Lost in Translation: How to Say “No”, without wounding a Type 2

We’re back from break and digging into Type 2 (The Helper) in our Lost in Translation series. What you mean as a simple boundary,“Thanks, I’m good”,can land as rejection to a Two. Damon and Kelly unpack common misinterpretations, offer exact phrases that keep connection and clarity, and share a few “gut triad” confessions about learning to ask for help.What gets “Lost in Translation” for Type 2When you say “I don’t need your help,” a Two may hear:“You’re not valuable.”“You’re making this about you.”“You’re too much / smothering.”“We’re fine without you.”“You crossed a boundary.”Say It Better (Exact Scripts)Use/adjust these word-for-word:Affirm + Boundary“Thank you, that was really thoughtful. For this one, I need to handle it myself.”“I can tell you care. I’m okay for now, but I appreciate you checking.”Affirm + Future Invite“You’re great at spotting needs. I’m covered at the moment; if that changes, I’ll reach out.”“Could we hold off for now while I get my arms around it? If I need a hand later, I’ll let you know.”Normalize Support“I’m learning to ask for help better. If that comes up here, you’ll be the first I ask.”Why this worksType 2s link worth to being helpful. Appreciation + clarity keeps connection intact while honoring boundaries.Reframes & ReflectionFor Speakers (all types):“Am I rejecting the help or the person?”“Can I name their intention before I say no?”“Do I actually need help and pride is answering for me?”For Type 2s:“Is this a ‘no’ to the task or a ‘no’ to me?”Truth to practice: “I’m wanted for what I do, and loved for who I am.”One-week PracticePick one script above and use it once this week.If you’re a Two, allow yourself one clean no and receive one no without a story.Follow us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enneagramu/id1691530997 Follow us on Spotify and leave a review:https://open.spotify.com/show/2kbIVeByJn4WDoN3kFlUId?si=65a99542c46a49fa

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