Yes, I see similarities between these two cards, as well. Since you're friends with this person, it might be helpful to remember that her "Self image" cards could be very different from what you'd expect to see -- even if you are really close, and even if she professes to have miserably low self-esteem, etc... The 9C here suggests someone very satisfied with him/herself, to the point of smugness. He doesn't have all 10 of the Cups, but he feels like he's got the ones that matter. Folded arms look like he's not into sharing, so, "Yay, Me!" he might think, leaning back to gloat as others admire his goods.
Combine this with the "above it all" contentedness of the Hermit, gazing down at (in his opinion, perhaps) the 'lesser', bumbling humans. He is perfectly at home with solitude and following his own path... So maybe your friend sees herself (accurately or not) as a beacon of valuable knowledge that others inevitably feel drawn to and should heed. She may also be most happy when admired from afar as it lets her avoid getting too deeply involved or letting others "in" to see her flaws... And she might have amassed a collection of unrequited lover's hearts/Cups to enjoy if she ever feels in doubt.