Enneagram 8 has three subtypes, but Enneagram social 8 counters other subtypes. For example, while the other Enneagram 8 subtypes rebel against social norms, the social 8s would rather be loyal and protect the group. When they serve others, they show aggression as a means to an end.
Their most common characteristics include their loyalty, over-friendliness, and pacifist nature. They are nurturing, protective, and helpful. They often voice their concerns against the injustice around them. However, they display an anti-social side in obeying the rules by acting in more directly powerful ways, such as engaging more readily in conflict and expressing more power when protecting people.
The Enneagram social 8 is a calmer, less aggressive version of the typical Enneagram 8. Their interest lies only in harmonious relationships with others. However, they still have the same independent spirit that the other type 8s have and enjoy a straightforward, direct communication style. Because of how much they care for their loved ones, they become fierce when protecting them.
Feelings of love and care motivates them, and these feelings define their group. Their care for others moves them to nurture them, and their love for helping makes them look highly generous. They show more emotion and care daily than most personality types and are charming, inspiring, and driven at their best.
What are their Strengths?
Willingness to Protect
The inbuilt drive to protect those they love comes naturally to an enneagram social 8. This makes them naturally protective but may not be immediately noticeable because their outward appearance looks peaceful. But, if someone harms their loved one, they show a gruesome side.
High Drive.
They are always on the go because they have many ideas running through their heads, making them begin and run many projects simultaneously. While running a few projects at a time is only advisable, the social 8s have used this quality to multitask. The advantage is multitasking helps them achieve great things, while the downside is that they can burn out to excess workload. However, many social 8s grow up with this trait and become skilled at multitasking.
Bold and Daring.
Social 8s have proven to be very assertive and daring, one trait others can easily see. They may not be outwardly aggressive, but they are highly opinionated. This makes them share the trait of other social 8s and break the social norms when they need to for the ones they love. For instance, a social 8 can fight to protect a bullied sibling.
Friendly and Approachable.
An Enneagram social 8 is intense, but because they know this, this trait hides in similes and positive speech, unlike the other subtypes of Enneagram 8s. Their positive gestures and warmth make them approachable and well-liked, which makes them popular.
When frustrated and impatient, their popularity could make their intense nature shine through. However, their friendly, caring nature adds to their charisma.
They Seek Excitement
They have a strong urge to enjoy the experiences of life. Extroverted social 8s have a strong urge to do this with friends, but even introverted social 8s also enjoy the excitement when they have the energy for it. So they strive to experience life in all its glory, thereby picking careers that let them live this way.
They are Passive
A typical social 8 will challenge the status quo or a prevailing opinion. This is different for a social 8. They prefer to go with the flow. When the group decides on something, they wait and see its result and will only do something if the situation demands it.
This habit helps them make decisions because they are cool-headed and correctly calculate the risks. It also helps them to relax when having fun and engage with others without being contentious.
While their desire to protect others is strong, they can take those desires to the extreme. When an Enneagram social 8 becomes a protector at a young age, they lose consciousness of their own needs for love and care. Power and pleasure replaces these needs. Although, it is generally hard for them to consciously need love, giving them a blind spot where their own needs for love and protection are involved.
How an Enneagram Social 8 Can Improve
First, social 8s should learn to care for themselves as much as they care for others. They can also think of themselves as children that need love and protection and allow others to love them. Doing this will make them more openhearted and trust people’s decisions more.
