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Enneagram 2 in Conflict: Triggers & Tips For Resolving

28 March 2024

Though they look like they could never get angry at anyone, Twos are prone to conflicts as much as any other Enneagram type. Moreover, Enneagram 2 in conflict shows remarkable cunningness and is an opponent that should never be underestimated, however sweet and mellow they may seem.

In this article, we will examine Enneagram 2's behaviors in conflict, what sets them off, and how they can effectively resolve disputes.

What is Enneagram Type 2 Like?

Enneagram Type Two prioritizes relationships in their lives. They are highly attuned to the needs of other people, believing that by fulfilling them, they will ensure that they will be loved back. Though they seem very selfless, they crave reciprocity in their connections and hope to win other people’s love by going out of their way to please them.

Kind, affectionate, and genuinely caring, Twos radiate warmth and naturally attract other people who feel welcome and accepted in their presence. For Twos, friendships are just as important as romantic relationships, and they go above and beyond to preserve them.

They are amazing friends and partners, but they also have a dark side. Since they tend to neglect their own needs while catering to everyone else’s, they sometimes become resentful, vindictive, and manipulative. Additionally, Unhealthy Twos can be very passive-aggressive.

It is important to note that there are two Enneagram 2 subtypes—Twos with a One wing (2w1), who have some traits of Type One, and Twos with a Three wing (2w3), who have some traits of Type Three. For a deeper overview of the concept of Enneagram wings and subtypes, feel free to explore this article.

What Triggers Enneagram 2 to Enter Conflict

What triggers Enneagram 2 to enter conflict is what sets their unhealthy patterns. From childhood, Type Twos often learned that being helpful was a way to earn love and acceptance, which makes them particularly sensitive to certain triggers later in life. Here are a few typical conflict triggers for Type Two:

#1. Disrespect

Twos go above and beyond to meet the needs of the ones they love without expecting anything but sincere gratitude and appreciation in return. So, when they feel they are taken for granted after investing so much effort to make people around them happy, Twos eventually become resentful. Moreover, they resort to passive-aggressive strategies to provoke conflicts.

#2. Rejection

Since they heavily rely on approval and validation from other people, Twos suffer deeply when they feel rejected. Moreover, they may feel rejected when someone refuses the help that they generously offer or criticizes them in some way. Twos tend to take everything personally, which may often lead them to feel rejected even when that’s not the case.

#3. Abandonment

Twos are deeply afraid of abandonment, and when they feel their relationships are threatened, they can react with very intense emotions, causing conflicts around them. They may also become very clingy and, consequently, irritating to other people, which can also lead to conflicts.

#4. Being Overlooked

Twos appear modest and mild, but they are only modest as long as they feel appreciated and valued. If their efforts in any field aren’t recognized, they are prone to feeling overlooked and neglected, which propels very intense emotional reactions in them.

#5. Violations of Boundaries

Twos generally struggle with boundaries and have trouble asking openly for what they need. When their boundaries are repeatedly violated, Twos don’t know how to stand up for themselves and, therefore, swallow up their frustration, which may trigger conflicts at some point.

Looking to understand how different types approach conflicts? Check out our Enneagram conflict styles article for more details.

How Enneagram Type 2 Behaves During Conflict

Enneagram 2’s behavior during conflict varies depending on the intensity of the conflict and how much it affects them personally.

Typically, Twos will always try first to resolve conflict as peacefully as possible, promoting empathy and understanding between the parties involved. They focus on finding a solution that makes everyone happy, which makes them great at compromising.

Moreover, they will avoid direct confrontation at all costs, readily downplaying their own needs and feelings for the benefit of others. However, if all their efforts to restore harmony fail, Twos will become emotional. While they will feel angry and frustrated on the inside, they will show nothing but tears on the outside.

When conflicts relate to their needs, they will try everything but ask directly for what they need, hoping that the other side will pick up their subtle cues and respond to them.

Finally, if conflicts escalate severely, Twos will eventually withdraw and suffer in silence. For a light-hearted take on how Type Twos handle these situations, don’t forget to check out the Enneagram 2 Memes page!

How Enneagram 2 Resolves Conflict

Enneagram 2 resolves conflict by finding a compromising solution that makes everyone happy. They will not insist on their point of view, even when they are totally sure that they are right, and they will always seek to understand where the other side is coming from.

Similarly to Enneagram Type Nine, Enneagram 2 in conflict is great at restoring peace and establishing harmony. They are highly intuitive and easily read other people’s needs and intentions, which allows them to subtly direct them toward the solution.

Sometimes, they use their intuition to manipulate other people. However, they resort to such strategies only when they are deeply hurt or when no other tactic works.

Moreover, they have a calming effect on other people, making them feel safe, seen, and heard. For this reason, they easily create a collaborative atmosphere and encourage a friendly exchange of opinions.

Once the conflict is resolved, Twos will not hold a grudge but focus on moving forward. They will also readily offer an apology if necessary, maintain open communication, and forgive without turning back.

How to Resolve a Conflict With Enneagram Type 2

To resolve a conflict with Enneagram Type 2, you need empathy before anything else. It is essential that you show respect and express gratitude for Two’s efforts to resolve the conflict and for all the other things they do for you. Once they feel valued, it will be much easier to overcome any issues you have with them.

Since Twos prioritize relationships in their lives, they often fear that conflicts can harm their connections with other people. For this reason, it is very important to reassure them that conflict is an aspect of every healthy relationship and that it leads to growth.

Additionally, Enneagram 2 in conflict finds it very hard to express their needs, so it would be very helpful to allow them to speak up freely without being afraid of judgment. By creating a safe space for them to vocalize their feelings, you’ll open the door to honest communication and a deeper emotional connection with them.

4 Tips for Enneagram 2 When Dealing With Conflict

Every conflict can be a great opportunity for personal growth, but only if we manage them adequately. Here are some essential tips for Enneagram 2 in conflict:

Practice assertive communication. Twos hesitate to speak their mind and assert their opinion even when they have no doubt that their perspective is adequate. They constantly tiptoe around other people, focusing more on not hurting them than on the real issue at hand.
Prioritize your needs. Twos need to understand that they have every right to express their needs and assert their boundaries during the conflict. Instead of waiting for other people to validate their feelings, Twos need to learn that their voice is just as valuable as any other and that it should be heard.
Avoid overgiving. Led by the belief that pleasing other people is essential to solving conflict, Twos may be too permissive and tolerate things that they should never allow. For this reason, they often find themselves in a situation where they feel exhausted and deeply frustrated without any real solution for the problem.
Ask for support. Though they are the first to lend a hand, Twos rarely ask for help themselves. However, considering how important validation and reassurance are for them, seeking support in conflict can be a game-changer for them. When they feel they can rely on someone, Twos will find it much easier to assert themselves.

How to Improve Your Conflict Resolution Skills

Knowing your Enneagram personality type can also help you improve your conflict resolution skills, your relationships, your career, and even your health! Take our free Enneagram test now to discover the most efficient conflict management strategies for your personality type, learn how to grow from conflicts, and overcome your weaknesses!

Take the test

Key Takeaways

In general, Enneagram 2 in conflict shows plenty of their core traits—empathy, people skills, kindness, and understanding. As one of the least confrontational Enneagram types, conflicts can be particularly useful for Twos because they push them to overcome their weaknesses and learn to be more assertive.

Let’s round off by highlighting some key insights about Enneagram 2 in conflict:

Twos do their best to resolve conflicts peacefully and restore harmony as fast as possible.
They have no trouble compromising and easily neglect their own needs as they are used to putting other people first.

It is essential for Twos to learn to express their feelings, needs, and opinions in conflict without victimizing themselves.

If you're interested in how other Enneagram types behave during conflict, check out these related articles: