The Reactive Group

Enneagram Types Four, Six and Eight react emotionally to disappointment. All three Types have an emotional response and are not afraid of showing it. They need to vent their feelings and, if challenged on their reaction, tend to feel that their response shows a real understanding of the issues. As I mentioned in my previous post, we tend to give out what we need to receive, so for the Four, Six and Eight they need other people around them to show their feelings too. This reassures them that others really 'get it' (whatever the problem is), that they understand the seriousness of it. Put another way they need to feel that others are 'in the trenches' with them which allows them to feel understood and supported in their disappointment, anger or frustration.

Needless to say they can be at odds with the Positive Outlook Types who they feel are not in the trenches with them precisely because of their positive attitude, even if it may be rather forced.