"I must be strong"

Asserters are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

• Stand up for yourself... and me.



• Be confident, strong, and direct.



• Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.



• Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender,
  vulnerable side.



• Give me space to be alone.



• Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.



• I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's
  a personal attack.



• When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just
  the way I am.

What I Like About Being a EIGHT

• being independent and self-reliant



• being able to take charge and meet challenges head on



• being courageous, straightforward, and honest



• getting all the enjoyment I can out of life



• supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me



• upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a EIGHT

• overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to



• being restless and impatient with others' incompetence



• sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it
  



• never forgetting injuries or injustices



• putting too much pressure on myself



• getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when
  things don't go right

EIGHTs as Children Often

• are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit



• are sometimes loners



• seize control so they won't be controlled



• fugure out others' weaknesses



• attack verbally or physically when provoked



• take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

EIGHTs as Parents

• are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted



• are sometimes overprotective



• can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele

The Enneagram Made Easy

Discover the 9 Types of People

Harper
SanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages