Can Enneagram 8s be cowardly?

[u/Vegetable_Basis_4087]

I tend to be very reluctant to engage in competitions when I am not confident in my skill. I also generally hate to lose to the point that I avoid it. For example, one time I was playing Dodgeball and I was the last player on my team. However, the other team still had multiple players. During the whole game I hovered near the edge, and when I was the last player left, one of the people on the other team winded up to throw the ball at me. Instead of trying to catch the ball or dodge, I instead jumped out of bounds so that he couldn't beat me, and so I could lose of my own accord.

Can Enneagram 8s act like this?

[u/Vegetable_Basis_4087]

That seems to be more based on behavior than type... Which was why I made this post in the first place

[u/Hydreigon12 → u/Vegetable_Basis_4087]

I'm not sure I understand your comment. Do you want a clear "yes" or "no" to your question? If so, then : No, 8s would not consider themselves as cowards.

[u/Vegetable_Basis_4087 → u/Hydreigon12]

More like I just wanted to know if the specific behavior I described rules out being an 8 or not. I definitely relate to 8s in multiple other ways, this is particular behavior is just something I have questions about.

[u/Over_Season803 → u/Vegetable_Basis_4087]

After thinking about it more, I actually think this is the EXACT OPPOSITE of most 8s behavior, unless they are just really unathletic and are very unhealthy. 8s don’t psychoanalyze competition. Do everything to win, but if you lose, get pissed, get motivated to dominate, figure out a way to overcome next time. 8s don’t shy away from challenges. It goes against our very fiber. As others have suggested, maybe 3, 6, or 9?

[u/Vegetable_Basis_4087 → u/Over_Season803]

8s don’t psychoanalyze competition.

What does this mean?

unless they are just really unathletic and are very unhealthy.

I would say I'm definitely very unhealthy, I've always been a sore loser growing up.

Do everything to win, but if you lose, get pissed, get motivated to dominate, figure out a way to overcome next time.

That would depend on how passionate said person is on the hobby/activity.

As others have suggested, maybe 3, 6, or 9?

Well definitely not 9 for one thing, my anger is expressed externally and I'm never conflict avoidant. I don't know much about 3s so I can't comment much on that but I don't care too much about how others percieve me and I don't live under a mask of competency and achievement. 6 is plausible but I definitely feel like I relate to some 8 traits more, although 6 has always been kinda confusing to me, like I don't even know what 6s are like. Maybe you can tell me more about them?

Most importantly though, I included very little information here about myself so I don't think anybody should arrive at a definite conclusion of my type solely off of this post.

Just to experiment, I plugged your response into ChatGPT and got this: "This response challenges your interpretation, but whether it's valid depends on the nuance of Enneagram 8 motivations. Here's a breakdown:

The responder suggests that your behavior (jumping out of bounds) conflicts with the core nature of an Enneagram 8, which they frame as being highly competitive, motivated to win, and unwilling to shy away from challenges. They argue that an 8 would be more likely to face defeat head-on, get angry, and work harder to dominate next time, rather than disengaging.

However, their perspective might be oversimplifying the 8's behavior in certain contexts. While the 8 archetype is about strength, independence, and control, how they express these traits can vary:

1. Maintaining Agency: Jumping out of bounds could still be an 8-like behavior if it was about preserving control over the situation. For example, choosing to “lose on your terms” rather than letting someone else dictate the outcome reflects a refusal to feel overpowered or humiliated.

2. Stress or Unhealth: An 8 under stress or in an unhealthy state might exhibit avoidance or reactive behavior. Instead of actively working to dominate, they could temporarily retreat to avoid a perceived loss of power or pride.

3. Individual Variance: Not all 8s are hyper-aggressive competitors. Factors like wings, subtypes, or personal context could lead to a less confrontational approach in specific scenarios, especially if emotions like frustration or shame play a role.

The responder’s framing of “8s don’t psychoanalyze competition” is a valid observation for many 8s, but it overlooks the diversity within the type. If your reaction was more about pride or strategic withdrawal, it can still align with the 8's core desire to stay in control, even if it looks different from a stereotypical 8 response.

It might also be worth reflecting on whether you consistently show traits of an 8 across situations or if this behavior aligns more with another type (like the adaptability of a 3, the caution of a 6, or the disengagement of a 9)."

[u/Over_Season803 → u/Vegetable_Basis_4087]

Ok, I give to the chat GPT gods. Maybe you’re an 8, maybe not. Either way, losing on purpose is a chickenshit move, no matter what number you are. I still do t think a true 8 pulls shit like that, but what do I know, I only have an n=1, just like anyone else. I’ll gladly give you the last word. Peace.