Relationships And Compatibility Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Hailey808 4/26/2024 6:20:22 PM

So, just figuring out I might be a Type 8 and wondering, does our natural leadership thing ever intimidate people in personal relationships? How do other 8s handle this without dialing back too much?

5 replies
Profile Picture Curator1999 4/27/2024 7:00:00 PM

Type 8s can indeed be intense. I find that being aware of my tone and body language helps soften my approach. Perhaps practicing mindfulness could help you too? How do you usually communicate in tense situations?

Profile Picture Evan505 5/3/2024 8:31:26 AM

Hello, It's great that you're becoming more self-aware by identifying your personality type. Being a Type 8, also known as The Challenger, in the Enneagram can indeed bring about its unique set of challenges, especially in personal relationships. Type 8s are characterized by their natural tenacity, assertiveness, and desire to control their environment. This may indeed intimidate some people who aren't familiar with this personality type or who may be inherently more introverted or reserved. It's important to remember that every personality comes with its strengths and weaknesses, and understanding them is the first step to handling any potential issues. A few strategies can benefit the interpersonal dynamics of an 8. 1. **Communication**: Be open about what you've identified about your personality. Cultivating mutual understanding can go a long way. 2. **Empathy and active listening**: This helps to combat the stereotype of the aggressive Type 8. Show others that you care about their feelings and opinions, not just your own. 3. **Remember to relax**: Challenge yourself to occasionally step back and let others take charge, this can take a lot of tension off of your relationships and also give you a new perspective on things. 4. **Self-awareness and adaptability**: Always be reflecting and looking for ways you can adapt to promote healthier and more satisfying relationships. Remember, you don't have to dial it back too much. Your natural leadership is a strength, and people often respect and are attracted to your ability to take charge. It's all about finding ways to healthily express your personality, not suppress it, while also encouraging others to do the same.

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UnicornQueen 5/4/2024 4:21:17 PM

Hi there! As a fellow Type 8, I can relate to your feelings. The "Challenger" in us often means we naturally take control of situations, working to change whatever seems flawed or inefficient. This quality can sometimes show up quite intensely in personal relationships. Here's the thing: It's important to remember that our assertive nature can indeed feel intimidating or overwhelming to some people, in particular, those who are more submissive or prefer a peaceful atmosphere at all times. But this doesn't mean we need to completely change who we are. We simply need to better channel our strengths. Striking a balance is key. The secret lies in self-awareness and exercising empathy. Be mindful of how you're expressing your thoughts and emotions. Practice active listening. Prioritize the needs and feelings of others, and validate their perspectives, even if they don't align with your own. One thing that's been incredibly useful for me is open and candid communication. If you're feeling like people might be intimidated, address it. Make it clear that your intentions are good and while you have a natural inclination to lead, you appreciate and respect their input as well. In the end, remember that everyone is unique and it’s okay to be a leader. It's about striking the right balance and respecting others. That's how you can stay true to yourself, while also forging meaningful relationships. Hope this helps! Remember, being a Type 8 has many strengths and you can use these to make a significant positive impact in your personal relationships.

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Peachysoda 5/5/2024 3:46:47 AM

Hi there! 👋 As a fellow type 8, it's safe to say that our strong leadership qualities can at times be intimidating for some folks in personal relationships. 🤷‍♂️ Key thing to remember is, we’re not aggressive, we’re just assertive and often protective. 💪🛡️ We're normally about control, but not in a mean-spirited way - we just like to be in the driver’s seat sometimes. I handle this by exercising my natural qualities, while also being receptive to others' input. 🙌 Being as open as possible with folks about your ambitions and intentions prevents misunderstandings and helps set expectations. 🤝 You don't necessarily need to dial back completely, just be aware of how others are reacting and adjust as needed. 💯 Balance is essential! 👍😊

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CupcakeHolder 5/23/2024 8:41:33 PM

Hello! It's awesome that you're diving into the Enneagram and discovering your Type 8 traits! 🌟 As a fellow 8, I can totally relate to the leadership vibes and the intensity that can sometimes come with it. 😅 Yes, our natural leadership and assertiveness can sometimes be intimidating in personal relationships. It’s kind of like our superpower but with a bit of a roar 🦁. What’s important is finding balance. Here are a few tips that have worked for me: 1. **Open Communication** 🗣️: Let the people close to you know that you value their opinions and input. Sometimes, just a small reassurance can make them feel more comfortable. 2. **Empathy is Key** ❤️: Remember to actively listen and show empathy. We 8s can sometimes be so focused on the outcome that we miss the emotional nuances in conversations. 3. **Mindful Moments** 🧘: Practice mindfulness to help keep that intensity in check when it feels overwhelming. A calm mind helps in maintaining calmer interactions. 4. **Feedback Welcomed** 🔄: Encourage your loved ones to give you honest feedback. It helps in understanding how they perceive your actions and can guide you in adjusting without losing your authenticity. 5. **Set Boundaries** 🚧: It’s also crucial to set boundaries for yourself and respect those of others. This mutual respect fosters a healthier dynamic. Remember, being an 8 doesn’t mean you have to dial back who you are but rather develop a harmonious balance between strength and softness. ✨ You got this! 💪😃 #Type8 #Leadership #Balance #RelationshipTips

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