Type 1 Wings: Idealist vs. Advocate

Type 1s are often known for their integrity, discernment, and drive toward improvement—but not all 1s look the same. Wings can have an effect on the nuanced differences within a type. Depending on whether a Type 1 leans toward the influence of Type 9 or Type 2, their expression of “The Reformer” can take on different tones. One wing may bring a quieter, more internalized idealism, while the other adds warmth, outward energy, and a focus on helping others.

For Type 1s, a 9 wing offers additional access to the instinctive center. So there is sort of a “double down effect” regarding concerns around autonomy and control. With a 2 wing, the central concern is still autonomy and control—but there’s a “side dish” of concerns around connection and attention. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these wings can shape the lived experience of a Type 1.

1w9: the Idealist

Riso and Hudson refer to 1w9 as “The Idealist.” Why does this name make sense? It makes sense because 1s are always aiming for the higher ideal—it’s about being the most perfect, most improved, most ethical/moral, most high integrity. And 9s aim for peace, calm, wholeness—often having to wear “rose-colored glasses” so that conflict and discomfort don’t surface into awareness. So 1s with a 9 wing not only have high standards of how things should be, but their vision of a perfect world also tends to be slightly more rosy than reality truly allows. High standards of correctness in the 1 territory meet the ‘utopian vision’ common to the 9 territory.

This wing often results in a calmer, more self-contained 1—someone who may appear more stoic or idealistic, and may struggle to mobilize their convictions outwardly if they lean too much on the 9’s tendency to disengage. Emotionally, this subtype may feel torn between an inner sense of urgency (from the 1) and a desire to stay neutral or peaceful (from the 9).

1w2: The Advocate

Riso and Hudson refer to 1w2 as “The Advocate.” Here we see the drive to improve oneself and the surrounding environment, blended with the desire to help others. With this type + wing combination, we find Type 1s who stand up for how things should be, but with a specific tone of doing so on others’ behalf. 1s with a 2 wing more often take their perfectionistic tendencies and “direct them outward” towards the surrounding world—the high standards are put in place to benefit others. This is a slightly different tone from 1s with a 9 wing, whose high standards are somewhat more related to protection of personal autonomy.

Because 2s are part of the Heart Center, 1w2s are often more emotionally expressive, personable, and relationship-focused than 1w9s. They may be more visibly warm or helpful, but also more prone to resentment when their efforts go unacknowledged. The emotional tone here is a bit more energized, and sometimes more urgent or critical—especially in service of what they believe is best for the people around them.

Whether you identify more with the calm, principled idealism of the 1w9 or the engaged, reform-minded energy of the 1w2, your wing is just one part of your inner architecture. It can shape the flavor of your Type, but it doesn’t replace your core motivation—and it isn’t the place where the deepest growth happens. For Type 1s especially, it’s easy to fixate on getting it “right,” even when it comes to understanding your own personality. So take this as an invitation to stay curious, not conclusive. Let your awareness of your wing serve as a helpful lens—not a label—on your journey toward integration.

If you want to further explore themes and growth for Type 1, check out our monthly support groups held on the first Sunday of each month or our next monthly workshop. Learn more and register here!