In general, 8s, 9s, and 1s — the body type — tend to get angry when they see injustice, and when they feel like people are trying to control them, but this is expressed in different ways.
Getting comfortable with anger is a slow and scary process for 9's, but once they make friends with their anger, they can channel it to fuel real and meaningful engagement in their own lives. 9's need to know what they want, and stand up for it in order to know the true meaning of harmony.
Though they are anger types, Nines usually don't feel their anger very often—they (unconsciously) dissociate from it as a way to avoid conflict or separation from others—so it tends to leak out in repressed forms, such as stubbornness or passive-aggressive behavior, or escape in big bursts every once in a while.
At this level, the Nine's anger shows up in passive-aggressive reactions like agreeing to do something and then not doing it or failing to take care of their families or people who depend on them. They often use the “silent treatment” to get back at people who are bothering them or disrupting their inner peace.
They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness.
Nines get into the habit of forgetting themselves and going along with the wants and needs of other people. They fear that making things about them will lead to conflict or discomfort. But by repressing your desires, you're limiting your potential for growth.
They may become numb and depersonalized. At the most extreme level, unhealthy type 9s become disoriented and catatonic. They may even seem to distance themselves from their own self. This can also lead to personality disorders in them, such as schizoid or dependent personality disorders.
They detest not having the space to live their lives as they see fit. Being out of control or without authority over their own lives is maddening to them, even though it might not be obvious to others. As Nines grow and develop it's important for them to express their anger rather than smother it.
The most basic desire of the Enneagram Type 9 is to have internal peace. Nines strive to be in harmony with themselves and the world around them. Peacekeepers defend themselves by ignoring pain or numbing their internal conflicts through food, television, and other repetitive patterns.
Anger is an emotionally draining experience for Nines, who often take a while to notice that they are upset. They, therefore, don't allow themselves to experience anger too often or too intensely. Nines "tune in" to the feelings and emotions of the people around them.
The Gut Triad (Types 8, 9, & 1)
The Gut Triad copes with their dominant emotion of anger or rage in the way they respond to gut feelings or physical sensations. 8s express their anger outwardly, 9s deny and likely feel threatened by these emotions, and 1s repress and try to control it.
Type Fives don't pair as well with Nines
It can be challenging for the two types to build a close relationship with their different focuses. Both types tend to go into their imaginary worlds to stay safe, making it difficult for them to connect.
The Nine doesn't want to be upset by what is going on in their life, so if things aren't going well they tend to shut down. This means they disengage from themselves and figuring out what it is that they want in life or addressing their own needs.
To help your Enneagram Type Nine feel like they matter to you, give them your full attention when you are together. Ask them what they want and don't rush them for an answer. Find activities you both enjoy and can do together.
Healthy Nines offer safe space to others. They are easy-going and accepting, so that others feel safe with them. There is almost no tendency in Nines to manipulate others or to make them feel guilty for not responding as they would like.
First, it can be hard for them to get a partner. Type 9s tend to be wallflowers, and potential romantic prospects may be drawn to flashier, more gregarious types initially. However, once people get to know Type 9s, they're attracted to their calm, caring personalities.
In Stress: Nines take on qualities of Sixes, becoming overcommitted, worried, rigid, and anxious.
The Superpowers of the Enneagram Type 9. Soothing, healing, and accepting, Enneagram Type 9s have a gift for understanding the position of others and making everyone feel heard.
Enneagram Ones at Work
Enneagram Type Ones are referred to as The Reformer. This personality type values hard work, self-control, and setting high standards.
Type Nines commonly pair well with Ones, Twos.
Nines can become too comfortable, leading to stubbornness and an unwillingness to assert themselves. In a Nine-One partnership, Ones hugely benefit from the easygoing nature of the Nine.
As a type 9, you are a body type and most likely filter information through your gut instinct. The underlying emotion of body types in anger. Type 9s tend to underplay anger by being passive aggressive and stubborn instead of directly expressing their anger. As a body type you are also tuned in to issues of control.
Many Nines are introverts, in truth. They need to be, to keep themselves insulated from a world where chaos is ever present. Even when they're social and active, a part of them are kept in reserve. They are likeable, steady, tolerant and optimistic, but don't ask a Nine about their real feelings.
The Type 2 has a basic fear of being unwanted or unloved by those around them. A Type 2 may believe, consciously or subconsciously, that love is only gained and earned by serving others.