Everything an Enneagram 8 Needs to Know About Love & Compatibility

Meet "The Challenger," a.k.a. Enneagram 8. Confident, strong-willed and assertive, this personality type can command a room. So who's best to play their other half in an unstoppable power couple, according to Enneagram 8 compatibility?

Many use the Enneagram system, a popular typology with nine different personality types, to better understand their own or their partner's strengths, motivations and core needs—and how to best navigate their intimate relationships and find lasting, fulfilling love. (If you still don't know what your Enneagram is, Truity's free Enneagram test is one of the most popular in the US and is even psychologist-reviewed. You can take it here.)

Ahead, we dig deep into the world of Enneagram 8, from common traits and personality features to Enneagram 8 compatibility and how they behave in relationships.

In this article:

• Enneagram 8 Traits & Personality
• Enneagram 8 Communication Style
• How Enneagram 8 Is in a Relationship
• Enneagram 8 in the Bedroom
• The Most Compatible Enneagrams for Type 8

Enneagram 8 Traits & Personality

You can always pick a Type 8 out of the crowd: They may not be the loudest ones, but they're taking everything in, getting a sense of a space before letting their guard down.

Once it's down, they exude a confident, energetic vibe that draws people in and keeps them there. This confidence is contagious and they're very much protective of the ones they love.

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It's worth noting that Enneagram 8s hate feeling restricted or held back. And while they don't show much of it often, they can get pretty vulnerable under the right circumstances.

Enneagram 8 Communication Style

When it comes to communication, Enneagram Type 8s are nothing if not assertive. They communicate directly and often without second thought thanks to their extreme decisiveness.

Their guard goes up when confronted or when they know they're about to have a conversation they don't necessarily want to have—but they'll still have it, open and honestly.

How Enneagram 8 Is in a Relationship

In both friendships and romantic relationships, Enneagram 8s are typically confident, courageous leaders who are supportive and fiercely loyal. They have a desire to be in control, which can work when they're paired with the right partner—but can turn into a bit of a battle of wills if not.

They have a cerebral approach to problem-solving and are focused listeners with an ability to remember and prioritize both the minutia and larger takeaways from conversations.

Ultimately, Enneagram 8s are supportive partners: loyal through and through without being too overbearing or stifling. They're givers who love fully and deeply.

Enneagram 8 in the Bedroom

Intimacy is a strong suit for Type 8s. They thrive on deep, emotional connections and their dominating, take-charge personality is reflected in the bedroom, too. They love to take charge and are often the ones to initiate, but can (in the right moment) "let go" and relinquish control as well.

Making love to an Enneagram 8 is usually an intense and sensual experience for both partners, as Type 8s are typically focused lovers who pay attention to detail, and aim to please.

The Most Compatible Enneagrams for Type 8

So, which Enneagram personality types are most compatible with Type 8s? We explore below. Of course, this doesn't mean you can't have a great relationship outside of these pairings. The matches below are just popularly thought to be compatible due to the traits typically associated with the Enneagram types.

Enneagram 8 and Enneagram 9

Enneagram 9s, also known as "The Peacemakers," are easygoing, playful and calm. When paired with an Enneagram 8, they can find a really nice balance. The assertiveness that Type 8s typically show can be what a Type 9 needs to come out of their shell. Though very different from one another, this pairing is a classic case of opposites attract.

Enneagram 8 and Enneagram 5

Enneagram 8 and Enneagram 5 both like maintaining a certain level of independence and individualism, which makes for great common ground in a relationship. Type 5s are observant and analytical. Not much gets past them which can help 8s express themselves more openly and comfortably. Type 8s can also help Type 5s get out of their heads and be more present in the moment.

Enneagram 8 and Enneagram 2

The Helper and The Challenger—a match you might not think works at first, but with the right communication, it actually could! A Type 2's willingness to help and support helps temper Type 8s need to control, allowing them to establish a harmony that meets both of their innate needs.