A Few Things to Know About Eights
If we’re not careful, the Enneagram archetypes can easily be treated as oversimplified stereotypes. Maybe you’ve already seen examples of this! This post is intended to give a little more clarity about Type Eights— to dig deeper, highlight some things that you may not know, and break down common assumptions.
I find that type Eights are very often misunderstood, and they tend to recognize it. Their communication style alone can cause some Eights to feel like they have to dial themselves back for the sake of others’ feelings, which can be frustrating. So it helps to note that while they may not show it, Eights truly are compassionate towards others.
Not only do Eights fiercely protect themselves, but they also tend to fiercely protect others. They can have a knack for using their strength to empower and lift others up. I encourage you to look beyond what may initially seem intimidating. I find that means a lot to Eights.
So what else could we be overlooking when it comes to Type Eights? Let’s dive into it!
Quick note: This may not resonate 100% with every Type Eight, and that is okay! There are many individual differences within each Enneagram type. I want to emphasize that humans are complex, and it’s okay to not perfectly align with everything you read about your type. If you’d like to see what other Eights have to say about this post, you can find it on Instagram right here. Join the conversation!
Alright, Let’s get into it!
Here are a few things to know about Enneagram Eights!
Common Underlying Motivation
To be “against” - not to be contrarian but as a way to show strength and protect themselves from being too vulnerable
→ Vulnerability can feel dangerous for 8s because it is showing a soft spot that can be exploited. For some 8s, any vulnerability in themselves or others is intolerable. For other 8s, seeing vulnerability in others ignites a desire to protect those people from harm (just like they might protect themselves).
Consistently Avoiding
Being betrayed or controlled by someone else
→ Like we always say, “8s don’t need to control YOU, they just don’t want YOU to control THEM.”
You might not know that…
→ Some 8s enjoy a rousing debate, but in general, 8s aren’t out looking to stir up confrontation! But 8s tend to have a higher threshold for what feels like conflict - so something that feels like an argument to someone else might not feel that way for an 8.
→ THIS IS IMPORTANT! Because an 8 might leave this conversation feeling like they just had a good discussion, whereas someone else might leave the conversation feeling like they were in a fight. This is why it’s so important to work to understand one another, especially when in a close relationship with an 8. We don’t want them feeling like they always have to turn themselves down.
→ Above all, 8s want the truth to come to light. They say the thing no one else is willing to say because they value transparency and authenticity. Their gut instinct is often quite reliable, so they tend to act on instinct.
→ 8s actually DO care about your feelings! Some 8s don’t show their compassion because it feels too vulnerable, but most 8s hate to hear they’ve stepped on your toes.
→ 8s go all-in on things they care about. Going “all-in” often means that once they get into inner work or personal growth work, they are focused on healing and becoming healthy and balanced.
→ 8s are often misunderstood because they fiercely protect the pure, soft, and tender aspects of themselves. If you get to see this part of an 8, it’s a true gift.
