The 5w6 vs 6w5 comparison can be difficult especially when you have a strong wing. Regardless, there are subtle ways you can tell them apart.

This article settles the enneagram 5w6 vs 6w5 problem forever.

Who is the Enneagram 5w6?

Enneagram 5w6s are analytical people with a touch of pessimism. They love learning new things and exploring their passion. 5w6s desire to be competent and self-sufficient.

They want to be independent of others. Because of their wing, they also value security. Thus, 5w6s are less likely to take risks that threaten their current comfort. They are also not open to being vulnerable for long periods.

A classic example of an enneagram 5w6 is Elizabeth Harmon from the Queen’s Gambit. You can click this link to read a detailed description of the Enneagram 5w6.

Who is the Enneagram 6w5?

Enneagram 6w5 is a loyal skeptic with a touch of logic. 6w5s are particularly interested in being safe. “Safe” can mean emotionally, financially, or physically.

Because of this inclination, this personality type hates taking risks or putting themselves in danger. They prefer to protect what they already have. Their wing also means they remain curious and interested in new things.

However, this type is likely to enjoy the process of learning these things better than implementing them.

Severus Snape from the Harry Potter franchise is a classic example of Enneagram 6w5. You can click this link to learn more about the Enneagram 6w5.

5w6 vs 6w5- Similarities

1.   Handling Money

A big similarity between both types is the way they handle money. Both types look to hoard or save. However, they do so for different reasons.

For 5w6s, they save to maintain their self-sufficiency. They never want to be a burden on others. So, they try to accumulate and keep their resources. The presence of their wing heightens their fear of losing money.

6w5s save to avoid being vulnerable or insecure. In their view, being in debt or broke leaves you vulnerable to people’s requests and wants.

They try to avoid that by always having a buffer for their funds.

2.   General Pessimism

Both 6w5s and 5w6s share a general pessimism. They are very suspicious of new ideas and plans. For 5w6s, they try to look for all loopholes that might be present.

6w5s are likely to even reject the idea before considering it. Any idea that seems risky or unsafe to them is at face value, unnecessary.

The presence of their wing simply provides reasons for them to solidify their actions.

3.   Introverted

Both types have an inclination towards introversion. They value their alone time and prefer to conserve their energy.

This is more evident in 5w6s. 6w5s are more people-oriented. More on that later.

4.   Distrust

Both types approach situations and people with a level of distrust. They find it hard to trust people’s motives or intentions.

This is more pronounced with 6w5s. This distrust can even extend to their partners or family members.

What is the Main Difference Between Enneagram 5w6 and 6w5?

The main difference between 5w6s and 6w5s lies in their integration and disintegration process. When in growth and happy, 5w6s are more assertive and decisive while 6w5s are calmer and more trusting.

6w5 vs 5w6- Differences

1.   Growth Stage

You can understand the differences between both types by looking at their growth and stress stages.

Type 6 when in growth tend to behave like a type 9. Thus, when they are happy, they are calmer and less distrustful. They are more turbulent.

On the other hand, type 5 looks and behaves like type 8. They become more assertive and dominant.

Thus, a 5w6 will look and behave like an 8w9 when in growth while a 6w5 will look and behave like a 9w8 when in growth.

The dominant feature for 5w6s will be assertiveness while 6w5s are more laid back.

2.   Stress Stage

Similar to the growth stage, you can tell their differences when they are stressed. Type 5 starts to behave like type 7.

They become scattered and more impulsive. Type 6, on the other hand, starts to behave like a type 3. They become very competitive and might start to lose their identity.

So, 5w6s look and behave like 7w8s in stress while 6w5s look and behave like 3w2s in stress.

3.   Core Desire

5w6s’ core desire is to be competent. They also strive to be self-sufficient. To achieve this, they try to avoid any risks or mistakes that can take away their self-sufficiency.

Their biggest fear is being a burden.

6w5s are more interested in being secure. They are content with what they have and want to protect it.

To achieve this, they gather enough information on everything possible. The more they know, the more dangers they can avoid.

4.   People-Oriented vs Detached

While both types are introverted, 6w5s are more people-oriented. This is especially obvious when they are happy. They are more likely to have close friends and are loyal to their families.

5w6s are more detached. They want to be left alone and want a quiet life. People often feel forgotten by 5w6s.

5.   Loyalist vs Independence

6w5s are loyalists. They know the people they love and are staunch supporters of these ones. They can do whatever doesn’t put them at risk for their friends.

5w6s are more obsessed with independence. They do not have the same level of loyalty as 6w5s. That will ruin their independence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Enneagram 6w5 vs 5w6

Is 5w6 the Same as 6w5?

No, 5w6s and 6w5s are fundamentally different. While the 5w6 is concerned with self-sufficiency, 6w5s are more concerned about their stability and security.

Is 5w4 Better than 5w6?

No, no enneagram type is better than the other. Both types have strengths and weaknesses. It all boils down to preferences.

What MBTI types are More Likely to be Enneagram 5w6?

INTP, INTJ, ISTP, ISTJ, ENTPs and ENTJs are more likely to be 5w6s. However, any MBTI type can still be a 5w6.

What MBTI types are More Likely to Be Enneagram 6w5?

INTP, INTJ, ISTP, ISTJ, ESFJs, and ISFJs are more likely to be 6w5s. However, any MBTI type can be a 6w5.