The more I learn about type 2, the more I'm starting to like having a connection to it.
The type gets a bum rap online, and (in American circles anyway) is misunderstood as being solely a nurturing, effusive, nicey-nice "people person" who manipulates others. That was what I thought type 2 was about for a long time. I do feel that the common "stereotype" of a 2 is probably more acceptable for someone of my age and gender, but I'm really not that good at acting stereotypically 2ish (and as a triple-reactive 4w5, yeah, I'm sure it'd be more attractive for me to be that that way).
I saw so little of myself in the type when I started enneagram that I neglected reading about the type for many years--it simply wasn't important to me, and I actually ruled out 4 as a type for awhile since I "clearly" didn't have a 2-connection. I was prejudiced due to my ignorance.
Later, I figured out that being a 2 is more about pride, rejecting personal needs, understanding interpersonal relations, being a free spirit, and, yes, giving to get--
as well as the ability to be unconditional. As I experience the "disintegration" (I quote, because I see many positive 2 qualities as well), it seems to manifest as
a) not being able to ask for what I need but expecting someone to do something about it anyway;
b) feeling deprived/cheated, but too proud to ask for help;
c) feeling entitled to take what I am owed for all I have suffered and endured; and
d) yes, semi-deliberate, melodramatic emotional manipulation (that whole, "I'm going to start crying to get my way" thing).
I've yet to see the co-dependence really come into play--or else I'm far too proud to admit it.
EDIT: Well, sorry for being all self-absorbed with that post. I should have added how I feel about 2s in general.
TBH, I don't really know too many of them, with the exception of my mother's ENFJ type 2 friend. We do get along really well--she's theatrical and likes the same sorts of magical stuff that I do. She's big on manners and refinement, and she likes the fact that I tend to share her sense of these things. She draws out my extroverted side; others find her intrusive (I think she actually annoys my mother more than me).
^Take that for what it's worth.