#this one goes out to a specific subset of my tumblr circle

[troutreznor]

†††

[kendrixtermina]

What's the difference between how a ENFJ 9 and a ENFJ 2 behave?

First that genuinely seems like one that would be a bit harder to tell. 2 is fairly common in most Fe types, as for ENFJ 9s sources range from 3% (not unrealistic but rare) to 6% (not the most common but totally happens) - xNFJ are concentrated in the heart centre (as in most are 2,3,4) but the rest is pretty much evenly spread out (with the exeption of 5 or 8 which would be very rare ) and given this “spread-out-ness” in the 6%-ish brackets I would not discount the possibility of 2 as “most likely a mistake”.

2 and 9 can seem similar in their descriptions especially if you’re new to enneagram indeed they have a lot in common, as they’re both in the compliant and positive outlook triads and kinda defined by wanting to get along with the people around them. 

There are a number of differences though:

9s are less extroverted, generally being in the “mildly introverted” range. They’d probably be the more ‘ambiverted’ sort of ENFJ and most likely a contact subtype. 

As far as their affect range goes, 2s are more dynamic, sometimes even outright dramatic (something dominant Fe tends to potentiate and why the two co-occur so much, though xSFPs can also be 2s) whereas 9s are more phlegmatic. These are tendencies that get more extreme under stress - thrown into an argument after a bad day, a 2 may fly into hysterical accusations or sobbing pleas, whereas a 9 might just clap their hands in front of their face and shut down. If they’re an ENFJ the 2 might perhaps be more vulnerable to loops while the 9s may be more vulnerable to grips. 

9s are more accepting and contemplative like just listen to what people say and think it over (this being an NJF it will probably happen in an empathetic-analytic kind of manner) , 2s are more opinionating/demanded. They may express that opinion when they know it will be accepted (unlike 4s or 8s) but they probably do have very defibned ones about what is okay, what is correct behavior, what should be done etc. especially as a FJ. 

Also consider your instinctual stack. A sp 2 may appear similar to a 9. Meanwhile a soc 9 might also overwork/overextend  themselves as it is often the 2 stereotype, but the 2 will have much more of an inner sense of shame and/or urgency - “but taking a break would be selfish! But the cause/ my friends need me!” Whereas with the 9 its more than they can’t say no, don’t want to cause a fuss and will insist that “Oh, I don’t really mind” even if it’s eating up all their free time and leaving them acting lowkey salty at times. 

See also this article on 9 vs 2. Though the last question may be less useful in a high fe user as they’ll be naturally more perceptive for what others need or want on a cognitive level. But note the part about friend circles!

As far as ENFJ’s specifically go, there are those who present with a “serious business” demeanor - all social interactions are dissected for their OK-ness and what they may be signalling for the harm or good of humanity (with an analytic cultivated slant from the Ni - they will not say “this type of people are just mean” they will speak of bad attitudes and social tendencies - think your stereotypical gender studies student or “the tumblr police” though they’re common in many humanities fields and come in varying degrees of helpfulness) 

These are usually in the ‘heart’ triad, which at least on a subliminal cares a lot about validation, image approval etc hence the big emphasis on “right treatment/interactions” when it combines with Fe.  “Do not ever do this!” because Ni sees only one context/interpretation to it, Fe thinks this will promote a better society and 2/¾ is just really outraged at the meanness of it & feeling for the slights toward themselves and others.

2s in particular would feel compelled to get involved in the solving of the problems in an active fashion. Especially in conjunction with Fe, they may be the sort of overextend themselves and neglect their own needs/ wear and tire themselves out. The combo of “helping people” plus “conceptual and methodical thinking (Ni)” may also draw them to topics like psychology or social studies.. 

Then there’s the “artsy-expressive” ENFJs who are usually not 2 or 3w2, also oriented toward good in the world but  If they’re artists or politicians they’ll be notable for their emotional torque, making you feel things through their writing or speaking (as opposed to FPs who are more about depicting feelings correctly in a consistent narrative) rather than so much policing reactions. 

4s may be somewhere in between as have more tolerance for “dark” stuff but will still be “serious business”-y especially if social-first (and many ENFJS are social first though I haven’t seen sharp numbers) as opposed to say, a 7. 

A 9 would by definition be chiller - I’m not sure I ever met a confirmed example for an ENFJ 9 but I’d wager that they would be part of that subset of ENFJs that is very easy to talk to because they create this unpretentious, acessible aura with their Fe, the sort that is just going to be nice & friendly with you and perhaps discuss some social and/or intellectual topics - You’d see the “wistfully contemplative” side of Ni more than the “purpuseful, on-a-mission” one.