Type 2

The Helper, The Altruist

Overview

2s are caring, attentive, and affectionate. They do their best to support the well-being of the people around them and are naturally attuned to others’ needs. They gravitate toward roles where their warmth and generosity can make a difference. Quick with praise, they often know just what to say or do to help others feel seen and appreciated. With strong people skills, they place a high value on close relationships. They’re generally friendly, thoughtful, sociable, and warm, and they enjoy helping others reach their full potential.

Core Avoidance

2s try—often unconsciously—to avoid recognizing their own needs. They’re much more comfortable giving than receiving. They go to great lengths to avoid disappointing others and to stave off the painful fear of being unloved.

Focus of Attention & Motivation

2s focus on other people’s needs and on earning approval. They give in many ways—praise, affection, compliments, and practical help—to feel loved.
They’re motivated by connection and service. They want to meet others’ needs and feel energized when their contributions are recognized.
Deep down, they long to feel appreciated and important, and they like to hold a special place in their relationships.

Core Vice & Defense Mechanism

When their avoidance takes over (ignoring their own needs), 2s are driven by a particular form of pride—"I don’t need anything"—that leads them to repress their own needs in favor of others’. They can act as if they have unlimited reserves to give, without refueling themselves.

At Their Best

When they loosen the compulsion, 2s are at peace with themselves: empathetic, caring, altruistic, warm, enthusiastic, compassionate, considerate, and generous. They give sincerely and humbly, without expecting anything in return, and they lift the well-being of those around them.
They feel most at ease when their relationships are satisfying, they feel loved and valued, and their hopes and desires are being realized. In this state they move toward their integration type (Type 4), incorporating its positive traits—greater self-acceptance, authenticity, and creativity—while also allowing themselves to acknowledge their own needs.

Under Stress

In the grip of the compulsion, 2s may struggle with low self-esteem, difficulty saying "no," overreliance on others, and a tendency to be overly needy. When starved for recognition or affection, they may compulsively offer help or advice that wasn’t requested. Others can experience them as intrusive, overbearing, or manipulative. If things worsen, they can move toward the liabilities of their disintegration type (Type 8), becoming angry, aggressive, hostile, threatening, vindictive, accusatory, and defiant.

Wings

Type 2’s wings are Types 1 and 3. The "wing" is the neighboring type that most influences the core type.
2w1s are more discreet, idealistic, and principled, but can also be more critical.
2w3s are more extroverted, ambitious, and self-assured, but can also be more competitive.