Enneagram Type 2: Stress And Growth
Individuals with type 2 temperament exhibit the negative characteristics of the eight temperament types in stress points, while they display the positive characteristics of the four temperament types in relaxation points.
Causes of Stress
Due to their emotional sensitivity, Twos are affected by any negativity in their relationships. Not receiving the attention, love, and approval they expect causes them stress.
The fear of loneliness, rejection, misunderstanding, and conflicts, as well as unrest and failure, are stressors for them. Especially negative experiences with their partners, such as ingratitude, betrayal, and feeling unloved, lead them to stress and they exhibit hostile, sensitive, angry, complaining, and demanding behaviors. When stress persists, they exhibit the negative behaviors associated with the eight temperament type.
At Stress Points Twos
At stress points, Twos exhibit negative behaviors such as anger, aggression, and judgment. More impulsive at stress points, Twos can become quite hurtful, judgmental, and speak harsh words when experiencing anger outbursts, and may harbor desires for revenge or making others pay. They can speak harshly by venting their accumulated anger and may exclude people they have problems with from their lives.
They Feel Excluded
During this period when they feel deceived and excluded, they may exhibit humiliating and belittling behaviors towards others to make them feel the same. Their minds are filled with thoughts of "revenge" and they harbor negative feelings towards those individuals.
Normally, individuals who do not enjoy solitude and prefer constant communication with others see themselves as independent individuals who are not dependent on anyone during intense stressful periods.
Factors Facilitating Growth
When they receive love and appreciation, when their expectations are met, and when they feel valued and satisfied with being able to help others, they relax. Being able to direct their relationships and achieving satisfaction in them relaxes them, and they begin to exhibit the positive characteristics of the four temperament types.
At the Growth Point Twos
Normally not liking to be alone, Twos do not mind being alone during this period and focus on understanding their emotions. In this slightly more introspective period, they understand and accept themselves and their emotions better. They prioritize themselves more and accept that they may also need help.
They set aside the struggle to intensely feel love and emotions and focus on understanding and finding the reasons behind them. They pay attention to their desires and expectations and try to understand them.
