Enneagram 8 wing 9 (8w9) – The Bear

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Are you soft-spoken with a silent determination to meet your goals? Do you feel like you have a calm and aggressive personality all at once? Do you know how to make peace but can pick a fight and win when the chips are down? If you do, then you are most likely an enneagram 8 wing 9. We’ll just call you an 8w9.

In-depth Description of the 8w9

Each enneagram type is influenced by the two types by their side. For type 8, those are type 7 and type 9. These types are called wings. If you are a type 8, you are going to be able to use both wings to a certain extent.

However, one of them will be dominant. The 8w9 is the enneagram type where the wing 9 is stronger than wing 7.

The 8w9 is a much softer version of the core type 8. This type is often called the diplomat or the challenging mediator. They are very much people-oriented and will often want to live in harmony with those they love.

The 8w9 and 8w7 are like two sides of the same coin. Remember that even though you are an 8w9, you still have a smaller part of you that is a wing 7.

The 8w9 is more content with material possessions than their counterpart and might not have too many goals. They are also going to be less aggressive and will strive to make peace first. While this is true, the 8w9 is still just as determined as the core type 8.

This means that they will be ready for a fight if it is brought to them. One core difference between them and the 8w7 is that they are less confrontational and know how to pick the right battle.

Because they are people-oriented, you can expect the 8w9 to think more about the feelings of others when making a decision. While this is true, they will always be able to make tough decisions when the need arises.

8w9 in Stages

While the 8w9 will usually show the same traits, it will vary depending on how strong the wing 9 is. Here are some things you can expect from an 8w9 depending on the strength of their wings.

8w9 (Pronounced)

This is where the wing 9 is working at full capacity. Type 9 is often called the peacemaker. In this situation, the 8w9 will require peace more than the typical 9. They will be a lot more patient and slow to anger.

This variant will tend to be very family-oriented and be eager to keep those they love safe. They will quiet and peaceful as a bear. However, they will also be able to attack and defend themselves just like a bear.

8w9 (Average)

This is where wing 9 is just in the middle of the spectrum. This variation of the 8w9 will be peaceful but will be able to assess his core type 8 qualities more often.

They will also have a lot of control over their aggressiveness. This will be a type that can get aggressive within seconds and also turn it off that quickly.

The core traits of the protector and the type 9’s need to keep loved ones closer will make them very protective.

8w9 (Weak)

This is where the influence of the type 9 is really weak. This 8w9 will be more aggressive and less peaceful. However, they will never be able to hit the heights of an 8w7. They will also desire peace but to a lesser extent.

As always, they will be more protective of those in their circle. However, they will be less fearful of being abandoned by them.

What Is The Basic Fear Of The Enneagram 8 Wing 9?

The basic fear of the 8w9 is to be controlled. They are also scared of losing everyone they love because of being overly aggressive with their ambitions and decisions.

What Is The Basic Desire Of The Enneagram 8 Wing 9?

8w9s want to be happy and contented. They want to be able to reach their ambitions and also have a happy life with their loved ones. They want to live in peace.

Strengths of an Enneagram 8 Wing 9

1. People-Oriented

The 8w9 is more people-oriented than a core type 8 or an 8w7. This is down to their dominant wing 9. They want to live in harmony with people. Thus, they usually choose goals that everyone would be okay with or goals that don’t break their families apart.

They will also get along fine with other enneagram types.

2. Extremely Protective

The type 8 is often called the protector. However, wing 9 takes its protective nature to a whole new level. They want to be with their loved ones and don’t take losses well.

Thus, the 8w9 will protect those they love with everything they have. This might sometimes be to their own detriment.

3. Confidence Backed Up With Logic

The 8w9 is a calm person. However, they are very logical and bold. This often means that they can be intimidating and confident. When this is backed up with logic, it can seem scary and relentless.

It’s no surprise then that ENTJs and INTJs are two MBTI types who are very likely to be typed as 8w9s. The ESTJ and the ENTPs are more likely to be typed as 8w7s.

4. The Perfect Leader

The 8w9 is often described as the perfect leader. They have just the right blend of logic and compassion. They will be able to make the tough decision and somehow put everyone’s feelings into consideration.

For this reason, many people might easily become loyal to the 8w9. Others might also learn to trust and rely on their judgments.

5. Hardworking and Reliable

The 8w9 has their own ambitions. However, they are also interested in how others are doing. They want to be of help to others. This makes them very reliable and hardworking people.

If you have an 8w9 by your side, you can be sure that they will hardly disappoint you.

6. They Are the Perfect Mediators

Type 9s are mediators in their own right. However, the 8w9 might even be better mediators in some situations. This type will often be able to solve the toughest problems without putting as much effort as the type 9s.

It turns out that logic can be a very persuasive tool when used right.

7. Incredible Willpower

They have incredible willpower. When it comes to this attribute, it’s hard to choose between the 8w7 and 8w9. It all boils down to preference.

The 8w9’s willpower is silent and can surprise people. They have deep resilience and cannot be easily defeated. The 8w7, on the other hand, is the true definition of a challenger that just won’t back down. They will keep going until they eventually succeed.

Weaknesses of the 8w9

1. Being Controlled

The 8w9 likes their freedom and autonomy to a fault. Thus, it’s very irritating and annoying to them when they are controlled by others. This often includes authority figures such as the government and religious organizations.

For the 8w9, they set their own rules and freedom. They simply do not want to be bothered.

2. Asking For Help Isn’t Their Style

The 8w9 likes to work on their own. They prefer to make their own decisions and execute them to perfection. So, asking for help isn’t really what they like to do. If you see an 8w9 asking you for help, then you should know it took a lot for them to do so.

They might be more likely to ask for help from those they trust and from close friends.

3. Unemotional

While the 8w9 are more people-oriented than the 8w7s, they still don’t show a lot of emotions. The 8w9 will often be viewed as detached or unemotional to most people.

This can also make them seem insensitive or aloof at times. However, there is nothing more important to an 8w9 than their close friends and family.

4. Stubborn To A Fault

The combination that makes up this type is stubborn by their very nature. Type 8s are more confrontational about their stubbornness. Type 9s, on the other hand, are more passive-aggressive about it. This makes the 8w9 very stubborn. They also can be really confrontational about it or be subtle about it.

The logic of the 8w9 allows them to pick the right one for the right occasion. A dangerous and annoying ability.

5. Anger Issues

The 8w9 is the combination of two enneagram types in the anger triad. This means that both type 8s and 9s use anger as their default way of showing emotions.

Type 8 is more explosive while type 9s are going to withhold their anger and allow resentment to build up. When it’s finally released, it’s more like an explosion.

The 8w9 has access to both types of anger. This means that when they do express their anger, it can be scary and a lot of destruction might follow if they are unhealthy.

Enneagram 8 wing 9 and Stress

Several situations are bound to stress the 8w9 more than others. Here are some of them.

Losing Control

8w9s always want to be in control of their lives. This means that they are constantly searching for who has the power in every conversation.

They hate being controlled or losing control over any part of their lives. This can be very distressing and the 8w9 will look for ways to get back their control.

Losing Their Loved Ones

The enneagram 8 wing 9 loves their close ones fiercely. Therefore, every loss will tear through them. This can affect them mentally and make them highly volatile.

8w9s clearly do not like losing their loved ones.

Continuous Conflicts

This type does not fear conflicts. However, they would like to avoid them when possible. If they are a pronounced 8w9, their wing will push them to be peaceful in many situations.

It can be distressing then when they are not able to keep the peace.

8w9 and Finances

8w9s will have a solid grip over their finances. This is down to the type 8’s need for control and the type 9’s need for inner peace. Thus, you can expect them to avoid debts and be able to save. They might also be able to keep track of their expenses pretty well.

8w7 vs 8w9

The 8w7 and 8w9 are different sides of the same coins. There are, however, some obvious differences that you will notice about both types.

1. Material Pursuits

8w7s are going to want to accumulate more resources than any other enneagram type. They are going to be aggressive about it and will usually get what they want. 8w9 may have the same goals but will be more contented. They will also be considerate about the feeling of others.

2. Handling of Conflicts

8w7s are going to be very confrontational about conflicts. They will also be impatient with types who might need time to process their thoughts. Their intense way of dealing with conflicts can be misunderstood as anger.

However, 8w7s are simply trying to communicate.

8w9s, on the other hand, are more likely to be patient with others. One of their desires to find peace. Thus, they will make that a priority when dealing with people.

3. Goals and Ambition

8w7s will have lofty goals and ambition. They will want to achieve these goals as early as possible. They will also be ruthless in achieving them.

8w9s, on other hand, will be gentle with their goals. They will also consider other people when making those goals.

8w9 vs 9w8

Are you struggling between the 8w9 and 9w8? To know which type and wing you have, you should simply consider your motives for your actions.

Do you want to be in control of your life first before considering others? If you do, then you are definitely an 8w9.

Do you prefer to be at peace with other first before setting goals for yourself? If you do, then you are most likely a 9w8.

Whatever type you are, there are tons of possibilities and potential for you.

8w9- Compatibility

According to Similar Minds, the 8w9 is most compatible with 8w9 and 2w1. However, they can also be compatible with 9w1, 9w8, and 3w2.

However, any two mature people can make a relationship work just fine.

8w9 Fictional Characters and Celebrities

Vladimir Putin
Thomas Shelby (Peaky Blinders)
Duke of Hastings (Bridgertons)
Bruce Lee
Franklin Roosevelt
Carl Sagan
Voldemort (Harry Potter)

Possible Careers for 8w9

Business owner
Judge
Professor
Activist
Freelancer
Military officers
Athletes

Worst Careers for 8w9

Auditor
Secretary
Paralegals
Working for someone

Growth Tip for the Enneagram 8 Wing 9

Sometimes, allow people to help you. That can take the burden off your shoulders for at least 10 minutes
Learn to show more emotions. People will know where they stand with you.
Not all forms of authority are bad. Learn to respect symbols of authority when they prove their worth.