Clarifying Enneagram Mistypings

Download the 10-Page PDF Mistyping Chart for Each of the Nine Types

One of the most common questions we’re repeatedly asked is, “Why can’t I figure out my type?” And for those who already feel complex, or unable to fit into the neat confines of social media type descriptions, landing on a type can feel like trying to hit a bullseye in the dark.

So, we created this new mistyping chart PDF download to help

And based on the number of requests we’ve received, it was time.

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What You’ll Find in This Resource

Below is a downloadable mistyping guide, breaking out each of the nine types and how they are often mistaken for the others. For each type, we’ve outlined:

• The types it is most frequently confused with

• The behavioral and stylistic similarities that cause the confusion

• The core motivational differences that ultimately set them apart

This is a nuanced, language-rich tool you can repeatedly return to, whether you’re working on your own typing or supporting others in theirs.

Why Mistyping Happens (and Who’s Most Prone)

Our 2021 lexical analysis study revealed that certain types are more prone to mistyping than others:

• Twos because they often unconsciously craft an image of warmth and selflessness, while disowning underlying pride or the deeper drive to be needed.

• Sixes because of their chronic self-doubt and tendency to type themselves based on outward behavior, not internal motivation. Sixes often see themselves in every type.

• Nines because their merging tendency means they can relate to all nine types, and forget their own structure in the process.

But truly, anyone can mistype, especially when we identify more with who we aspire to be than who we are in motion.

Why Outside Insight Matters

Typing yourself is powerful.

Typing yourself correctly is transformative.

But even the most self-aware people have psychological blind spots—parts of themselves that remain obscured by idealization, internal narratives, or defenses we don’t yet see. That’s why we recommend pairing deep self-reflection with outside expert analysis.

At Empathy Architects, we use the Deep Inquiry Method to help clients uncover their core Enneagram type, trifix, and instinct stack. This method goes well beyond standard Q&A and into the subtle patterns of attention, defense, and motivation that define the psyche.

If you’ve taken our free test at www.empathyenneagramtest.com but want more certainty—or if you’re still unsure of your type—schedule a session with one of our certified typing specialists at info@empathyarchitects.com.

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For Paid Subscribers: Mistyping Guide Download

This downloadable chart is available exclusively to our paid subscribers. You’ll find it linked below. Each page breaks down mistyping patterns for a specific type, written in accessible but deeply informed language that draws from both the classical Enneagram and our updated methodology.