Type 2

The altruist, the helper

Overview

2s are caring, considerate and affectionate, and will often do their best to contribute towards the well-being of those around them. They have a natural capability to understand the needs of those around them. They like to get involved with things that require their innate goodness. They are also very complimentary and often know what to say to flatter others. They have innate people skills and interpersonal relationships are incredibly important to them. They are generally friendly, thoughtful, sociable and warm. They like to help others reach their full potential.

Avoidance compulsion

2s try at all costs, and often subconsciously, to avoid recognising their own needs. They feel a lot more comfortable giving rather than receiving. They do everything they can to not disappoint others and to not have an emotional breakdown about not being loved.

Center of attention and motivation

2s place their focus on the needs of others, and receiving their approval. They give a lot, in various ways: praise, affection, compliments, however they can help, to receive love.
2s are motivated by their commitment to others. They look to meet other people’s needs and feel motivated when their efforts are recognised. Inside, they are always looking to feel appreciated and important to others.
They need to feel approved of, and recognised. They like to have a special place in their relationships.

Vice and defense mechanism

When their compulsion takes over (not paying attention to their own needs), 2s are pushed by their ego: pride (in a certain form), to neglect and reprimand their own needs to prioritise the needs of others. They believe they have unlimited resources to help others, without needing to look after themselves.

In harmony

In their best state, when they have their compulsion under control, 2s are at peace with themselves and are empathetic, concerned, altruistic, warm, enthusiastic, understanding, considerate and generous. They will give sincerely and humbly, without expecting anything in return and contribute to the well-being of those around them.
They are at ease when they are happy in their relationships, feel loved and valued, and when their hopes and desires come true. Then, they tend towards their integration type (type 4) and the latter’s positive traits are incorporated into their behaviour. Thus, they learn to accept themselves in a more wholesome way without rejecting their needs and they become more authentic and creative.

In imbalance

In the grips of their compulsion, 2s can have low self esteem, not know when to say « no », depend heavily on others and be too « needy ». When they are low on internal recognition or affection, they can compulsively give advice or help that has not necessarily been asked for. Others may therefore perceive them as being authoritarian, too demonstrative or manipulative. If the situation does not improve, they tend to lean towards their disintegration type (type 8), and the negative traits of the latter are adopted into their behaviour. They can thus become angry, aggressive, offensive, threatening, revengeful, accusatory and rebellious.

Wings

Type 2’s wings are types 1 and 3. The « wing » is the neighbouring type that appears to have the most influence on the base type.
2w1s are discrete, idealistic and moral but can also be more critical.
2w3s are extroverted, ambitious and confident but can also be more competitive.

What is the enneagram type of your friends?