Threes are usually driven and charismatic, while Eights tend to be more outspoken and self-sufficient. Threes tend to bring efficiency and practical thinking to a workplace. Eights offer quick, logical decision making.
As outlined, Type 3s feel they are racing towards a goal, trying to achieve and be the “best” in all situations. Conversely, Type 8s feel they are on a battlefield with a goal to maintain a sense of strength and power.
These two types can form powerful and highly effective affiliations and can also have passionate and stimulating personal relationships. Both are assertive: both Threes and Eights go after what they want in life.
Threes and Eights are both assertive (PT, 433-36), although the confusion between them centers on the competition found in average Threes and a similar competitiveness in average Eights. In general terms, both Eights and Threes are ambitious and competitive: both types want to rise above others.
Type threes are often hardworking, goal-oriented, organized, and decisive. Threes can radiate confidence that others find assurance and inspiring. They like their work to convey their competency. Type threes are efficient at getting things done.
How Rare are Enneagram 3s? In a Truity study of more than 54,000 respondents, Type Threes were found to make up approximately 11% of the population. About 10% of women and 12% of men are Threes.
By contrast, average Threes are grandiose about their self-worth: narcissistic, exhibitionistic, arrogant and contemptuous of others. It is likely that these two very different types have been confused because both seem to be narcissistic–that is, inflated with self-love or self-regard.
Working Together
Threes tend to bring efficiency and practical thinking to a workplace. Eights offer quick, logical decision making. Threes can help Eights recognize when to step down in a situation, while Eights can help support and advocate for Threes.
However, we can also observe that types 1s, 2s, 8s and 5s are less common in comparison to the rest. So, after looking at this table in detail you can definitely say that enneagrams type 1, 2, 8 and 5 are the rarest enneagram types.
Sixes and Eights are aggressive, although only the Eight is an entirely aggressive personality. Sixes react both to their fears and to other people and constantly oscillate from one state to another, from Level to Level. They are ambivalent and passive-aggressive, evasive, and contradictory.
People of number 3 are socially inclined, luxury loving, outspoken, bold and multi-talented. On the other hand, people of number 8 are ambitious, materialistic, strong, dynamic and power seekers. Both these numbers are highly egoistic and it will be difficult to maintain peace in the relationship of these two.
What Enneagram should a 3 marry if they're looking for an ideal match? The best personality matches for a Type 3 include Type 9, Type 2, and Type 8. Type 9s are common significant others for Type 3s, and when these personality types unite in a healthy marriage, it is a sight to behold.
The truth is that any type can be compatible with an Eight — as long as both partners are devoted to deeply caring, understanding and working toward shared goals together.
Type Eight in Brief
Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating.
Type eights want to show their strengths, feel important, and dominate situations. You can love a type eight well by: Helping them feel strong and not controlling them. While controlling your partner is never healthy, be especially mindful of the ways you suggest things to your partner if they're a type eight.
Type Three in Brief
Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them.
The Enneagram Eight – Injustice
These types are not afraid of confrontation, and they typically have no problem raising their voices – especially in defense of others. Eights are most angered by injustice or oppression. They despise people who oppress underdogs or manipulate others for their own means.
When caught in their unhealthy pattern, Eights can be overpowering and insensitive to others and aggressive about taking what they impulsively desire. They ignore the impact of their bullying behavior on others even as they deny their own vulnerability.
Negative Traits of Type 8
Confrontational, insensitive, manipulative, controlling, possessive, intimidating, rebellious.
Somewhere along the way, when they were a child, they received the message that they are only worthy of love based on their achievements. So an amazing way to show true love to your Enneagram Three is to say, "I love you just for being you. I don't love you for your accomplishments.
Enneagram Threes need a partner who will support them in achieving their goals and give them the space they need in order to do so. People who need a lot of attention generally don't work well with Threes, and they look for partners who will help them reach their true potential rather than hinder them in any way.
Match #3: Life Path 8
Life path 8s mesh well with 3s because they're assertive and goal-oriented. They can remind 3s to slow down and create a strategy to fulfill all of their objectives. Sunday says this pairing is actually a match made in numerological heaven.
The basic fear of the Enneagram Type 3 is failure and worthlessness. They may hold a subconscious belief that in order to be worthy, they must succeed, or at least be perceived as successful.
Enneagram types Three, Seven and Eight fall into the aggressive stance. They move against people focusing on what they themselves need or want and are feeling repressed. As the name implies, these types are bold, assertive and carry a strong energy with their presence.
Negative Traits of Type 3
Self-promoting, vain, workaholic, inauthentic, too competitive, impatient, validation needy.