Type 2s are the natural helpers of the world. They are naturally friendly and nurturing. They love to be needed but can easily slip into people-pleasing. In their efforts to help others, they may also seem controlling and invasive.
At their best, type 2s are the empathetic and caring servants of our society, always willing to give without a thought of themselves. But at their worst, they are overbearing, clingy, and manipulative, trying desperately to get their needs met in order to feel loved and appreciated.
Caring, Generous, People-Pleasing, Possessive
Key Desire: To be appreciated, loved, and wanted
Key Fear: To be rejected and unwanted, and unworthy of love
Key Longing: You are wanted and loved
Strengths:
- Generous
- Empathetic
- Warm-hearted
- Unconditional love
- Altruistic
- Helpful
Challenges:
- Possessive
- Codependent
- Prideful
- People-pleasing
- Intrusive
- Manipulative
- Self-serving
Type 2 Wings
Each type is influenced by its nearest “wing.” We usually lean on one wing more than the other. These wings give more intricacy to who we are.
2w1 “Servant”
If you lean more on your 1 wing, you strive to serve others, but struggle more with criticism. You desire love and acceptance, but repress negative emotions and desires. You appear quieter and reserved.
- Proper
- Respectful
- Flattering
- Discreet
- Self-Deceptive
- Wise
- Encouraging
2w3 “The Host/Hostess”
If you lean more on your 3 wing, you are more sociable and ambitious. You are a strong communicator and focus more on deepening your relationships. However, you also to be more competitive and self-critical.
- Charming
- Ambitious
- Status-seking
- Adaptable
- Playful
- Seductive
- Entertaining
Growth & Stress
Every Enneagram has stress and growth paths. These are the directions we go toward as we grow or become more secure, and when we’re stressed and disintegrating.
Security
Move toward healthy 4s
- Emotionally honest
- Independent from others
- Increased self-compassion
Stress
Move toward unhealthy 8s
- Controlling
- Aggressive
- Prideful
Levels of Development
Healthy Levels
Level 1:
At their best, Type 2s become deeply unselfish, humble, and altruistic. They give unconditional love to themselves and others.
Level 2:
They are empathetic and compassionate, showing concern for other’s needs. They are thoughtful, warm-hearted, forgiving, and sincere.
Level 3:
They are encouraging and appreciative. They see the good in others. They are of service to others, while also taking care of themselves. Nurturing, generous, and giving.
Average Levels
Level 4:
Because they desire to be closer to others, they become people pleasers. They are overly friendly, with “good intentions,” and give lots of flattery.
Level 5:
They become overly intimate and intrusive. They need to be needed and want others to depend on them. They give, but expect something in return. Possessive and codependent.
Level 6:
They feel indispensable, even though they think their efforts are more important than they actually are. They become a “martyr” for others. Overbearing, patronizing, and presumptuous.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7:
Manipulate and control others. They use guilt to let others know what they owe them. They belittle others. Stuff feelings by abusing food and medication. Cannot see how aggressive and selfish their behavior is.
Level 8:
Domineering and coercive. They feel entitled to get what they want from others by any means.
Level 9:
They feel victimized and abused by others, so they rationalize how they act. Resentful and angry. They fall apart to get out of responsibility for their actions.
Posts About Type 2
The Partner That Can’t Make Decisions: Types 6 & 2 Together
Are you the partner that can never make decisions? Is your partner very caring, but makes you feel too pressured? Read to find out if you are in a Type 6 & 2 relationship and how you can manage conflict.
The Human Connection 