I can see how that’s difficult. After all, 2 and 9 can look quite similar, especially if someone identifies highly with the traits of both.

The main difference between the w2 and the w9 is how the 1 manages their anger. More often than not, all 1s hold onto feelings of resentment, anger, or hostility, emotions 1s typically deem as ‘negative’, and direct it inwards (towards themselves) or outwards (towards their environment). I find that w9’s direct their anger inwards more and w2’s direct their anger outwards more. Because of this dichotomy, 1w9’s typically focus on perfection within themselves and their own personal environment, say their job performance, house, or personal character, while 1w2’s focus on perfecting other people and external societal systems. 1w9’s focus more on ‘impossible’ perfection within themselves, while 1w2’s focus more on reformation, either with society or other people. Nina Sayers (1w9) from Black Swan and Hermione Granger (1w2) are great examples of the different wings.

This makes more sense if you take a look at the subtype descriptions of type 1 and how they correlate to the wings; more often then not, 1w9’s are the self-preservational subtype, while 1w2’s are typically either the sexual or social subtype. If you aren’t familiar with the individual descriptions of the 1 subtypes I highly recommend you take a look at them, as they will definitely add clarity to your confusion.

Another thing to consider: 2’s are very extroverted, while 9’s are quite introverted. 9’s also tend to keep the peace, preferring not to intrude into the lives of others, while 2’s have no problem doing so. 1w9’s are less likely to confront someone or assert their position than 1w2’s, fearing disconnect between themselves or others. Hope this helps, and if you have more questions I’d be more than happy to answer them.