🌿 Type Four vs Type Eight
TL;DR: What’s the Core Difference?
Type Four is driven by a need to find identity through emotional honesty and authenticity.
Type Eight is driven by a need to be strong, protect themselves and others, and avoid vulnerability.
✍️ In-Depth Comparison
Fours and Eights might seem wildly different on the surface — one openly emotional and introspective, the other tough, assertive, and bold. But they can mistype because they both have big energy, strong feelings, and a deep resistance to being controlled or misunderstood.
Type Fours are emotionally expressive and internally focused. They feel things deeply, often navigating the full spectrum of emotion — including longing, sadness, and joy — in their search for meaning and identity. They may appear dramatic or moody, but they are driven by a desire to be seen for who they really are.
Type Eights, on the other hand, avoid emotional vulnerability. While they absolutely feel things deeply, they tend to channel those emotions into action, protection, and control. Eights want to appear strong and untouchable — not because they don’t feel, but because they don’t want anyone to use their emotions against them.
From your notes and both resources:
Fours are open about their emotional needs and sensitivities.
Eights guard their soft spots and use intensity to create safety.
Fours often feel misunderstood and seek resonance.
Eights often feel mistrustful and seek control.
Fours lean into emotional depth.
Eights lean into power and autonomy.
If you’re stuck between the two, ask:
Do I lead with emotional honesty (Four) or protective strength (Eight)?
Do I fear being ordinary and unseen (Four) or being weak and controlled (Eight)?
✅ Quick Spot-the-Difference Table
Question to Ask Yourself📌 Type Four📌 Type EightWhat drives me?A need to be emotionally known and authenticA need to be strong, in control, and not vulnerableHow do I respond to conflict?I may retreat or get emotionally intenseI confront it directly and push through itHow do I relate to vulnerability?I express it and want it mirroredI hide it and armor upWhat do I fear most?Being emotionally misunderstood or insignificantBeing weak, betrayed, or manipulated
🌱 Reflect & Explore
Do I use emotional intensity to connect (Four), or to protect (Eight)?
When I feel threatened, do I withdraw and ruminate (Four), or assert control and take charge (Eight)?
Am I more concerned with being authentic or being powerful?