Enneagram 7 and 8 Relationship: The Maverick Match

Enneagram Type 7, the Enthusiast, and Enneagram Type 8, the Challenger, may not have a lot in common, but what they do is more than enough to create fireworks between them. When the wild heart of Type 7 and the strong will of Type 8 unite, an epic love story is on the way.

So, does the Enneagram 7 and 8 relationship have what it takes to be solid, or will it be more of a rollercoaster romance?

In this article, we’ll delve into the intense dynamics of Enneagram 7 and 8 relationships to understand the kind of bond they create together.

Are Enneagram Type 7 and Type 8 Compatible?

Sevens are energetic, curious adventurists with a keen passion for life and a childlike sense of wonder. They are driven by the need to explore the world and enjoy all the beautiful things life has to offer.

Eights are also very energetic, have strong personalities, and enjoy adventures. However, Eights’ core motivation is to have power over their destiny, protect their independence, and be in control of their lives.

When Sevens and Eights meet, sparks fly, as they are both very passionate and intense individuals who savor life with all their senses. The Enneagram 7 and 8 compatibility is therefore very high, much like the compatibility between Type 3 and Type 7, and they feel instantly attracted to each other.

Eights are fascinated by Sevens’ playfulness and creativity and feel challenged to seduce them, while Sevens are magnetically drawn to Eight's commanding presence and charisma.

Since Eights are natural leaders and have a strong need for control, they will dictate the pace of the relationship, and Sevens will follow as long as the relationship provides excitement.

However, whether or not they can build a deeper emotional connection depends on their mutual level of maturity. One thing is sure, though; Enneagrams 7 and 8 in love can create a wonderful life together.

How Enneagram Types 7 and 8 Each Contribute to the Relationship

The playful, cheerful Sevens bring their irresistible enthusiasm and curiosity to the relationship with Type Eight, who respond with passion. They eagerly embark on all kinds of adventures together, and the Enneagram 7 and 8 dating phase is a rollercoaster of emotions.

As they get to know each other better, Eights introduce the structure and give direction to their relationship, while Sevens begin to show their many talents, inspired by Eights’ steady support. Seven’s creativity and freedom of thought fascinate Eights, while Sevens are mesmerized by Eights' focus and strength of will.

In addition, Seven’s thirst for new experiences refreshes the Enneagram 7 and 8 relationship, while Eight's need for loyalty and stability provides a strong foundation for its growth.

Moreover, Eight’s self-assured attitude and pragmatic spirit soothe Seven's insecurities. Sevens feel they can rely on Eights for leadership and protection, while their insatiable zest for life constantly inspires Eights.

Detailed Analysis of Enneagram Type 7 and 8 Relationship

The detailed analysis of the Enneagram Type 7 and 8 relationship and its core aspects will give an insight into the intricate dynamics of their emotional bond. Here’s what it consists of:

#1. Type 7 and Type 8—Communication

Sevens are social butterflies who communicate with ease and are very open and spontaneous in their approach to other people. Their sense of humor and natural charisma make them very interesting and attractive to the opposite sex and people in general. Moreover, the Enthusiast is the soul of the party.

Eights, on the other hand, are direct, honest, and self-confident in their communication. Their authoritative, self-assured, and energetic attitude draws people to them, who often perceive them as leaders even when they are not in a leadership position.

Both Sevens and Eights are direct and open, so they easily establish communication.

#2. Type 7 and Type 8—Values

Sevens value adventure, excitement, freedom, and pleasure. Their insatiable curiosity pushes them to seek new experiences constantly. They are afraid of being trapped by social conventions and expectations, and they protect their freedom fiercely. In a relationship, they value passion and excitement.

Meanwhile, Eights value power, independence, honesty, and loyalty. They are ambitious and willing to work hard to earn the position they believe belongs to them. Passion and adventure are also important to them, much like Fours and Sevens, but they also seek serious commitment and someone they can rely on in a relationship.

Therefore, when it comes to the intensity of emotion they desire in a romantic partner, Sevens and Eights are a good fit. However, their relationship goals may be different, and this may cause friction in Enneagram 7 and 8 relationships.

#3. Type 7 and Type 8—Building Trust

Sevens are spontaneous, playful, and often very seductive and flirty. Their careless behavior may set off Eights’ deep fear of betrayal, making it very difficult for them to trust one another.

Meanwhile, Sevens may feel threatened by Eights’ possessiveness and need to control the relationship, making it impossible for them to relax and open up emotionally.

Therefore, building trust in an Enneagram 7 and 8 relationship is a delicate and complicated process that requires careful emotional attunement from both partners.

#4. Type 7 and Type 8—Stress Management

Despite their happy-go-lucky attitude, Sevens are fragile, and stress makes them very anxious. Deep down, they feel incapable of dealing with the burdens of the ‘adult’ world and are insecure whenever they run into a problem they can’t solve with their optimism and creativity.

Meanwhile, Eights are very stress-resilient, and they confront issues head-on, completely confident in their capacities to solve problems. However, they may become aggressive, confrontational, and bossy when they are exposed to stress for too long.

So, while the Eights' directness may scare the Sevens away, it also makes them feel safe because they believe Eights can deal with the unpleasant reality.

#5. Type 7 and Type 8—Passion & Intimacy

Sparks fly when Sevens and Eights get together! For this reason, Enneagram 7 and 8 friendships quickly evolve into love stories.

Both are very physical and take great pleasure in the sensual aspect of their bond. Moreover, both have significant sensual appetites and are delighted to have found someone who can match their intensity.

This area of the Enneagram 7 and 8 relationship is a great source of vitality for both partners. In addition, it motivates them to put more effort into other significant aspects of their connection.

#6. Type 7 and Type 8—Emotional Support

Sevens’ optimism and enthusiasm inspire Eights to persevere in their pursuits. However, Sevens are afraid of deep feelings, especially those that are not pleasant. For this reason, they are not the ideal person to turn to for emotional support.

Eights, on the other hand, have issues with vulnerability and prefer to maintain their strong facade. While they are loyal, dependable, and honest, they may struggle to offer the more refined emotional support that Sevens need.

#7. Type 7 and Type 8—Intellectual Compatibility

Type 7 and Type 8 intellectual exchange is exceptionally rich and exciting. Both are intellectually strong and enjoy witty debates. Sevens’ creativity and innovative spirit amaze Eights, while Eight's resourcefulness and power of persuasion impress Sevens.

Their relationship is full of dynamic conversations and intellectual duels that are invigorating and inspiring for both of them.

#8. Type 7 and Type 8—Mutual Motivation & Encouragement

Sevens and Eights encourage and motivate each other on many different levels. Eights’ boldness and courage inspire Sevens to face life with all its good and bad sides, while Sevens’ infectious optimism and zest warm Eights’ hearts.

When these two align their energies toward a shared goal, they reinforce each other’s passion, determination, and drive to make things happen.

3 Potential Issues in Enneagram Type 7 and 8 Relationship

Potential issues in Enneagram Type 7 and 8 relationships arise from their different perspectives on values in life and relationships. Here are the common obstacles they need to overcome as a couple.

#1. Desire for Control vs. Desire for Independence

Eights like to be in charge, and their independence is built on the premise that they have everything that’s important to them under control. Eight’s freedom is earned by hard work and protected by strong personal boundaries.

Meanwhile, Seven’s freedom is unbound by social or any other kind of norms and expectations and isn’t dependent on how powerful they feel.

Both insist on their independence for different reasons, which makes it hard for them to achieve emotional intimacy.

Therefore, it is essential they respect each other’s need for space but also focus on getting emotionally closer to one another.

#2. Emotional Depth

When the Eights' fear of vulnerability and the Seven’s fear of unpleasant feelings clash, it becomes very hard, if not impossible, for them to become emotionally intimate with one another.

Sevens generally gravitate toward superficial amusement, which Eights often see as childish. Eights, on the other hand, are ready to commit deeply but struggle to make the first move and open up emotionally.

Therefore, in an Enneagram 7 and 8 relationship, both partners need to invest conscious effort into building emotional intimacy.

#3. Need for Excitement vs. Need for Stability

Both Sevens and Eights need passion, novelty, and excitement in their lives and in their connection. However, Eights are also aware of the need for stability and loyalty and are capable of balancing these two needs within themselves.

Meanwhile, Sevens are afraid of serious commitment, which inevitably becomes an issue as the relationship progresses. The key to avoiding major obstacles in this area is for both to respect each other's boundaries and move slowly.

How Enneagram Type 7 and 8 Wings Impact Their Relationship

Your Enneagram test result may indicate that your core type has wings. This means that you display some traits of one of the two neighboring types next to your core type on the Enneagram circumference. Wings act like a sidekick to your core personality type and can influence your overall compatibility with other Enneagram types.

So, Sevens can have Types Six and Eight, and Eights can have Types Seven and Nine as their wings. The most harmonious relationships are between the types whose wings overlap, which is the case with 7w8 and 8w7.

The 7w6 and 8w9 make a great couple, too, as their wings are compatible and balance their differences well.

5 Strategies on How Enneagram Types 7 and 8 Can Elevate Their Relationship

Enneagram Type 7 and 8 can elevate their relationship in many creative and stimulating ways because they have a strong foundation to build a quality connection.

Here are some key strategies to support Enneagram 7 and 8 relationship growth:

• Set shared relationship goals. Sevens and Eights share many interests and can enjoy many activities together. By identifying common goals, they indirectly work on building emotional intimacy.
• Create a safe space for each other’s emotions. Sevens need to feel safe and protected to be able to get in touch with their emotions, and Eights need to be able to trust Sevens to be willing to open up emotionally. So, focusing on building trust is essential for all other Enneagram 7 and 8 relationship aspects.
• Practice compassion. Cultivating empathy and understanding toward each other’s perspectives and feelings will help Sevens and Eights become emotionally closer. Sevens need to acknowledge Eights’ vulnerability, and Eights need to provide Sevens with stability during challenging times.
• Support each other’s growth. By encouraging each other to grow and develop personally and professionally, they reinforce mutual respect in their relationship, which is very important for a healthy connection between them.
• Prevent conflict escalation. Both can react very impulsively, as both are fiery and passionate about their views, which may lead to unnecessary conflicts. Hence, it is critical that they keep their disagreements from escalating into full-blown conflicts.

Key Takeaways

There is a lot of room for growth and joy in the Enneagram 7 and 8 relationship. Before you go, let’s reiterate the most inspiring aspects of their bond:

• Both Sevens and Eights are intense and energetic individuals who approach life with passion, which makes Enneagram 7 and 8 relationships full of excitement.
• They are fascinated by their mutual differences and grow by learning from one another.
• The intellectual exchange in Enneagram 7 and 8 relationships is very rich and stimulating. They enjoy debating and exploring each other’s views.