If you are a friend or in a relationship with a type two, one thing is for sure, you are well taken care of. Type two’s go out of their way to take care of the ones they care about. Even at the expense of themselves. They’ll often provide things for you before you realize you even need them. Type two’s have a heightened sense of empathy. They can walk into a room and determine needs without being told; and they are more than happy to address those needs.

On the outset, the taking care of ability of a type two seems to be a very good thing. But it is often corrupted by their underlying feeling of pride in what they do. For a type two, “helping” people is their thing; and they pride themselves in being the best at it.

In fact, the root sin of a type two is: Pride. Something that is so insidious that it actually goes unrecognized in a type two. So focused on determining and meeting the needs of others they often are unaware of the real and underlying emotions behind their desire to help.

Type two’s operate from a feeling of shame. Thoughts and feelings of not being enough. Not good enough. Not wanted or needed. The experiences they’ve had in the past have reinforced their feelings of “performance based” love. For a type two, if they are not doing something for someone, they haven’t “earned” love. Because love without works for a type two: isn’t real. They don’t understand and haven’t experienced unconditional love. Type twos are often taken advantage of because of this. Which leads to their anger and feeble attempts to regain love through works.

Type twos take issue with God, because to them, “God’s not doing it right”; or, God’s plan isn’t good enough. THEY know better. “God abandoned these people; I will not”. They’ll sometimes sacrifice themselves; not out of necessity, but out of a desire to be a martyr. So they will be recognized for the benevolent people they are and people will love them. Which, never happens.

For all the good that type twos do, they are often met with feelings of frustration and withdrawal. Because they don’t ASK; they just do. Which makes the focus of their help feeling overwhelmed and smothered.

Type twos would do well to remember that they are NOT God; and by extension, should STOP attempting to play God. Type two’s need to learn that it IS a good thing to want to help; but that they should ASK first if help is wanted, and then be “ok” and not be offended should their offer be declined. Which, can prove to be difficult for an immature two; because a decline of help that is offered can often be related to receiving a rejection. Dealing with rejection is hard for a two. Questioning the intentions of a type two can be devastating for them; because for them, their entire existence revolves around helping: and that isn’t being recognized. Which results in feelings of anger and the need to “do better” in order to obtain their need to feel loved.

Ultimately, type two’s need to be loved and accepted for who they are; regardless of what they do. And they need to dig deep to recognize the true motivations behind why they are so willing to offer help in any given situation. Type twos often can’t distinguish, nor do they understand, some boundaries or why someone would say no to them. Because, after all, they’re “trying to help”. With a conscious effort, prayer, and understanding, type twos can be great friends to have, IF they’ve been willing to put in the work necessary to actually form and build a healthy relationship with God. Come to know that they ARE accepted, that God loves them unconditionally, and that they don’t need to continuously prove to themselves and others that they are “worthy” of love.

Some suggested study scriptures for type two would be: Job 40:1-24, Job 41:1-34, Isaiah 66:1-2, Romans 9:20, Romans 5:7-8, Psalms 103:11-12, Romans 8:38-39.

 

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Check out the video for Enneagram Type Two here:

https://youtu.be/2fegEHL3MDU