Type 4
Type 8

Type 4 and Type 8 Relationship

Learn about Enneagram types and relationships

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What is Enneagram Type 4
(The Creative)?
People with an Enneagram type Four personality tend to be creative, sensitive, and expressive in their behavior. They like to be unique and seek to find their own identity. Though they desire relationships, they may seem distant and reserved, especially in group settings.

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What is Enneagram Type 8
(The Protector)?
People with an Enneagram type Eight personality tend to be self-confident, powerful, and assertive in their behavior. They love engaging in debates and are skilled at making difficult decisions. They are fiercely independent and hate being reliant on others.

Communication

Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Communication

How can Fours and Eights communicate effectively with each other?

Enneagram Fours are motivated by a desire for uniqueness and personal identity, while Eights are driven by their need to remain in control of their own lives.

Fours should be direct and clear in their communication with Eights.

Eights should avoid overly casual conversation with Fours by discussing topics on a deeper level.


Resolving Conflict

Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Conflict

How can Fours and Eights resolve conflict?

Fours and Eights should avoid being overly emotional or passionate when discussing tense issues. Both sides should communicate their perspective calmly while remaining open to the others’ point of view. They should work together to find a working compromise for the situation.


Building Trust

Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Trust

How can Fours and Eights build trust?

Fours generally trust Eights who can be encouraging, supportive and, at times, vulnerable. Eights should work toward sharing their true emotions around Fours.

Eights are likely to trust Fours who can both stand up for their beliefs and recognize when to accept another viewpoint. Fours should communicate openly and honestly with Eights.

Working Together

Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Working Together

How can Fours and Eights work together?

Fours tend to be creative and emotionally intuitive, while Eights are courageous and assertive.

Fours bring creative solutions to a work environment; they can help Eights work through their emotions in a difficult situation.

Eights offer fair, thoughtful decision making to a workplace. Eights can help Fours feel comfortable advocating for their ideas in large groups.


Dealing with Change

Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Change

How can Fours and Eights deal with change?

Fours don’t tend to be very personally affected by change, as they are usually more concerned with their internal state.

Eights may process change well, given that it doesn’t negatively affect their personal freedoms.


Managing Stress

Fours and Eights need to seek to understand what brings stress to the other type and should try to avoid causing it when possible.

Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Stress

Fours are easily stressed by...

  • Casual or meaningless conversation
  • Parties and large groups of unfamiliar people
  • Lack of personal creativity
  • Being interrupted or facing an argument
Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Stress

Eights are easily stressed by...

  • Being controlled by or subordinate to others
  • Feeling unimportant or insignificant
  • Facing vulnerable or emotional situations
  • Others’ dishonesty or misdirected blame

Fours should avoid being overly emotional around Eights, while Eights should give Fours plenty of space to reflect privately.


Encouraging and Motivating

Fours and Eights can encourage and motivate each other in their personal and professional lives.

Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Encouragement

Fours are motivated by...

  • Building connections and relationships with others
  • Taking personal time to reconnect with themselves
  • Expressing their emotions through a form of art
  • Feeling valued and accepted for who they are
Enneagram Type 4 & Type 8 Encouragement

Eights are motivated by...

  • Taking charge and leading others
  • Feeling free, understood, and respected
  • Making decisions that help other people
  • Logical and practical ideas and solutions

Fours can inspire Eights by engaging in a debate or discussion.

Eights can motivate Fours by encouraging them to pursue artistic endeavors.


Enneagram Test

Complete the Enneagram test below to find your Enneagram type.