Can Enneagram 9 Be Extroverted? (An in-depth analysis)

In this article, we will look at Enneagram type 9 personalities while we attempt to answer the question “Can Enneagram 9s be extroverted?” If you wish to understand the type 9 personality better, keep reading ahead.

Is it possible for a type 9 to be an extrovert?

Yes, it is possible for an enneagram type 9 to be an extrovert. They are known to be the laziest types among the enneagram types and are most often found to be introverted individuals. The possibility of type 9’s to be extroverted can be attributed to two reasons:

  • Type 9 with an 8 wing
  • Type 9 with a social sub-type

Extroverted 9’s tend to be inclined to people interaction and actively seek opportunities to engage with those around them. How this happens if further discussed in this article.

What is the Enneagram?

To begin with, Enneagram is a theory that offers an explanation for understanding the human personality in terms of nine different types. It explains the different types of personalities with the help of a geometric figure like that of a regular nine-sided polygon. 

According to this theory a person’s personality can be identified as one of the nine possible combinations that are inclusive of one’s beliefs, values and motivations.

What is Enneagram type 9?

Nines are tolerating, trusting, and stable. They are typically imaginative, idealistic, and strong, yet can likewise be too ready to even consider going alongside others to keep the harmony. They need everything to go easily and be without struggle, however they can in general be careless, disentangling issues and limiting anything disturbing. They normally have issues with inactivity and tenacity. At their Best: unstoppable and comprehensive, they can unite individuals and recuperate clashes.

While moving in their Direction of Disintegration (stress), careless Nines out of nowhere become restless and stressed at Six. In any case, while moving in their Direction of Integration (development), sluggish, self-dismissing Nines become more self-creating and vivacious, as sound Threes. Get familiar with the bolts.

Are all type 9s introverts?

Each type has a certain lean towards becoming more introverted or extroverted on the Enneagram, and there is no exception to the Nine. The tendency of a Nine to integrate with the people around them also allows a Nine to be alone in order to understand what they think and feel separately from others. Of all the numbers on the Enneagram, nines also appear to have the lowest energy. It’s no wonder why so many Nines call themselves introverts, getting their focus from being alone.

Often called “The Peacemakers”, nines are always on a quest for external and internal equilibrium. They are very self-aware and harmonious in nature which is why they may sometimes appear to be withdrawn. What leads them into being more reserved, is their desire to always be at peace. They like predictability, and often struggle with being open to possibilities.

Nine will begin to show behaviours that seem somewhat out of the ordinary when they are under severe stress. Typically, they are such optimistic people, and they may seem very cynical and centred on the negativity around them during this period. They can begin to vent about the state of the world and how bad things really are around them. They can see how things are all wrong and how individuals hurt each other, and immediately become much more focused on this. This often pushes them further to keeping to themselves and becoming introverts.

Can a type 9 be an extrovert?

Yes, enneagram nines can be extroverted individuals. Outgoing, polite, and easy-going are Extraverted Nines. They are more open than Introverted Nines to voicing their thoughts and feelings. When at their best, Nines can be very friendly and open-minded individuals.

The two possible explanations for type 9’s to be extroverted are as follows:

  • Type 9 with an 8 wing

People with a type nine wing eight Enneagram personality tend to associate more with type nine, but still share some characteristics with the eight type. In their actions, they are social, autonomous and routine. Generally, they are more assertive and adventurous than other nines of the sort. Thus, 9 wing 8 individuals are more extroverted, stronger, and more body-focused than a 9 with a 1 wing.

  • Type 9 with a social sub-type

Of the three subtypes, Social Nines are the most extroverted. They want to feel like they’re part of things, and so they sometimes work harder to prove their importance to a community than is appropriate. They are inspired to fight for their group’s best interests, but also lack their own needs and desires. They make good leaders because they are unselfish and talented at mediating in communities.

In addition to these reasons, it is important to keep in mind that our personality is an interplay of our individual differences and personal experiences. It is not entirely impossible to be an extrovert in the absence of the said characteristics either.

Conclusion 

In this article, we answered the question – “Can enneagram 9’s be extroverts” for you. It is important to understand that enneagram is a theory of personality that is based on the assumption that personality is not static by nature. It is a fluid, dynamic phenomenon that has different shades and colours to it.

In terms of type 9’s the two most domineering explanations to their extroversion can be the presence of an 8 wing or the social sub-type. These factors add more dimension to one’s personality and therefore can have a distinct impact as in the case of determining extroversion versus introversion.

The distinctions based on the enneagram types are not labelled individuals under a particular category. Each individual is unique and each type has subtypes, so it is not practical to always find people functioning in a textbook manner. Certain dominant characteristics can be identified to better understand the core beliefs and values but other external factors such as personal experiences, parental interaction, etc cannot be looked over. There is always a possibility to be a mix of different traits and that is what makes all human beings unique and different from each other.

FAQ’s 

Are enneagram 9’s lazy?

Enneagram type 9’s are stereotypically termed as ‘Sloths’ owing to their tendency to remain unaffected in life. Their basic desire is to have inner stability and have peace of mind. As a result, they tend to avoid getting into conflicts and may also sometimes just go along with others to keep their peace of mind. They may come off as lazy as low energy 9’s may just want to be in one place all the time but on the other end, high energy 9’s constantly want to expend their energy to achieve an equilibrium state.

Which enneagram is extroverted?

Enneagram type 3’s and type 7’s are the most extroverted personality types. They are very confident in their own skin. They value acceptance from others as they are fond of social interaction. In general, these two types are very lively individuals and therefore the most extroverted.

Who should an enneagram 9 date?

Type 9 individuals are best paired with type 1 and/or type 2 individuals. 9’s are reassuring and harmonious individuals who are very stable in their thoughts as they are supportive to fault and avoid conflicts. 1’s are often very self-critical and being with a 9 can help them overcome their insecurities as they can also offer peace and clarity to 9’s. 2’s believe in unconditional love and acceptance which helps 9’s as they are able to accept 2’s not for what they give but for who they are.

What are good enneagram 9 jobs?

Some professional arenas where 9’s can flourish to the fullest are:
Human resources
Social Work
Diplomatic relations
Literature and writing, etc

Can enneagram 4 be an extrovert?

Yes, enneagram type 4’s can be extroverts. They secretly desire validation and affection from other people as they struggle with low self-esteem. But if they are conscious and mindful, it is possible for 4’s to be able to build their self-confidence and reduce their social awkwardness consequently. Thereby, they begin to enjoy social interaction as by making more and more connections they receive emotional and moral gratification.

Where does enneagram 7 go under stress?

When moving in their direction of disintegration, 7’s go to the enneagram type 1’s. They become critical and tend to pay a lot of attention to the details. As a result, they imbibe the characteristics of a perfectionist 1.

References 

https://elisabethdbennett.wixsite.com/enneagramlife/post/the-extroverted-nine#:~:text=Each%20type%20on%20the%20Enneagram,and%20feel%20apart%20from%20others.

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/misidentifying-7-and-9

https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/introverted-9-vs-extroverted-9.78015/

https://www.quora.com/Which-Enneagram-types-are-more-likely-to-be-an-introvert-extrovert-or-ambivert

http://www.reneebaron.com/enneagram-and-mbti-combined.html

https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/enneagram-type-9-careers

https://www.erikthor.com/enneagram-9/

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