Strategy 9
Calm Mediator
- Desire
- Inner peace and harmony
- Fear
- Conflict, separation, and loss of connection
Why People Confuse Them
This mix-up isn't common. It mainly concerns Eights with a Nine wing and Nines with an Eight wing. Both strategies hate being controlled, can forget their own needs, and enjoy comfort.
What the Difference Is
An Eight enjoys an argument; debate energizes them and they state their opinion directly. When someone tries to control them, they openly resist. They see things in black and white, come across as strong, and have a big impact on people. They forget themselves by overexerting and ignoring fatigue.
A Nine avoids conflict and would rather agree to keep the peace. When pushed, they don't object out loud; they say yes and then don't do it. They see all sides of an issue, so they often don't know where they themselves stand. They come across as friendly and unassuming. They forget themselves by tuning in to others.
The worse they feel, the angrier and more domineering an Eight becomes, whereas a Nine becomes more passive and withdrawn.
Subtypes: A social Eight, who looks after others, can resemble a Nine; but they act more directly and go into conflict more readily.
Three Questions That Settle It
Answer honestly, based on how things usually are, not how you'd like them to be.
- How do you feel after a heated argument?
8More likely an Eight if you feel energized because things got cleared up.
9More likely a Nine if you feel drained and would rather avoid it next time.
- What do you do when someone pushes you into something you don't want?
8More likely an Eight if you tell them no outright.
9More likely a Nine if you nod along but then don't do it anyway.
- Do you have a clear opinion on a controversial topic?
8More likely an Eight if yes, and you enjoy defending it.
9More likely a Nine if you see several sides and find it hard to pick one.
Not sure? The test will tell you in 10 minutes. What's my strategy? →
How to Spot an Eight →How to Spot a Nine →How They Work Together in a Relationship →