🌿 Type Eight vs Type Six

TL;DR: What’s the Core Difference?
Type Eight manages fear by controlling the environment.
Type Six manages fear by trying to predict and prepare for it.

✍️ In-Depth Comparison
At a glance, Eights and Sixes might both seem vigilant, protective, and tough—but the emotional engine underneath is quite different.

Eights are instinctive and assertive. When they sense danger, they charge. Their default is to face threats head-on, meet opposition with power, and control their surroundings to avoid ever being vulnerable. Eights hate feeling like they’re not in charge of their own fate.

Sixes are thinking types, and their main strategy for coping with fear is scanning for danger. They anticipate problems, prepare backup plans, and seek allies or authorities they can trust (or challenge, if they don’t). Their nervous system is on high alert, not because they want to dominate, but because they want to feel safe.

Where Eights go on the offensive when afraid, Sixes often default to doubt. Eights trust their gut. Sixes second-guess everything. Eights bulldoze through anxiety. Sixes turn it over and over in their mind. Eights are more likely to say “screw it” and leap; Sixes need to be reassured it’s safe first (and they might still pack a parachute just in case).

Both types value loyalty and protection, but they express it differently. Eights show loyalty by shielding their people and taking charge. Sixes show loyalty by sticking with you, showing up, and worrying about what could go wrong before it does.

They may look similarly intense or even intimidating—but if you look deeper, you’ll notice that Eights tend to project certainty, while Sixes often lead with questioning. Even counterphobic Sixes (who look bold and confrontational) tend to be anxious underneath, while Eights are more often angry or impatient when they feel threatened.

From your notes and the sources:

  • Eights don’t look back or ask permission. Sixes worry about consequences and look for backup.

  • Eights are driven by a need to stay strong. Sixes are driven by a need to stay safe.

  • Eights are reactive and quick to assert themselves. Sixes tend to hesitate, doubt, or test others before committing.

  • Sixes value consistency and support structures. Eights distrust authority and often make their own rules.

✅ Quick Spot-the-Difference Table

Question to Ask YourselfType EightType SixHow do I respond to fear?Confront it head-on, take controlTry to predict, prevent, or prepareDo I tend to act quickly or cautiously?Quickly and assertivelyCarefully and skepticallyWhat do I trust most?My gut instincts and strengthSystems, authority, or loyal alliesWhat do I fear more?Being weak or controlledBeing unprepared or unsupportedWhen I'm under pressure...I double down, push harderI worry, doubt, or look for reassurance

🌱 Reflect & Explore

  • Do I push through fear to dominate it (Eight), or do I try to prevent bad outcomes through planning and vigilance (Six)?

  • Am I more reactive and action-oriented (Eight), or cautious and contingency-minded (Six)?

  • Do I seek power (Eight), or security (Six)?

  • Do I trust myself more than others (Eight), or sometimes defer to others’ judgment while testing their reliability (Six)?

➕ Keep Digging

  • [Explore the Type Eight Deep Dive]

  • [Explore the Type Six Deep Dive]

  • [Take the Enneagram Greenhouse Quiz]