Giving only to get. This fluid pattern is extremely effective for the Type T. The pattern may appear adaptive, yet it can be very maladaptive over time for at least two reasons. First, it can be costly to the Type T by progressively and serially alienating people. The costs can range from lost beneficial relationships and legal problems to loss of life. Undersocialized, domineering Type Ts without restraints may actually take both the lives of those around them and their own lives.

Second, Type Ts typically cannot move toward and maintain long range goals due to their inconsistency. Type Ts having obtained a goal desire more and tend to engage in self-destructive behaviors in an effort to maintain the goal.

Type Ts must perceive some potential gain to pursue a relationship. The gain might be from the relationship itself, or the gain might come from another source. For example, a Type T might see gain in entering a relationship with someone inconsequential (e.g., a "charity case" or "kissing babies") in order to obtain a desired goal (e.g., public recognition or someone's vote).

Disillusioned spouses. Since Type Ts only "give" to obtain something desired, they normally stop giving once the goal is obtained. Type Ts can be very effective in selling themselves early in relationships. Within marital relationships, this explains the classic observation, He/she is not the same person I married. During courtship, Type T partners engage in whatever behaviors are necessary to achieve the goal of marriage. After reaching the goal, the Type T sees nothing to be gained by continuing to "give," resulting in dramatic behavior changes. The Type T will only revert to the courtship behavior mode if not doing so would end the relationship.

As a marriage continues, Type Ts will actually demonstrate more negative behaviors if the spouse is unable to draw firm and consistent limits. The Type T will have gotten everything possible from a submissive spouse in terms of power, control, attention, or material things. The Type T can receive more power and control only through more negative actions, typically verbal and/or physical abuse. Verbal abuse may be as subtle as brief, guilt-inducing comments or as blatant as loud, angry personal attacks. Physical abuse may start out with the push of a finger and can go as far as taking a spouse's life. A submissive partner of a Type T who has pushed many limits is in actual danger if firm limits are not established and maintained.

Skirting societal constraints. Socialized Type Ts venture into many "gray areas," but usually stop short of blatant law breaking. If caught, they will generally talk their way out of major trouble. If they sense a strong risk of being caught again, they may avoid future infractions. However, if they perceive little risk of detection and few negative consequences, Type Ts will repeat the behavior to satisfy their desire for power and control. An example of this is "white collar" crimes.

Winning by knocking others down. Type Ts are often very critical of others, engaging in gossip, complaining and derogatory comments to garner attention and power simultaneously. Developing no real loyalties, Type Ts typically say negative things about anyone, given the right situation.

Type Ts often portray themselves as victims and martyrs, sometimes placing themselves in difficult or impossible situations. Seen as helpless and irrational, they may cause family or friends to assume a caretaking role.

Risky infidelities. Type Ts are willing to take chances in extramarital affairs. There is little regard to attempt to hide an affair, and as it progresses Type Ts usually increase behaviors that may result in getting caught. This chance taking appears related to increased feelings of power. If confronted with suspicions, the Type T spouse will attack his or her spouse for a lack of trust. If caught, a Type T may say he or she is sorry, but the likelihood of future affairs is high.

Control within the workplace. Type Ts always "talk a great game," trying to take credit for as much as possible, while doing the least possible. Type Ts say and do things to impress their superiors. They experience positive emotions when taking advantage of peers or subordinates. These tactics are often rewarded, and Type Ts normally rise through organizations rapidly. Another Type T tactic is to control information and communication, selecting who knows what and appearing indispensable as a result.

Avoiding logic with emotional rhetoric. In arguments the Type T tends dismiss the validity of logic. A Type T attempts to divert the discussion to an unrelated issue with little forethought. The Type T has learned that saying whatever comes to mind often helps in winning. The best defense is a great offense. If the opponent backs down or shows weakness, the Type T senses the change in power and will press home the attack, often viciously. Type Ts are in their element in heated discussions. Looking back on the Type Ts statements will often reveal a stunning absence of logic.

Lying as a tactic of power. Type Ts often lie to get what they want, even when unnecessary, if lying enhances their power, such as a feeling of "getting away with something." If caught in a lie, Type Ts are adept at talking their way out of trouble and portraying themselves as a victim. Type Ts seldom admit to lying, since this act concedes power.

Type Ts only appear to have black and white judgment patterns; they often break the same rules they demand others follow. The sensation of "getting away with" something enhances their feelings of power and control.