Other Characteristic Traits of the Sexual 8 and Psychodynamic Considerations

Intense

People of this Enneatype ooze intensity—so much that it can even be heard in their breathing, which seems louder than others’. If they grab something, they grab it hard; if they hug, they hug tightly; if they eat, they eat until full; if they drink, they can get drunk. Behind this behavior is a mechanism to feel alive and to flee from the delicate. The child lost contact with subtlety, so the adult now needs everything to be intense to recover the sensation of aliveness lost in childhood. Intensity is also a way to flee boredom, which terrifies the Sexual 8: boredom feels like a kind of death-in-life.

In this search for intensity, there is often a disconnection from love—a kind of anesthesia of the loving part: having so much energy has sometimes been a source of suffering because they can’t stop moving—especially when young—which often leads to heavy sports or high-intensity activities to “burn off” energy. This intensity also moves into sexuality, something they openly show and can use provocatively.

Arrogant / Overbearing / Dominant

Sexual 8s believe they possess absolute truth and don’t hesitate to use it as a weapon to present themselves as superior. They commonly judge others, either directly or indirectly, turning what they see as truth into a projectile to wound and to dominate. By dominating, they avoid losing; they impose their will, showing themselves as very sure and in control—not only over others, but over the rest of mortals, allowing themselves to explode and “make scenes” so it’s clear who’s in charge.

Provocative / Challenging / Defiant

They use provocation to dominate the other and to obtain—so to speak—recognition. It might be by stating an unspoken truth no one else dares to name. There’s an obsession with breaking limits, especially those of others, to see how far they can push. They continuously test close people, even entering open conflict when they want, and they live that conflict as a way of asserting themselves.

Openly Antisocial

They position themselves outside the established order: they don’t believe in institutions, groups, or society as a whole and, by extension, seem not to believe in humanity through interpersonal relations.

Cult of Freedom and Independence

They prefer to need nothing; needing and showing need feels dangerous because it shows weakness. They are convinced that if they ask, they won’t be given. They prefer to take what they need, go after what they want, and reinforce their freedom and independence so that any relationship of dependence is avoided. From a young age they learned to do things for themselves and not to need their caregivers.

Nonconformist

They prefer things to be done their own way. There is a constant need to break schemes and patterns to do whatever they please.

“The Bad One”

They present themselves to others as the “bad guy” or “bad girl.” There is a kind of identification and even pride in this role. In the Sexual 8 child, an introject forms of someone important who once told them they were “bad.” The child then internalizes this judgment

and makes it their own. Yet, deep down— as we’ll see in the next chapter about emotionality and fantasy— lies the need to be seen as good and kind.

Sadistic

They enjoy making others suffer. It’s as if they said: “If you love me, you’ll suffer for me.” There is a kind of pleasure in “breaking the shit open” and satisfaction in “breaking the other,” especially those they perceive as controlled or as hiding something. It’s as if they said: “I’m going to break you, bastard,” because making the other lose control gives them sweet pleasure. There’s a trace of inner smile when they manage to push the other to the limit and make them explode: “Now you’ve fallen, you’re mine.” They enjoy the emotional suffering of others, because when they make them explode, they feel powerful.

Histrionic / Exhibitionist

This E8 needs to be seen, to stand out. They are loud, noisy, and expressive: if they talk, they do it loudly; if they laugh, it’s in bursts. They always find a way to attract attention—often through daring speech and provocative references to sexuality. They need to capture others’ gazes as a way to reaffirm themselves. They know how to take up space, how to make a scene. Behind all this lies the neurotic need to be remembered—even if it’s for having been “bad” or for having gone too far.

Protective

They are protective toward those they consider family, whether real or chosen, including close friends and their partner. For the Sexual 8, protection is an expression of loyalty and a way of securing attachment: “I take care of you and you’ll never lack anything.” This protection often includes financial or material support, as if saying: “I’ll provide, even economically.” With this protection, they seek to earn loyalty—“I protect you, and in return, I own your loyalty.” Physically, they express it by metaphorically keeping their arm around those they protect, ensuring they are covered. They know the other won’t fail them—but this often becomes a weight for the one being protected.

The Avenger

They display an overtly avenging and vindictive attitude to protect those they love or perceive as vulnerable—whether children, animals, or people. They show off this vengeful righteousness, acting on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and often hold a deep internal oath from childhood: “I’ll never be defenseless again, and I’ll protect those who are.” It’s as if they carry the irrational idea that they can avenge themselves and bring justice by defending the weak.

Loyal

Loyalty (or complicity) is deeply important for the Sexual 8. Loyalty is what neurotically protects the bond. They are extremely loyal to those they love and expect the same in return—turning loved ones into something like soldiers of their own imaginary army.

Hardness

Their hardness is both internal and external. Internally, it stems from emotional disconnection and deep distrust. Unable to trust almost anyone, they have dried up inside—and also externally. This hardness can be seen in their eyes—empty, without emotion—and in their habitual, serious facial tension. Smiling feels difficult; if they do, it’s often exaggerated, loud, or defiant, but their most common expression is seriousness. Fear has also become a way of being in the world for this E8: a constant, preventive defense against any possible attack.

Hedonistic

They continuously seek pleasure and enjoyment. Anything that feels like obligation is avoided. Deep down, they don’t recognize any authority but their own, so there’s an obsession with doing what they want, at their own pace, seeking high doses of pleasure and satisfaction.

Intolerant of Boredom

Boredom feels like being dead, so life must be intense to avoid that sensation at all costs. Sometimes the way to avoid boredom is to “stir up life,” and when that fails, they resort to excess—through substances, sex, food, or conflict. What matters is that the ship keeps moving; stillness connects them to inner emptiness, to that inner death that boredom reveals.

Deceptive and Anti-Norm

They break the rules and boast about it. There’s pride in mocking authority, since they feel smarter than those who hold power. In their biographies, it’s common to find stories of cheating on exams or in other contexts, recounted as triumphs. They tell these stories like funny anecdotes, feeling cleverer than everyone else, declaring them aloud so everyone knows just how cunning they can be.

Appearance of Security and Power

The Sexual 8’s communication style is blunt, direct, and commanding—creating an impression of confidence that draws others in. They even express this power through external appearance, through clothing and adornment. It’s common for them to dress in a way that enhances their strength. People are often attracted to this projection of security, something the E8 knows and intentionally “sells” outwardly.

Authoritarian

They always want the final word in any decision, as if saying, “I’m the one who decides here.” They can be natural leaders, but the problem is that this leadership often rests on fear. Their anger can be explosive and can lead to serious consequences—including verbal or physical aggression.

Territorial

There’s an instinctive need to have their own territory, a place they can call theirs. They don’t tolerate intrusion. They perceive territory as an extension of themselves and need to feel they have space to breathe. Partners or coworkers can suffer from this trait, as they can become possessive and controlling—marking their territory, just like animals, to make it clear it belongs to them.

Biophilic — Special Connection with Animals and Nature

They enjoy open spaces and nature, as if those places allowed them to feel more at peace and free—something the city doesn’t provide. Biophilia—the innate connection with nature and animals—is very present in Sexual 8s, who need earth under their feet and trees in sight. They feel deep affection for animals, especially dogs and cats, who become true companions. They often pour tenderness into these bonds, and those who protect nature feel a strong urge to defend it.

“If I’m going to cut down a tree, I tell it and thank it,” said one of the group members. Many recall childhood experiences of feeling able to “talk” to trees or animals.

Seductive

The most seductive of all the E8s, the sexual subtype specializes in captivating others. Seduction is their main strategy—appearing kind, accommodating, and even submissive to get the cat in the bag and draw in whoever they’ve targeted. There’s a subtle cynicism here: they know they act charming to attract others, but deep down they’ll do whatever they want when the moment comes. Their soul remains that of a rebel.

Romantic / Prone to Falling in Love

Falling in love is full of intensity and is something they crave and pursue. Beneath this lies a kind of naivety that drives them to believe in romantic ideals, to throw themselves fully into love, since at a deep level they feel that love will save them from the inner death they experience. Their romantic ideal represents the longing of the inner child to be loved entirely—and the hope that this kind of love will eventually arrive.

Sexualized

They present themselves as a sexualized person, since sexual energy is very strong in those with this subtype. They boast about their sexual conquests and usually speak openly and explicitly about how their relationships are, as they consider this gives them value. They are boastful in this area and enjoy talking about how many times they have made love, with whom, and with what intensity, believing that this grants them a special status.

Masculinized / Patriarchal

Male Sexual 8s tend to be “very masculine,” something like alpha males. They are competitive with other men and need to stand out. Female Sexual 8s often present as strong and powerful, giving great importance to traditionally masculine traits. Inside, there’s more psychological space for the father figure than for the mother. This creates a patriarchal character structure: traits include showing off strength, insensitivity, competitiveness, and disdain for weakness—especially toward those perceived as fragile.

Competitive

Another defining trait of this character is the open display of competitiveness. There’s pleasure in being the best, in winning, and in crushing whoever stands in the way. It’s a way to prove power and earn recognition. Many members of the working group admitted to channeling this competitiveness through sports—especially martial arts and football—where winning brings immense pleasure, along with the feeling of being stronger and superior.