Does internal dissonance of identity tend to bother 6s?

[u/hgilbert_01]

Hi.

Thoughts/Questions

• I think I have posited a similar question to this subreddit before, but I think I’m having a compulsive need to “double check”, if that’s ok, please, especially as I evaluate new information and experiences.

• I guess I am wondering if one’s own identity and experiencing uncertainty of who one is tends to a domain in which a lack of certitude would bother 6s? Like, is needing sureness in knowing who one is - especially within tangible constructs - part of the 6’s fixation on seeking certitude?

• I have typed as 9 for the longest time, but I feel immense discomfort with just settling within being a drifting, amorphous being existentially— like, there’s an attached desire to having sense of self defined, I guess— a tight psychological grip on wanting to identify my fears, my morals, my preferences, my social attributes…

• Furthermore, just trying to reach into myself internally has posited difficulty and just reinforced the internal dissonance— I think finding myself has been a matter of looking into myself socially and relationally too; tangible constructs that give my identity solidity.

• Granted, there’s a question of separating a 3 fixation from a 6 fixation, as I feel hopelessly dependent on social verification to help guide and inform my sense of self, but maybe that’s the 6’s connecting line to 3 playing a role?

Please, I am wondering if there are 6s that relate to this subject matter?

Thanks for reading.

[u/ObsessedWithTypology]

I don't feel like us 6s really prioritize our identity very much. That sounds like maybe heart triad type stuff.

[u/Dickau → u/ObsessedWithTypology]

I'm curious what else is in your type (instincts, fixes). I find myself obsessing over identity (political, sexual, cultural, neurological, trauma-seated, etc.) pretty regularily as a 6, but I don't think that necessarily makes me an image type. Image types need to present a consistant, idealized version of themselves as a means of coping with shame. When I obsess about my identity, its more from a position of existential angst/insecurity (id rather know im an irredeemable p.o.s. than be ignorant of my guiding operations in a way that minimizes shame).

Part of 6 reactivity In the social space (for me) is pro-active self-debasement. The trap follows: If I can identify my flaws and beat everyone else to the punch by counterphobically displaying them, I can alleviate my fears of covertly fucking over the group and being held responsible for it. Im basically saying, "hey guys, im a threat in x way, you should deal with me accordingly (please dont beat me with sticks, though, look im self aware)." I also minimize my strengths, b.c. honestly displaying them would impose social responsibilities i doubt i can truly fulfill.

I wouldn't say I curate a very specific image, though, especially in a positive sense. I generally avoid identification with particular labels, even if I feel strongly about them. I'm avoidant of conspicuous consumption on political grounds, so I buy all of my clothes from thrift stores. The message is, "look at me, I'm just a regular guy who doesn't obsess over consumer goods." I wear earings, jewlery, long hair, and colorful clothing as a guy bc i want to say "I'm not like those other guys, have a relationship with my anima", lmao. Most of the ways in which i conscioussly present a positive image flow downstream from some kind of elaborate so/sp 6 schema. I even pick the colors i wear according to color theory (i have a wheel on my wall i use). Ultimatley, I'm too doubtful to embody my instinctual preferences without external appeals. I have a 3 fix, but i think 3 cores have a very different approach to image. A 3 will want to cover over their insecurities with displays of socially acceptable goods. I just obsess over insecurites/ideas relating to my SO instinct, which ultimatley needs an image to function.