After completing an Enneagram personality test, and with the help of Enneagram personality typing, it’s possible to establish likely romantic, and other, partnerships. In fact, many corporations use Enneagram to determine whether a new employee may be well-suited to their business framework.
Whether looking at work or romance, the result of Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8 will provide similar answers. However, feelings may be intensified in personal relationships, since social boundaries tend to fall away in these cases.
Since the Enneagram model epitomizes development, establishing the Enneagram type is just the beginning. Whether for personal development or for growth within a relationship, two emotionally healthy partners will inevitably result in contentment within the relationship.
This article reveals the positives and negatives of romantic relationships concerning Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8.
Type 2 Compatibility With Type 8
The score for Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8, relates to core types. Wings, the integration (growth) of an individual, or their disintegration (stress), all have a large impact on the ultimate match of the relationship.
Compatibility Score
The estimated match for Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8 is 42%. Further differences in this score may arise when taking EnneaDyads and attachment styles into account, according to a Walden university dissertation. Among the deductions, taken from the results of 324 couples, is that men and women both choose partners differently and also show different compatibility levels with alternating personality types.
EnneaDyads
EnneaDyads mainly affect the matching potential of couples with insecure or mismatched attachment styles. These will be explained in more depth later in the article. Some believe that only Ally and Integrative partners in EnneaDyads may benefit, while others think that the order of success is as follows.
- Ally
- Woman is 2 and man is 1/Man is 2 and woman is 3
- Woman is 8 and man is 7/Man is 8 and woman is 9
- Disintegrative
- Woman is 2 and man is 4/Man is 2 and woman is 8
- Woman is 8 and man is 2/Man is 8 and woman is 5
- Integrative
- Woman is 2 and man is 8/Man is 2 and woman is 4
- Woman is 8 and man is 5/Man is 8 and woman is 2
- Matching
- Woman and man are both 2
- Woman and man are both 8
- Shadow
- Woman is 2 and man is 3/Man is 2 and woman is 1
- Woman is 8 and man is 9/Man is 8 and woman is 7
- Non-related
- Either the man or woman is 2 and their partner is 5,6,7, or 9
- Either the man or woman is 8 and their partner is 1,3,4, or 6
Anxiety and Avoidance in Attachment Styles
While partners with secure attachment styles are most propitious in relationships, those with mismatched attachment styles (one partner having a secure attachment style and the other insecure) follow closely. Also, earned attachments may be formed and carried through in relationships during stages of development.
Issues may arise within relationships when both partners have insecure attachment styles. This is where wings, integration, disintegration, and dyadic types have the most impact.
In Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8, Twos show high anxiety and low avoidance attachment styles, and Eights show high anxiety and high avoidance. These are both insecure attachment styles.
Wings, Growth, and Stress
Both Twos and Eights show insecure attachment styles, along with their growth and stress (integration and disintegration) types.
However, the wings of Twos—One and Three—are both secure attachment styles, even though the wings of Eights—Seven and Nine—are both insecure.
- Twos integrate to Four—insecure
- Eights integrate to Two—insecure
- Twos disintegrate to Eight—insecure
- Eights disintegrate to Five-insecure
What Each Type Brings to the Relationship
Although the core personality types in Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8 do not encapsulate the full personality of any individual, the strength of each wing will add traits to varying levels.
Enneagram Type 2: The Helper
Twos find joy, fulfillment, and even pride in the establishment and dispensation of others’ needs. While their selfless giving seems to know no end, they do seek compensation in the form of affection, love, gifts, or other forms of appreciation.
Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger
Powerful and independent, Eights need to be in control in order to conceal their vulnerability—a kind and benevolent heart. They lean toward aggression and confrontation, but are decisive and easily deal with issues. Confident and courageous, they’re extremely protective of those in their care.
Enneagram Wing Contribution
Taking wings into account may have immense value in Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8, especially if either has a strong leaning toward one or both wings.
Enneagram Type 2w1, Type 2w3, Type 8w7, and Type 8w9
With exceptional standards, Ones may expect the same sense of responsibility from others. However, they’re known to be kind, level-headed, and loyal.
Ones’ attachment style: secure.
Threes tend to find power in their own achievements. They’re usually confident and self-motivated, presenting themselves with aplomb and style, while their competitive nature drives them to succeed.
Threes’ attachment style: secure.
Sevens may hide from conflicts and confrontations behind a veneer of fun and excitement, charm, adventure, and enthusiasm. However, they can be serious if necessary, and when they are, they’re excellent and innovative organizers.
Sevens’ attachment style: insecure.
Nines, so intent on smoothing those around them, are most likely the ones out of all the types to ignore their own needs. Optimistic and compassionate, they’re excellent at mediating, but they may restrain their anger or hurt.
Nines’ attachment style: insecure.
Positives of This Pairing
In Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8, the relationship between Twos and Eights may prove a true quid pro quo of needs. The leader in Eights will love the backing and encouragement that Twos provide in moving their goals forward.
In exchange, Eights, with their benevolent hearts, will offer Twos extravagant gifts, vehemently protecting them. This will probably make Twos feel loved and appreciated.
Since both Eights and Twos may be extroverted, their full social calendar will cater to their mutual need to engage with others.
With Twos’ empathy and compassion, Eights may relax in the sense that someone finally understands them, as well as respecting them and running with their ideas.
Potential Issues
In Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8, Twos may not love that the power-hungry Eights take the limelight while the Two partners have contributed most to the project at hand.
Warm and trusting Twos may find that they’re perpetually compromising, since Eights may be inflexible in decision-making. While calm and stable Twos may take this in their stride, it may start their irritation.
Despite the general lack of warmth in Eights, they’re shown to be Twos’ equals when it comes to championing the welfare of those within their close circle. While this may seem to be a good thing, Twos need to be seen as the helpers and may see this as imposing on their turf—especially when Eights take the credit.
Since Twos dislike offending, they’ll keep their issues to themselves, and impatient Eights may get frustrated when Twos skirt around any issues.
Conclusion
When looking at Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8, the integration of Eights could result in the disintegration of Twos, and vice versa. This is part of how this give-and-take relationship may function.
Twos may need to toughen up for a relationship with Eights. However, for every step of the journey, Eights will stand by their side. Twos will develop through this, and learn how to approach Eights directly with issues, while Eights could learn to approach Twos with gentle encouragement.
The Enneagram is a tried and tested tool for guiding individuals toward personal development. Following personal development, the relationship health, in respect of Enneagram Type 2 compatibility with Type 8, will probably occur naturally.
To discover your Enneagram type, complete the Enneagram Personality Test.