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Compatibility of Enneagram Type 2 with Type 5: Finding Helpful Lover

This examination of compatibility, using Enneagram personality typing, offers a perspective into one of the best-known personality models used today. What makes the Enneagram so unique is that it is designed with the premise that people develop and change. This is not only true for individuals, but for couples in their relationships too.

The basic Two and Five compatibility may show less than favorable results when analyzing their relationship potential. However, with so many other aspects to consider, it’s wise to establish if this is truly a fact.

This article addresses Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 5. In addition, it discusses the positive aspects of this relationship, as well as the potential pitfalls.

Type 2 Compatibility With Type 5

The score of Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 5 is just one aspect to consider when analyzing the potential security of this relationship. You also need to consider the lines of integration and disintegration, wings, dyadic results, attachment styles, and gender.

Compatibility Score

Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 5 shows an initial compatibility of 13%.

A study conducted during a Walden university dissertation suggests that gender may affect the compatibility between partners. They conducted the study based on the results of 324 couple subjects.

EnneaDyads

In the aforementioned doctoral study, the then Mr. Carter, determined that EnneaDyads mildly affect the success of a relationship. The order of success for Type 2 Enneagrams of both genders is:

  • Ally
    • Woman is 2 and man is 1/Man is 2 and woman is 3
    • Woman is 5 and man is 4/Man is 5 and woman is 6
  • Disintegrative
    • Woman is 2 and man is 4/Man is 2 and woman is 8
    • Woman is 5 and man is 8/Man is 5 and woman is 7
  • Integrative
    • Woman is 2 and man is 8/Man is 2 and woman is 4
    • Woman is 5 and man is 7/Man is 5 and woman is 8
  • Matching
    • Woman and man are both 2
    • Woman and man are both 5
  • Shadow
    • Woman is 2 and man is 3/Man is 2 and woman is 1
    • Woman is 5 and man is 6/Man is 5 and woman is 4
  • Non-related
    • Either the man or woman is 2 and their partner is 5,6,7, or 9
    • Either the man or woman is 5 and their partner is 1,2,3, or 9

Anxiety and Avoidance in Attachment Styles

The best relationships are between those individuals who both show secure attachment styles. The dyadic types impacted the relationships, where one partner showed a secure attachment style and the other, insecure.

However, when both partners showed insecure attachment styles, the romantic outcomes were less than positive. In Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 5, Twos present with high anxiety and low avoidance, and Fives display low anxiety and high avoidance. These are both insecure attachment styles. Earned secure attachments within relationships may form over time. Stress, however, plays a part in these attachments.

Wings, Growth, and Stress

If Twos have a powerful wing in either, One or Three, since these are both secure attachment styles, this will enhance Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 5.

During integration (growth), Twos develop positive traits of Fours, and Fives of Eights. Neither of these is a secure attachment type. However, this will not necessarily bring about an unfavorable relationship, as in a state of growth, Enneagram types may embrace both wings more fully and inherit the secure attachments of both Ones and Threes.

During disintegration (stress), Twos lean toward Eights, and Fives toward Sevens.

What Each Type Brings to the Relationship

In Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 5, Twos, Fives, and their wings will bring aspects into the relationship.

Enneagram Type 2: The Helper

Since Twos find their place in the world by helping others, it’s extremely important to them that their help is accepted and appreciated. Part of that comes from them identifying the needs of others.

Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator

Dependable and gentle-natured, Fives thrive on learning as much as possible, though they may keep this to themselves. They rely on predictability, but industriously aim for their goals.

Enneagram Wing Contribution

The personalities of both the Two and Five wings will add their own flare, this will be dependent on the strength of the wing.

Enneagram Type 2w1, Type 2w3, Type 5w4, and Type 5w6

2w1 Enneagrams will benefit from the sound morals, hard work, and problem-solving abilities of the One wing.

One’s attachment style: secure.

Conscientious and driven to succeed, Threes add style and organizational skills to 2w3 Enneagrams.

Three’s attachment style: secure.

A wing of Four, in 5w4 Enneagrams, could add creativity, passion, and standout qualities to Fives, though they occasionally feel envious of others.

Four’s attachment style: insecure.

In 5w6 Enneagrams, the Six wing brings their loyalty and questioning nature to the table. As they are cautious, they consider future issues when making decisions.

Six’s attachment style: insecure.

Positives of This Pairing

When Twos become overwhelmed with stress, Fives can help them compartmentalize their issues and deal with them logically.

Twos will probably find stability and reassurance in the loyalty of Fives, as well as their calm and logical approach to issues.

Twos may be secure knowing they can lean on the stability of their Five partners and help themselves, instead of constantly striving to help others.

Fives will probably enjoy the warmth and nurturing nature of Twos, though they may not show this.

Fives will thrive when Twos champion and encourage their creative projects, and, in turn, Fives will most likely share their ideas with Twos enthusiastically.

Fives will benefit from Twos’ easy-going and social natures, they may learn to lighten up and enjoy the good things in life.

Potential Issues

The apparent dispassion in Fives may frustrate Twos, especially when they continually try to please their Five partners and receive no trace of appreciation or even acknowledgment in return.

When stressed, Twos may need validation from Fives for their kindness. They might feel that Fives should open up more. Therefore, Twos might try harder to extract emotions from Fives, perhaps even growing volatile.

However, Fives will prefer to handle matters in a calm and logical manner and will retreat from what they see as exaggerated displays of emotions.

Fives dislike interruptions, and Twos might perceive this as if Fives are emotionally distancing from them. As Twos try harder to connect, Fives may become frustrated and withdraw even further.

Conclusion

While Fives seek to understand, Twos seek to connect. Although some problems may present with Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 5, this couple is actually relatively common, and the pair might have an intense mutual attraction.

To help the development of this partnership, Twos should try to check their emotions and allow Fives the space to breathe. They should try to understand that if Fives withdraw, it doesn’t mean they need to shower them with more attention.

In turn, Fives should show patience. They should listen to Twos and connect with them by expressing their own emotions. And when Twos try to help Fives, they should show their appreciation—even though they probably don’t need, or like, receiving the help.

To discover your Enneagram type, complete the Enneagram Personality Test.