversely, arrows that move towards a type signify integration or personal growth. 

When moving in the direction of disintegration, they are moving towards unhealthy type 4 and become irrational and temperamental. When moving in the direction of integration (healthy type 7) they become a lot more spontaneous and cheerful than other type 1s. 

Strengths:

1w9:

• Detail-oriented
• Stand up for those in need
• Invested in their community’s well being 
• Loyal to personal beliefs and values
• Able to think about a situation both logically and imaginatively 

1w2:

• Altruistic
• Advocates for social justice 
• Action-oriented
• Sensitive to others needs
• Involved in community life
• Creative problem solvers
• Stand up for what is right even when it’s difficult 

Weaknesses:

1w9:

• Appear aloof and detached
• Critical of self and others 
• Difficulty managing negative experiences 
• Stubborn, especially when challenged 

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

1w2:

• Controlling and self-righteous 
• Dichotomous thinking 
• Critical of self and others 
• Perfectionistic 
• Image-conscious 
• Rigid principles and standards 

Sources of Stress:

1w9:

• Being ignored or disregarded
• Receiving criticism 
• Coming across as weak or rigid
• Feeling as though they aren’t making a difference
• Corruption or evil in society

1w2:

• Being unable to help those in need or make a difference 
• Criticism from others
• People not meeting their expectations 

Sources of Motivation:

1w9:

• Advocating for social issues in a peaceful manner
• Volunteering for the underprivileged
• Creative problem solving 
• Personal growth and inner peace 

1w2:

• Advocate for social change 
• Volunteering for the underprivileged 
• Solving societal issues 
• Direct engagement with people 
• Being leaders 

Work:

1w9:

Compared to other Type 1s, 1w9s are less likely to take part in politics or actively work to bring about reform in the community. They prefer to be isolated from others when they work. Just like other Type 1s they are motivated to work for social reform, but they prefer to do so alone. 

Unlike other Type 1s, they prefer to be in the backstage rather than in the spotlight. 1w9s like to teach and explain their perspective, but they prefer to do so in a calm and non-argumentative fashion. 

Jobs that would be suitable for 1w9s include: judge, guidance counsellor, lecturer, consultant, social worker, journalist etc.

1w2:

In the workplace, 1w2s need to strike a balance between controlling and influencing people and forming connections with them. They prefer jobs that allow them to spend time with people and have a lasting and positive impact on society. They like to be specific and clear rather than deal in general terms. 1w2s are usually good in positions of leadership. 

Jobs that are suitable for 1w2s include: lawyer, judge, politician, social worker, religious worker, doctor, nurse, real estate agent etc.

Relationships:

1w9: 

1w9s are usually introverts and can easily detach from people and live a solitary life. They dislike the complexities inherent in relationships and tend to avoid them. This enables 1w9s to develop their idealistic ideas and avoid subjecting their strongly held principles to the influence of others. 1w9s are also highly critical of others, which can annoy others. 1w9s often appear impersonal and aloof which further hampers their relationships. 

However, their Type nine-wing also enables them to be quite understanding and tolerant of differences. And although they avoid expressing their emotions, 1w9s are loyal and care deeply about the handful of people they let into their lives.

1w2:

Since 1w2s are sensitive to others’ needs and are willing to make sacrifices on their behalf they usually do well in their social life. They are warm and emotionally available and enjoy spending time with others. 

However, the interpersonal difficulties of 1w2s arise from their tendency to be highly critical and their difficulty dealing with criticism from others. 1w2s hold themselves to high standards and thus have similar expectations from others. These factors can hamper their interpersonal functioning. 

Compatibility:

Since both 1w9s and 1w2s have the same core personality type, they have a lot of similar qualities. These traits are both the source of success as well as a cause of any problems that may occur in their relationship with each other. 1w2s and 1w9s both value honesty and commitment in the relationship. They place prioritise duties and responsibilities over pleasure and have a clear, rational approach to problem solving. 1w2s and 1w9s usually admire each other for their integrity and strong convictions. 

Both Enneagram type 1s have a tendency to have a strong sense of responsibility and morality and have a low tolerance for mistakes both in themselves and others. They can thus be highly critical of behaviour the view as inappropriate. Although the two 1s may not treat each other in this manner, they often band together and turn this criticism towards society. They look down on those who don’t measure up to their standards and as a result become withdrawn and isolated from connections with people outside their relationship. However, they can’t be at peace in their ivory tower for long and soon to lose their patience with each other. 

Conclusion:

In this 7 point guide we compared the Enneagram personality types 1w9 and 1w2. We also examined their strengths, weaknesses, compatibility and their functioning in different areas of their lives, namely work and relationships.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. 

Other Enneagram type 1  comparisons

1w2 vs 1w9

1w2 vs 2w1

1w2 vs 2w3

1w2 vs 3w2

1w2 vs 3w4

1w2 vs 4w3

1w2 vs 4w5

1w2 vs 5w4

1w2 vs 5w6

1w2 vs 6w5

1w2 vs 6w7

1w2 vs 7w6

1w2 vs 7w8

1w2 vs 8w7

1w2 vs 8w9

1w2 vs 9w1

1w2 vs 9w8

1w9 vs 2w1

1w9 vs 2w3

1w9 vs 3w2

1w9 vs 3w4

1w9 vs 4w3

1w9 vs 4w5

1w9 vs 5w4

1w9 vs 5w6

1w9 vs 6w5

1w9 vs 6w7

1w9 vs 7w6

1w9 vs 7w8

1w9 vs 8w7

1w9 vs 8w9

1w9 vs 9w8

FAQ on ‘1w9 vs 1w2 (A 7 Point Guide):

References: 

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-1-wing-2

Enneagram 1w2: The One with a Two-Wing

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-1-wing-9

Enneagram 1w9: The One with a Nine-Wing

https://personalityjunkie.com/06/enneagram-1-1w2-1w9-myers-briggs-mbti-type/

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/relationship-type-1-with-type-9