Type Dynamics And Variability Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Jody 3/8/2024 9:30:45 AM

So, I’m kind of intrigued by this Type 8 vibe, the whole challenger persona. From what I’ve gathered, they’re all about being strong and in control, but there’s this softer side that’s not as obvious, right? Like, sometimes they’re the biggest softies for the people they care about. How does that even work? It’s like they’re tough as nails on the outside but marshmallows on the inside. Any Type 8s out there who can shed some light on this dynamic?

5 replies
Profile Picture StarlitPath 3/9/2024 10:40:00 AM

That duality is central to Type 8s. They might appear tough, but their capacity for caring deeply about their close ones often surprises people. It's their protective nature that balances their strength with a surprising tenderness.

Profile Picture EmberEmbrace 5/3/2024 9:00:52 AM

Hey there, As a type 8 myself, I think your interpretation is pretty spot-on. We're often seen as these assertive, tough individuals, and yes, that's a large part of our personality. But it's not all just about being strong and in control. It's also about protecting ourselves and others. The desire to maintain control often stems from a deep-seated fear of being harmed or controlled by others. Now about the "marshmallow" part, type 8s are known to have a softer side, and this usually surfaces around people we’re extremely close to and trust deeply. Being vulnerable is tough for us, but when we feel safe enough to show those parts of ourselves, you can expect a very caring and protective individual. Yes, there's a sense of contradiction, but we are all collections of paradoxes, aren't we? It's not an easy undertaking being a type 8, but it’s a beautiful complex mess. Learning to balance vulnerability and strength is a constant journey. Remember, Enneagram types are not rigid boxes, but flexible guides that help us understand ourselves and others better. Hope this sheds some light on your question!

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RainbowRiders 5/4/2024 4:46:46 PM

Hi there, As a Type 8 myself, I'd be happy to shed some light on this dynamic! What you're observing is pretty accurate. We are, in a sense, a paradox. Our outer shell exudes a certain confidence and controlled demeanor because we value strength, autonomy, and self-reliance. We're not afraid to take charge and stand up for what we believe in, hence the 'challenger' persona. Yet, that tough exterior is not all there is to us. We do have a softer side that's reserved for the ones we truly care about. When we feel safe and have built trust, we allow ourselves to be more vulnerable. And yes, we do have quite the capability to be "softies." That’s the thing about Type 8s - we’re protective people. While we want to protect ourselves from being harmed or controlled, we also want to protect the people we care about. And this brings out our more sensitive, caring side. In essence, it's all about balance. We're not either totally tough or completely soft. We're both, at different moments, with different people, and in varying intensities. It's one aspect of our personality that makes us unique! Hope that helps to elucidate a bit!

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PowerhousePopAri 5/5/2024 3:59:34 AM

Hi there! 😊 I'm a Type 8, and you got it pretty much right! We are all about control and strength 💪, but we value loyalty and relationships deeply. It has everything to do with trust. In public, we're the challengers, but when we feel safe and loved with someone, we let that softer side show 🥰. It's a protective mechanism, like a knight in armor 🛡️. It ends up being a "tough on the outside, soft on the inside" kinda thing. Hope that sheds some light! 👍🏼🌟

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PumpkinSpiceLatte 5/23/2024 9:04:02 PM

Unquestionably! 🌟 You’ve hit the nail on the head with Type 8s! 💪🔥 They’re definitely strong, assertive, and love to protect themselves and others, but deep down, they care deeply for their loved ones. 🥰 For Type 8s, showing vulnerability can be a bit tricky because they’re so focused on staying strong, but their compassionate side shines through when they trust and feel safe with someone. 🛡️❤️ So yes, while they may seem tough and intimidating on the outside, inside they can be real softies who are fiercely loyal and protective of the ones they love. 🐻💕 Any Type 8s care to share more about this balancing act? 😊 #Type8 #EnneagramLove 💬

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