INFP 8w9 Explained: Traits, Strengths, and Growth Strategies

The INFP 8w9 personality type blends the idealistic, dreamy, and value-driven nature of INFPs with the confidence of Type 8 and the peaceful demeanor of Type 9. While INFPs share many traits with Nines, it’s not common for them to identify as Eights on the Enneagram test; still, this personality type combination is very rare.

In this article, we’ll explore the INFP 8w9 personality in detail to help you better understand what makes people with this personality type tick.

INFP 8w9 Personality Key Traits and Characteristics

The key personality traits and characteristics of INFP 8w9s include idealism, assertiveness, and protectiveness. This type combines the sensitive, compassionate nature of INFPs with the calm determination of the 8w9 personality, meaning INFP 8w9s tend to be more self-confident and resilient than other individuals belonging to this MBTI type.

Let’s explore the key personality traits of INFP 8w9s in greater detail:

• Assertiveness. The Enneagram Type 8 is bold, independent, and powerful, so it’s no wonder that INFP 8w9s are rather assertive. While they don’t hesitate to speak their minds, their Enneagram wing emphasizes their desire for harmony. As such, their presence tends to be strong yet peaceful.
• Protectiveness. INFP 8w9s are fiercely protective of their values, beliefs, and loved ones. Because they’re both protective and assertive, they’re often drawn to advocacy; they stand up for their beliefs and defend both themselves and others with composure and compassion.
• Grounded idealism. INFPs are inherently idealistic people with a robust moral compass and a desire to make the world a better place. Because the 8w9 personality type is grounded and pragmatic, INFPs identifying with it tend to have a realistic worldview. Still, they usually possess a strong sense of purpose and see endless possibilities for making the world a better place.

INFP 8w7 vs. INFP 8w9

Although subtle, the difference between INFP 8w7 and INFP 8w9 personalities lies in their Enneagram wing.

Both types share the core traits of INFPs and Eights, such as compassion and independence. However, the Type 7 is fundamentally different from Enneagram Type 9. Sevens, including INFP 8w7s, are more energetic and spontaneous, whereas Nines tend to be more passive and thrive on stability.

Here’s an overview of the key differences between INFP 8w9 vs. 8w7 personalities:

INFP 8w9 Core Fears & Desires

The core fears and desires of INFP 8w9s are primarily shaped by their Enneagram type and revolve around the themes of control and peace.

With this in mind, let’s explore their greatest fears and desires in more depth.

Core Fears of INFP 8w9

The core fears of INFP 8w9 personalities are:

• Conflict. INFPs are peace-loving individuals, and so are Nines. Even though their core Enneagram type makes INFP 8w9s quite assertive, they are rarely, if ever, confrontational. Since they fear conflict, they do their best to find a middle ground and resolve issues peacefully.
• Vulnerability. While introverted, most INFPs wear their hearts on their sleeves. However, those identifying with the 8w9 personality type tend to be more emotionally guarded due to the influence of Type 8. Like typical Eights, they fear being perceived as weak or vulnerable, as they don’t want others to harm, betray, or take advantage of them.
• Loss of control. INFP 8w9s fear losing independence and control of their lives. More specifically, they fear being trapped in situations that don’t align with their values. Because they also fear conflict, they tend to resist control quietly, usually by withdrawing from people and situations that threaten their autonomy.

Core Desires of INFP 8w9

The core desires of INFP 8w9s include the following:

• Peace. Due to the influence of Type 9, INFP 8w9s have a strong desire to lead a peaceful life and get along with others harmoniously. To avoid internal conflict, they make every effort to ensure that their actions align with their morals and beliefs.
• Autonomy. INFP 8w9s strive to protect their independence and desire to lead their lives on their own terms. Due to their Enneagram type, they tend to be more comfortable setting boundaries than most other INFPs.
• Authenticity. Like all INFPs, those who score as 8w9s on the Enneagram test value authenticity above all else. While they may not be overtly rebellious, they remain loyal to their values, even when these differ from societal norms. They often inspire others to live authentically simply by embracing their own individuality.

Best and Worst Career Options for INFP 8w9

The best career options for INFP 8w9s are those that align with their values and enable them to make use of empathy, diplomacy, and other strengths. Although they are very adaptable and can thrive in various work environments, they feel most fulfilled when they’re passionate about their jobs and find them truly meaningful.

INFP 8w9s tend to be imaginative and original, so they often gravitate toward organizations that welcome creative thinking. Ideally, their job should include tasks that require both independent work and collaboration. Despite their introverted natures, INFP 8w9s typically enjoy working in teams and have a knack for smoothing tension and workplace conflicts.

Like all Eights, INFP 8w9s have a strong inclination towards leadership, but they tend to lead by example rather than force. Since they value autonomy, they aren’t the type to micromanage others; their leadership style is fair and supportive. They genuinely care about their team members and often stand up for those who are being mistreated.

Best INFP 8w9 Careers

Here are some of the best careers for INFP 8w9s:

• Teacher
• Counselor
• Social worker
• Environmental engineer
• Human resources manager

Worst INFP 8w9 Careers

Meanwhile, the following jobs are less suitable for INFP 8w9s, as they aren’t likely to provide them the sense of purpose they seek in a career:

• Bank teller
• Bookkeeper
• Telemarketer
• Assembly line worker
• Administrative assistant

INFP 8w9 in Love: Relationship and Dating Traits

INFP 8w9s in love are loyal, protective, and supportive. They seek meaningful, long-lasting relationships, so they are rarely swayed by superficial charm. While they crave emotional intimacy, they tend to be more guarded than most INFPs. As such, they are typically drawn to people who give them space and don’t force them to open up before they’re ready.

INFP 8w9s are as assertive as they are sensitive, so they tend to communicate clearly but make sure not to hurt their loved ones’ feelings. They expect the same level of tact and compassion from their significant others and reward them with unwavering loyalty in return.

When it comes to relationships, mutual respect is non-negotiable for this personality type. Because INFP 8w9s value autonomy and individuality, they need someone who will accept them as they are, rather than trying to change them.

Best & Worst Romantic Matches for INFP 8w9

Some of the best romantic matches for INFP 8w9s are:

• Type 2, as Twos have a nurturing presence that helps INFP 8w9s feel comfortable enough to open up
• Type 4because they embrace emotional depth, value authenticity, and respect other people’s individuality
• Type 9, since Nines are calm, patient, and supportive, which INFP 8w9s tend to appreciate in romantic partners

By contrast, INFP 8w9s tend to be less compatible with the following types:

• Type 3, since Threes are image-conscious, whereas INFP 8w9s value authenticity
• Type 7because Sevens’ novelty-seeking nature may clash with INFP 8w9s’ desire for peace and stability
• Type 8, as their domineering nature may lead to power struggles and clash with INFP 8w9s’ need for autonomy

3 Key Growth and Healing Strategies for INFP 8w9

The three key growth strategies for INFP 8w9s are embracing vulnerability, cultivating self-awareness, and taking meaningful action. These strategies can also help unhealthy INFP 8w9s overcome social isolation, mistrust, frustration, and difficulty opening up to others.

Let’s explore them in greater depth:

#1. Embrace Vulnerability

Although INFP 8w9s fear being vulnerable, they can build more fulfilling relationships by allowing themselves to express their feelings, doubts, and desires openly to others. To avoid isolating themselves from others, they should surround themselves with at least a couple of people they can wholeheartedly trust and open up to.

#2. Take Meaningful Action

INFP 8w9s flourish when pursuing meaningful action, so they should always find a way to do something that provides them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. If they don’t find their career purposeful enough, for example, it may be a good idea to join an advocacy organization that aligns with their core values.

#3. Cultivate Self-Awareness

Being an INFP 8w9 can be tough, as this personality type is rare and complex. Because of this, people belonging to it should make an effort to understand themselves better, be it through journaling, meditation, or learning how the Enneagram works and shapes their personalities.

INFP 8w9 Famous People & Celebrities

Given that the combination of INFP and 8w9 personality types is very rare, it shouldn’t be surprising that there aren’t many INFP 8w9 celebrities. Still, there are a few that closely resemble this unique personality type, including:

• Ademo, French rapper best known for being part of the rap duo PLN
• Louise Michel, French teacher, political activist, and a figurehead of the French anarchist movement, who became a symbol for women’s emancipation
• Hadi Hejazifar, Iranian actor, screenwriter, and director
• Bruna Linzmeyer, Brazilian actress and activist for LGBTQIA+ and feminist rights
• Jessica Brown Findlay, English actress best known for playing Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abbey

INFP 8w9 Fictional Characters

Here are a couple of examples of INFP 8w9 characters in fiction:

• Brown (Exam). Brown has a mysterious, calm, yet powerful presence. Unlike other candidates, he maintains his composure as much as possible. Still, as the examination time approaches, he becomes increasingly aggressive, much like an Eight.
• Genevieve Shaw (Bones). Although Genevieve only appears in a handful of episodes, there’s no denying that she closely resembles an INFP 8w9. Gentle, helpful, and compassionate, she anticipates Booth’s needs and supports him unwaveringly.

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Final Thoughts

The INFP 8w9 personality is among the rarest personality types, demonstrating that any combination of Enneagram and MBTI types is possible.

Unlike most INFPs, who identify as Fours or Nines, those identifying as 8w9s are rather assertive, yet not in an aggressive or domineering way. Thanks to the influence of Type 8, they are far more likely to take action and speak out for what they believe in than most INFPs, striking a balance between idealism and pragmatism.