Type 8 is protective, energetic, and loyal, providing others a great sense of security and motivation. Learn more about Enneagram Type Eights in relationships now!
Enneagram Type 8, the Challenger, is powerful, assertive, protective, and self-confident with high levels of energy. People with this personality type want to feel strong and in control; they are unafraid of confrontation and don’t back down easily. Eights also care about truth and justice and do not hesitate to protect the weak. However, beneath their tough facade lies a softer side and the fear of being vulnerable. In relationships, Challengers value authenticity while also offering respect, protection, and mutual trust. Learn more about type Eights in relationships and explore Enneagram 8 compatibility in detail now!
Confident, assertive, and strong-willed Enneagram Type 8s are protective and resourceful yet can become domineering and confrontational.
They tend to approach and do everything in life with gusto and do not worry much about what people think of them; this strong intensity, of course, can act as a shield for Type 8s’ more tender side.
A relationship with a real Challenger, whether a romantic relationship, friendship, or familyship, often offers protection, loyalty, and mutual trust. Despite their strong exterior, they’re tenderhearted, though only a few people can see this side of them. When less aware or psychologically unhealthy, they tend to present their tough exterior and communicate more assertively, struggling to show their soft side and embrace their vulnerability. Of course, this can lead to issues in their relationships.
Enneagram 8 in love is a passionate, protective, and supportive partner.
They crave authenticity and value open, honest communication, often acting as a pillar of strength for their partner. For them, it’s important that their partner is trusted and loyal.
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Type 8s bring fierce loyalty, strength, and protectiveness to their family. They tend to take on leadership roles within their family, bringing a sense of stability and security. However, the Eight's direct, assertive, and intense nature can sometimes be perceived as harsh or domineering.
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Type 8s bring a sense of loyalty, protection, and unwavering support to their friendships.
They crave friendships with those they can completely trust and respect their autonomy.
While the Challengers often avoid being vulnerable, they really need trustworthy friends, who they feel comfortable with and can open up about their problems and show their softer sides. However, their tendency to be dominant and confrontational, especially when less aware and unhealthy, can pose challenges in their friendships.
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Wonder “What enneagram is compatible with 8?” The answer is that Type 8 can be compatible with any personality type in the Enneagram system despite their trust issues and strong, protective, and assertive nature. Each pairing of types has a unique set of strengths and potential challenges; however, as long as both individuals are healthy with high levels of self-awareness and willingness to grow together, mutual respect, effective communication, and understanding are in place. In fact, Type Eights in relationships are popularly thought to be compatible with Types 9, 2, and 6; let’s see whether that’s true!
Enneagram Type 1 (the Perfectionist) and Type 8 (the Challenger) are truthful, justice-oriented, and fair. For both, fairness is crucial; they're willing to support and protect what they believe is right. Together, their combination tends to be very powerful, especially when Eights recognize that Ones are as direct, determined, and strong-willed as they are. They are both action-oriented and can have a significant impact on their family, community, and even beyond.
In addition, Type Ones bring a detailed, methodical approach to life and relationships, offering reliability and trustworthiness. Type Eights, on the other hand, with their big-picture perspective, are deeply loyal and protective of the One and their relationship. Ones find Eights exciting and refreshingly honest, while Eights admire the One's strength and unwavering morals.
However, their differing energies can lead to tension. Ones, with their focus on self-control and propriety, might clash with the way Eights fully showing up their anger and directness. As a result, Ones might feel frustrated by Eights' perceived impropriety, and Eights feel controlled by their Type One partner.
To grow together and be better compatible with each other, it's essential for Ones and Eights to remind each other that they are on the same team. Also, open communication and mutual respect are key to maintaining balance. Despite their differences, Ones and Eights can learn a lot from each other; their combined energy and competence can achieve remarkable things and make a meaningful difference in the world. In fact, it’s kind of easy for them to be friends or colleagues.
The 8 (the Challenger) and Type 2 (the Helper) are both caring, action-oriented, and passionate people, and they also see something valuable in one another.
As a couple, Types 2 and 8 can create an energetic and passionate romantic relationship, where the Two's gentleness and willingness to help and support soften the Eight’s edges and need to control, while the Eight helps the Two establish healthy boundaries and assertiveness. This dynamic creates a partnership where both can bring out the best in each other.
However, it’s worth noting that their differing concepts of independence can cause problems. Eights value autonomy and self-reliance and may feel overwhelmed by the Two’s need for constant affection. Meanwhile, the Eight's need for autonomy might be misinterpreted as a lack of love by the Two. In fact, these two may not seem like a naturally compatible match, but with effective communication, they could actually make it work!
Likewise, in family and friendships, this combination has lots of potential to grow healthy relationships, where both can bring out the best in the other person. They bring passion, vitality, and generosity to their relationships, balancing each other’s strengths: Type 8s are practical and results-oriented, while Type 2s are people-oriented and altruistic. Of course, this combination also faces potential challenges due to differences within their personalities; for example, Twos are empathetic and indirect, while Eights are direct and independent.
Remember, effective communication and mutual respect are key to a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Also, both need to embrace the values, safety, and security each other brings to the relationship and the other person.
Both assertive, energetic, and goal-oriented, Type 3 (the Achiever) and Type 8 (the Challenger) can be extremely effective together in the business world and in their pursuit of professional careers. They all have high energy, determination to succeed, and the willingness to pursue goals with self-confidence, persuasiveness, and adaptability.
When in love and romance, this duo may create a beautiful, supportive relationship for both individuals to heal and grow. Type 8 offers Type 3 a safe space to be themselves, while the Three helps the Eight loosen their grip on control. As long as mutual respect and love are in place, Type 3 can feel more protected, loved, and valuable than ever before. Meanwhile, Type 8, for their part, becomes more open up to vulnerability and care than they have ever been.
However, their strong personalities and intensity can also lead to conflict.
While they tend not to compete with each other, workaholic tendencies can lead to stress; when under sufficient stress, both may stop supporting each other and start competing for achievements. In addition, Eights, who value authenticity, may see through the Three’s outer performance, leading to trust issues. Eights fear betrayal, only trusting those who are reliable and authentic. To grow, Type Threes and Type Eights in relationships must learn to let go and have fun, embracing the values each provides for one another and their relationships. Also, communicating effectively is a key to enhancing compatibility.
In family relationships and friendships, Type 3s and Type 8s may also form a strong dynamic where each supports one another’s goals and ambitions. They both bring a high degree of self-confidence and are persuasive and determined. However, they have to communicate honestly and openly to maintain trust and avoid misunderstandings.
Enneagram Eights (the Challengers) and Fours (the Individualists) are intense and authentic. They bring passion, deep feelings, and keen intuition to their relationships. Besides, each also brings unique qualities and core traits that can complement each other, such as the Fours' sensitivity and emotional vulnerability and the Eights' practicality, strength, and protection.
If these two are in a romantic relationship, there can be a magnetic pull between them, in which the Four’s emotional sensitivity and vulnerability are what Type 8 knows they need, while the Eight’s practical, strong, assertive, and protective natures are what Type 4 craves.
That creates a balance where the Four feels secure, and the Eight feels emotionally enriched.
However, because of their big emotions and their tendency to be reactive in conflicts and tensions, and as neither likes being controlled nor misunderstood, disagreements may get explosive easily, especially when the Eight's power overwhelms the more introspective Four or the Four's withdrawal can frustrate the Eight's desire for open, direct communication.
To achieve higher relationship compatibility, mutual understanding, compassion, and healthy communication are essential. Remember, both struggle with feeling misunderstood, so approaching conflict with compassion is the key to maintaining and growing the relationship.
Similarly, in family relationships, these two may also form a supportive and protective connection, willing to fight to keep each other strong and healthy. In friendships, their shared intensity and passion can make for a deep bond, where both types bring authenticity, a strong desire for deep connection, and their unique values to the friendship. Still, whether in family or friendship, this pairing of types has its own challenges, especially when Four’s sensitivity and withdrawal, moody nature clash with Eight’s directness, assertiveness, and strong nature.
Again, the key to maintaining a healthy relationship between these two lies in open communication and respecting each other’s styles and differences.
Type 5 (the Investigator) and Type 8 (the Challenger) are self-assured, loyal, and autonomous. Though both like maintaining self-assurance, individualism, and independence, they find something essential in each other.
For example, Type 8 helps the Five tap into their power and practical needs, while Type 5, on the other hand, helps Type 8 become better aware of their impact on those around them and why it's important to slow down. Together, these two can create complementary and reciprocal dynamics.
As a couple, Types 5 and 8 can bring thoughtfulness, action, depth, and power to the relationship. Each can be the natural advisor (Type 5) and protector (Type 8) of the other, where the Eight love to support and protect the less tough Five, while the Five can help the Eight become more thoughtful and insightful in their actions and plans. In addition, Type 5s, with their calm presence, helps Type 8s in relationships express themselves more comfortably and openly. Type 8, for their part, can help Type 5 get out of their heads and better enjoy the present moment.
However, it’s worth noting that their shared desire for self-reliance can create challenges, especially since both have their approaches to achieving this. The Eight seeks self-reliance through physical and material resources, while the Fives do so by minimizing their needs and desires. This, of course, can create a huge distance between them.
For growth, both must learn to express their needs and share their vulnerabilities, fostering a deeper emotional connection.
Likewise, in family dynamics and friendships, Type 5 and Type 8 bring complementary traits and qualities to the relationships. Importantly, there can be a strong, supportive bond between them, as both respect each other's need for personal space while providing protection and support. Still, challenges exist due to differences in their personalities and perspectives, especially when Eights become confrontational and Fives withdraw further into their own thoughts. Again, constructive communication is required to address the issue.
First and foremost, both Type 6 (the Loyalist) and Type 8 (the Challenger) are deeply loyal. They value transparency and direct communication. Both view the world with suspicion; however, once mutual trust is established, their bond deepens. Sixes bring warmth and thoughtful analysis, while Eights offer decisiveness, confidence, and a can-do spirit.
In romantic relationships, these two can make a great couple, as, once again, both highly value loyalty and security. Both tend to be straightforward in communication, and neither partner has to guess what the other is thinking. This helps build a strong partnership between them. Type Sixes, who crave safety, can feel secure in the Eight’s clarity, decisiveness, protectiveness, and strong nature. Meanwhile, the Six’s kindness, warmth, and commitment can make Type 8s in relationships feel embraced and cared for. Naturally, they can complement each other so well that each partner finds what they need in the other.
Similarly, Types 6 and 8, with their mutual loyalty and directness, can create a supportive and secure family environment. They work together to protect themselves and their loved ones. In friendships, their appreciation for loyalty and straightforward communication strengthens their bond, allowing them to support each other through challenges.
However, their reactive nature can pose challenges. When lacking trust, both may withhold their true feelings, potentially leading to misunderstandings. Enneagram 6s might find the Eight’s assertiveness destabilizing and Type 8s, on the other hand, might perceive the Six’s questioning as a lack of trust.
To cope with challenges and grow their relationships, both should remind themselves and each other that they are in this together and offer reassurance that they seek safety, not control. Also, open communication and mutual trust are keys. By acknowledging their vulnerabilities and building trust, they can build a long-lasting relationship.
Enneagram Sevens (the Enthusiasts) and Eights (the Challengers) are strong-willed, self-assertive, energetic, and intense. They share a deep desire and love for personal freedom and independence, resist being controlled, and tend to thrive on excitement and challenges. Of course, they also bring unique, complementary strengths to each other and their relationships, bringing out the best in each other.
In love and romance, this couple can create a balanced and vibrant partnership, where the Eight, with practicality and directness, helps the Seven stay grounded and focused on practical matters, challenging them to think about their true desires.
Conversely, the Seven, with their fun-loving, extroverted, and enthusiastic nature, encourages the Eight to lighten up and enjoy life, helping them loosen their desire for control.
However, their strong-willed nature and resistance to being controlled may lead to conflicts, particularly when they feel frustrated or controlled or things are not going their way. Open communication and a willingness to understand each other's perspectives are essential for navigating potential challenges. Also, it’s necessary to be present with their emotions, slowing down to notice their reactions and ask themselves if these reactions are helpful for themselves and their relationships.
In family, Sevens and Eights often bring dynamic energy to their family life, where Type 7 contributes a lighthearted and optimistic spirit and Type 8 provides a sense of protection and decisiveness. Also, in friendships, their shared love for independence and freedom, in addition to Sevens’ appreciation for the Eight’s strength and reliability and the Eight's appreciation for the Seven’s enthusiasm and ability to lighten the mood, are key factors in their deep bond.
Still, conflicts may arise due to their strong willpower and desire for independence. Both types should be mindful of their own emotions and each other's sensitivities. By focusing on mutual respect, shared goals, and especially open communication, these two can deal with challenges within their relationships.
Two Enneagram Eights bring their same bold personalities to each other and their relationships. Both are energetic, protective, assertive, and passionate. They share strong willpower, self-assurance, independent thinking, practicality, confidence in making decisions, and the ability to get things done effectively. Of course, they deeply value loyalty and mutual trust. Together, double Eights can create powerful dynamics.
In romantic relationships, the double-Eight couple, when well-matched, can form an incredibly supportive and productive partnership, marked by quiet confidence and mutual respect. Together, they create a safe space for each other to relax and be at ease. Their straightforwardness and trust allow them to open up, show vulnerability, and engage in a softer approach. Also, they respect and challenge each other, enjoying great discussions, a vibrant life, and a supportive connection.
Likewise, in family relationships, Type 8s also bring lots of energy, vitality, and passion. Both value direct and clear communication and appreciate the other's strength and determination. Their protective nature ensures that their loved ones feel safe and secure. Also, in friendships, double Eights offer each other loyalty and transparency. Their shared passion, energy, and directness foster a deep connection built on trust and mutual respect.
Of course, there exists significant potential for conflicts and tension between the two Eight due to their strong personalities and reactivity, particularly in conflict. For these two, if trust is lost, it can be extremely challenging to rebuild. Both are sensitive to control and may shut down and withdraw if they feel the other is attempting to dominate.
To maintain a healthy relationship, they must work on effective communication and genuinely affirm each other. Since both are so real and direct, they know they really mean it when they say something kind.
Enneagram Nines (the Peacemakers), with their easygoing and calm nature, are considered highly compatible with bold Eights, though they are, to be honest, opposite in many ways. The Eight's assertive energy and the Nine's peaceful nature can complement each other. This creates a balance of power and tranquility.
When paired as a romantic couple, they can find a nice balance together. Type 8s, with their high energy, competence, and assertiveness, can attract Type 9s, who tend to merge well with strong personalities. Nines appreciate the Eights' proactive approach to challenges. Also, the assertive Eights inspire Nines to find their own voice and step outside their comfort zones. Meanwhile, Nines provide a calming influence, helping Eights find inner peace. Apparently, they find comfort in the serene energy of the Peacemakers. Despite their big differences, this combination is a typical case of opposites attracting.
However, their opposite responses to conflict can be a big challenge for an Eight-Nine partnership. Eights are direct and confrontational, preferring to address issues head-on, while Nines tend to withdraw and become passive-aggressive when things get difficult. This can lead to frustration for the Eight and overwhelm for the Nine.
For enhancing compatibility and building a strong and lasting bond, open communication and a willingness to understand each other's perspectives are essential. By focusing on shared values and supporting each other's growth, the Nine and Eight individuals can create a fulfilling partnership.
In family relationships, Eights, with their leadership and assertiveness, and Nines, with their calm, stable, and supportive nature, create a nurturing and balanced family environment. In friendships, Type 9s and Type 8s can also bring out the best in each other. Still, again, their opposite approach to conflicts can lead to a great deal of distance between these two. By embracing their complementary strengths and addressing conflicts with empathy and understanding, Type 8 and Type 9 can create a powerful, supportive, and harmonious bond.
Enneagram Eight in relationships offers a unique blend of protectiveness, passion, loyalty, intensity, and other qualities. Their protective nature, unwavering loyalty, self-confidence, practicality, and natural leadership skills can inspire those around them and create a great sense of security and motivation. However, their strong will, resistance to being controlled, and tendency to confront conflicts and issues head-on can sometimes clash with more passive or conflict-averse partners. To maintain healthy and fulfilling relationships, Type 8s should learn to soften their approach, practice active listening, be more aware of their impact, and embrace their vulnerability.
On our website, you can read more useful articles, one of which is Enneagram Type Sevens in Relationships.
