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Enneagram type 2: Exceedingly helpful, but full of self-doubt

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Enneagram type 2: Exceedingly helpful, but full of self-doubt

If you deal with the topic of personality analysis, you will sooner or later come across the Enneagram ...to be aware of. This is a circular model that distinguishes between nine different character types. The peculiarity to other concepts is that you can distinguish the individual Enneagram Types with each other. Today we will look in detail at the character traits, strengths and weaknesses of the Enneagram Type 2.

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The Enneagram Type 2: A compact overview

The Enneagram Type 2 is extremely helpful. If anyone is in need, people of this personality type immediately rush to the rescue. What sounds thoroughly positive at first, however, has a dark side: The Enneagram type 2 compensates with his self-sacrifice for a low level of self-esteem. Self-esteem. He only feels valuable when other people confirm to him how much he's needed.

This downright greed for external validation creates a pathological dependency. The Enneagram type 2 ignores his own needs in order to be liked by others. If the hoped-for expression of affection fails to materialize after help has been rendered, two fall into deep despair. The Enneagram Type 2 is warm-hearted and emotional. He often takes criticism too personally.

Two are practical people. They know how to set up a comfortable home as well as how to solve tricky problems in their professional lives. The central theme of their life, however, is and remains their excessive willingness to help others, often out of the wrong motives. The Enneagram type 2 should learn to take his own needs seriously.

What is the Enneagram Type 2 most afraid of?

Enneagram Type 2 individuals fear most being unwanted and unloved in their environment.

What is the core motivation of the Enneagram Type 2?

Enneagram Type 2 individuals strive throughout their lives for the unconditional love and affection of their fellow human beings.

Strengths of the Enneagram Type 2 Personalities

People who fit the Enneagram Type 2 character profile have the following strengths and talents:

  • Two encourage and support their fellow man.
  • Have a loving and positive charisma.
  • They are sensitive and can recognize the needs of those around them.
  • Two are extremely helpful.
  • Can show persistent commitment to a task.

Weaknesses of the Enneagram Type 2 Personalities

The Enneagram Type 2 should work on the following weaknesses:

  • Twos rely on the validation of other people.
  • They are sometimes perceived as arrogant.
  • Have a hard time dealing with criticism.
  • Two often neglect their own needs.
Enneagram Type 2 Weakness

Personal Growth Tips for the Enneagram Type 2

Listing the individual strengths and weaknesses of the Enneagram Type 2 leads to the following question: How can people of this personality type get the best out of themselves? The following tips can be helpful:

1. do not forget your own needs

Two always think of other people first and themselves last. However, this behavior is counterproductive in the long run. To be able to really help others from the heart and effectively, you yourself must remain physically and mentally healthy! Put simply, you can't save the entire world. Don't sacrifice yourself, but keep a healthy balance of give and take.

You can find an interesting scientific article about the limits of helpfulness here: https://www.spektrum.de/magazin/hilfsbereitschaft-unter-fremden/830040.

2. detach yourself from your expectations

Often your great willingness to help is linked to an expectation. For example, you hope for gratitude, love and recognition. However, if the hoped-for reciprocal reaction fails to materialize, you feel deeply saddened and doubt yourself. If you are rewarded with affection, however, this can develop into a dangerous dependency. That is, you are easily taken advantage of.

Be aware: You are not dependent on the approval of other people! Those who love you only because you are always at their service do not deserve your willingness to help. Offer your help only if you are convinced of it from the bottom of your heart.

3. accept the no of other people

Two people are naturally sensitive to the needs and desires of others. Sometimes, however, you and the person may have a different idea of how to solve the problem. It is best to ask how you can help rather than acting on your own. If someone does not want to accept your offer of help, accept it. This has nothing to do with personal rejection!

4. do not constantly remind of past assistance

This tip ties in with tip number 2. After you have helped someone, you expect something in return in the form of affection. Often you can't resist the urge to constantly remind people of all you've already done for them. However, this will do the opposite. Your fellow human beings will perceive you as demanding and resentful.

5. not every man shows his affection in the same way

You long for love and appreciation, but are sometimes unable to recognize it. You have a very clear idea of how to express love. However, each person is individual. Some people have a completely different way of showing their affection. This way is not less worthy just because it doesn't match your ideas. Learn to recognize and accept this.

How diverse love can be expressed, shows this Articles from Relationship Research.

How do twos behave in relationships?

Twos are loyal and caring companions. They often put the well-being of their partner before their own needs. Their greatest desire is to make their partner happy. However, if Twos get involved with people who take advantage of their helpfulness, a relationship develops that is draining and unhealthy.

The Enneagram Type 2 needs a partner by his side to remind him not to forget himself. A Two also enjoys being cared for. Twos have no trouble expressing their feelings. They are very romantically inclined. When in love, people of this Enneagram type literally float on air.

The core problem in a partnership with the Two is dealing with criticism. These Enneagram types do not like the latter at all. Even constructive criticism they perceive as personal Attack. In addition, it is not easy for two people to set boundaries. As a result, the partner sometimes doesn't know exactly where he stands. Instead of talking, the Two prefers to withdraw in case of conflict.

Below we will discuss the relationship compatibility of the Enneagram Type 2 with the other Enneagram Types:

Enneagram Type 2 and 1

Ones and twos complement each other better than any other pair of enneagrams. Both personality types are very conscientious and pursue the same goals in life. Both Ones and Twos feel at home in social professions. Therefore, it is not uncommon that their love begins on the job. Within the relationship, they maintain their independence.

Enneagram Type 2 and 2

As with any double constellation, both partners feel connected by their identical values. However, due to the great similarity in character, friction can also occur. Two invest a lot of time and energy in their partnership. They behave considerately and respect each other.

Enneagram Type 2 and 3

Twos and threes are very emotional character types, although the three sometimes hides this. Nevertheless, this relationship constellation is one of the most successful partnerships. Both partners know how to make the other happy. Twos and threes build a large circle of friends together. Other people feel comfortable around this sympathetic couple.

Enneagram Type 2 and 4

Twos and fours can have a very affectionate or even passionate Relationship lead. The prerequisite for this is that both parties openly communicate their feelings. The four is like a safe haven for the two. The same is true in reverse. The Two brings sociability and energy to the relationship. It supports the Four in making contact with other people more easily.

Enneagram Type 2 and 5

Twos and Fives are hardly comparable in character. While the Two is an open-hearted and sociable personality type, Fives are more solitary in disposition. However, it is precisely these contrasts that can lead to a strong attraction. In order for the relationship to work despite the difference in mentality, both parties must compromise.

Enneagram Type 2 and 6

Both Twos and Sixes are very dutiful and take their responsibilities within the relationship seriously. They can rely on each other in any situation. However, their basic desire is different: Twos long for trust and intimacy. Sixes enter into a relationship primarily to create a secure foundation for the future.

Enneagram Type 2 and 7

The greatest similarity between Twos and Sevens is their sociability and positive outlook on life. They are both outgoing and enjoy socializing. Even in difficult situations, both partners try to take positive advantage. The Two complements the relationship with her strong caring nature. The Seven infects the Two with her love of adventure.

Enneagram Type 2 and 8

Although it may not seem so at first glance, Twos and Eights are very similar. Both are only too happy to slip into the role of protector and provider, but they are driven by different motives. Within the partnership, both partners automatically take on the role that the other wants.

Enneagram Type 2 and 9

The relationship of twos and nines is characterized by warmth and generosity. Both partners share their optimistic outlook on life and are not discouraged even in times of crisis. Twos are more sociable than Nines. The Nine partner will meet more people through the influence of the Two. The Nine in return enriches the relationship with realism and Serenity.

Enneagram type 2 relationship

Which famous people fit the character profile of a Two?

By now you are familiar with the most important character traits of the Enneagram Type 2. Therefore, it will not surprise you too much anymore that the following prominent personalities correspond to the Enneagram Type 2:

  • Ann Landers
  • Mary Kay Ash (Mary Kay Cosmetics)
  • Leo Buscaglia
  • Richard Simmons
  • Luciano Pavarotti
  • Byron Katie
  • Bishop Desmond Tutu
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
  • Nancy Reagan
  • Monica Lewinsky
  • John Denver
  • Lionel Richie
  • Bobby McFerrin
  • Priscilla Presley
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Barry Manilow
  • Dolly Parton
  • Josh Groban
  • Danny Thomas
  • Martin Sheen
  • Jennifer Tilly
  • Danny Glover
  • Richard Thomas

What professions are suitable for people of the Enneagram Type 2?

Twos enjoy working with people and therefore often enter social professions. They thrive best in a work environment where they can build harmonious and stable relationships.

In order for the Two to feel comfortable in their work environment, the following requirements should be met:

  • The supervisor and colleagues have an open ear for the concerns of the two.
  • Supervisor and colleagues openly show their appreciation.
  • Everyone supports each other.
  • The Two feels important and irreplaceable.

From the above desires, it is easy to deduce the aspects that demotivate twos at work:

  • Ignorance and constant criticism.
  • There is a cool and dismissive working atmosphere.
  • Two feels that she is not liked by her bosses and colleagues.
  • Personality type 2 experiences a lack of or no appreciation for his achievements.

Twos are particularly common in the following occupations:

  • Nurse or caregiver
  • Rev.
  • Chaplain
  • Development and crisis workers
  • Teacher
  • Customer service
  • Human Resources

The wings of the Enneagram Type 2: What do they mean?

Each Enneagram type has two wings. The latter are its direct neighbors, whose characteristics can additionally be incorporated into the character. In the case of Enneagram Type 2, the possible wings would be either Type 1 or Type 3.

What does type 2w1 mean?

Does a Two exhibit distinct character traits of the Enneagram Type 1 on, one speaks of the type 2w1. The one wing makes the two more disciplined and focused. In addition, people of type 2w1 can reflect on their behavior better than pure twos. The One's influence also reinforces the Two's high moral standards. These apply both to themselves and to other people.

What does type 2w3 mean?

Does a Two exhibit distinct character traits of the Enneagram Type 3 on, there is talk of the type 2w3. The three-wing makes twos more ambitious and competitive. Unlike pure twos, type 2w3 has no trouble being the center of attention. People of this character type are also better at standing up for their wants, needs, and opinions.

Are there other suitable models for personality analysis?

As you have probably noticed by now, the Enneagram is extremely complex. Therefore, in conclusion, we would like to introduce you to two other well-known models of the enneagram. Personality Analysis The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the DISG Personality Test. The former differentiates between 16 different character types and has a similar comprehensive structure as the Enneagram.

The DISG test, on the other hand, is limited to distinguishing four different types of communication. Communication is omnipresent in our everyday life. It is impossible not to communicate. Even if you don't say a word, you involuntarily send information to your counterpart. Finding out which communication type you are opens up numerous opportunities and advantages.

Among other things, you learn to respond to your counterpart and to adapt your communication behavior so that you achieve the best possible results in conversations (e.g. in the context of professional negotiations). The DISG test is scientifically based and has been used successfully in business for decades.

Does that sound tempting to you? Then take the chance to take the DISG test today completely free of charge and without obligation. here with us:

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Reviewed by Dr. med. Stefan Frädrich

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