Relationship with Authority

Ambivalence also characterizes the Sexual 6’s relationship with authority, manifesting as a polarized dynamic of either complete compliance or open rebellion. Authority figures are intensely scrutinized, and the Sexual 6 demands absolute coherence between words and actions. Even minor contradictions can erode their trust and provoke scathing criticism.

For the Sexual 6, this criticism often escalates into outright discrediting. It’s not enough to simply disagree with harmful authority—they must expose and bring it down, often publicly, to validate their stance and “save” others from deception. Public denunciation provides a sense of security, reinforcing their belief in their righteousness and moral superiority.

A natural idealist, the Sexual 6 is drawn to political and philosophical ideologies, pouring themselves into “isms” that define a way of life. However, unlike the fanatical Social 6, the sexual subtype struggles to fully “marry” their ideals. They prefer to remain on the periphery—committed yet ambivalent, leaving an escape route open to avoid feeling trapped. Authority, to them, is inherently corrupt: "Power always corrupts. The powerful are always exploitative and dishonest."

In their personal history, they may avoid positions of leadership to evade criticism or aggression, staying on the sidelines to feel free and protected from the consequences of a wrong choice. As adolescents, for example, they might participate actively in political movements but avoid formally joining, fearing the commitment and the possibility of being mistaken.

This rebellion is inherently patriarchal, driven by a deep-seated fear of castration—whether symbolic or literal—and oscillates between submission and defiance. As Sandra Maitri notes:

"The counterphobic type is rebellious and defiant, obsessed with maintaining independence to the point of rejecting external authority altogether. They may present themselves as the authority, demanding others follow them, idealizing their power and influence. It’s an attempt to establish internal authority by demonstrating it outwardly."

The Sexual 6’s inner father figure often takes the form of a cruel, punitive superego. They internalize an oppressive, authoritarian model (often stemming from a parent), leading to a relationship oscillating between submission and rebellion. Rebellion, however, doesn’t lead to true freedom of expression—it remains constrained, hidden, and fearful. Their anger, while strong, is carefully controlled. Internally, they long for the approval of their inner “father,” whose judgment they feel haunted by, even in rebellion. If external punishment doesn’t come, the internalized father ensures it will.

In extreme cases, the counterphobic may channel their vehemence into leading or ideologizing a revolutionary or terrorist group. When democratic paths fail to grant them power or recognition, they may justify extreme means for the sake of their personal ideals. Here, revolutionary terrorism and authoritarian counterrevolution often intersect, united by E6’s high moral concept of themselves and their disdain for common norms. Their motto: “The rules are made to be broken—preferably with the blessing of a benefactor, though never one of the common people.”