To recap, we have covered the heart-centered Types – Type 2s, Type 3s  and the Type 4s; as well as the head-centered Types – Type 5s, Type 6s and Type 7s

We are looking at the most intense of the body-centered Types today – the Type 8s.

Type 8s when dealing with sadness

Type 8s deal with sadness through denial so as to appear strong and invulnerable to the people around them. This also helps 8s to project the ‘confidence’ that they can take on any challenge by denying that they possess any vulnerability, such as sadness. In the mind of the 8s, if they can deny this within themselves, then they can survive the difficult circumstances that the sadness revolves around.

8s may refuse to accept that they are feeling sadness, which may give them the false sense of ‘This is not actually happening’. This can be seen as the first instinct shown when someone first hears of the death of a loved one through the denial of “This did not happen”.

This defense mechanism then leads to 8s believing that they have total control through a combination of denial and confident assertiveness and that through the exertion of their strength and will, they have absolute control on how things will turn out.

What to say to a Type 8 dealing with sadness

➢ “Knowing that you can depend on another person to journey with you through your sadness is true strength. So let me sit with you and help you through this difficult time”

➢ “It’s not bad to be sad. Confront the feelings and conquer them in the same way you conquer life”

➢ “Come, let us process your sadness so that you can quickly get over it and get to protecting the people you love in this difficult time as well”

An Encouragement to our Type 8s

Strength is in also owning your feelings and being vulnerable to the right peo-ple. Being emotionally strong is as important as being physically and mentally strong. So, be the best protector of others you can be by allowing your weak moments to strengthen you in your resolve and your ability to be there for your loved ones in all facets – physical, mental and emotional – of their lives.

For anyone with a Type 8 in your life, please take care to not expose their vulnerabil-ity to the people around them. Pull them aside into a private corner, state directly and plainly that you would like to offer support in processing their own pain. If they say yes, really listen to them and not offer any solutions. Rather, ask them clarifying questions based on what they are saying to enable them to arrive at their own an-swers and still allow them to maintain the dignity of their protector image.
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Would you like to know the strength of your Enneagram Type and the other 8 Types? Contact us to find out when our next course runs are. Confidently use your SkillsFuture Credits to offset our course fees! Hope to hear from you soon!