TYPE EIGHT SUBTYPES EXPLAINED

THE SELF PRESERVATION SUBTYPE - SATISFACTION

In the area of personal survival Eights will ensure they have what they need to survive in a satisfactory way. They may buy things in bulk, or hoard, or they may live close enough to a shop not to have to- but they will be be compulsive about having enough of the right kind of food available at the right time. The drive covers all the material things that allow for them to feel comfortable and satisfied.This subtype believes in going for what they want- and they expect others to do the same. 

"All my friends were starting to retire early and I thought it would be nice if we could, maybe fairly soon if I worked hard enough. So I went to a financial adviser, and he looked at my assets, and then he looked at me with a sort of disbelieving laugh, and said 'How much exactly do you think you need to have the life you say you want?'"

THE ONE TO ONE (SEXUAL) SUBTYPE - POSSESSION / SURRENDER

Eights who prefer relating one-to-one have 'their' special friends, felt to be lifetime relationships. Possessiveness may not be obvious, but they need to know they are central to a person's life. They look for someone whom they can trust enough to surrender to and let go of control, and with the surrender they become very vulnerable to betrayal.

"I've had to realise I don't need to know every single thing that goes on in his head. But it used to upset me to hear him telling other people things he hadn't told me - like, 'Sure you can talk to other women, I'm not jealous, but you damn well better not give them a part of you that you haven't given me … Surrender is very insidious. There's a level on which I just want to let go and not have to be in control all the time, and that easily turns into 'If you love me, look after me'. Ugh!

THE SOCIAL SUBTYPE - SOLIDARITY

Eights manifest lust in the social arena by having many friends, often a network of friends who work and/or play together. They like to introduce friends to each other, make sure everyone enjoys life, and provide mutual support and protection in times of need. The drive underpinning this is a feeling of solidarity- mutual trust and loyalty.

"It's just really nice to have lots of friends. I'm usually at the centre of the group, or the one who organises what we do, but that's not the point. Of course I want to have a good time, and I will, but even more I want them to. I organise parties and invite friends who wouldn't normally meet - a biker and a banker, say - and really enjoy their surprise that they get on with each other."