Are you a type 2 in the enneagram of personality? If you are, it’s normal to be confused about your wings. Are you an enneagram 2w1 or 2w3? If this worries you, you’re reading the right article. It’s 2w1 vs 2w3.
This article discusses the similarities and differences between 2w1 and 2w3.
Who is the Enneagram 2w3?
Enneagram 2w3s are helpful people with a touch of ambition. This personality type is often called the successful companion. They are interested in staying indispensable to their loved ones.
The presence of their wing makes them more ambitious. Thus, while they put their loved ones first, 2w3s have their goals and targets.
Harry Styles is a good example of an enneagram 2w3. You can click that link for an in-depth description of the enneagram 2w3.
Who is the Enneagram 2w1?
2w1s are kind people with a touch of morality. They want to be there for their loved ones no matter what. Their generosity seems pure and genuine.
Because of their wing, they are also ethical. This personality type tries to do the right thing and usually has strong values. These values are like their internal compass and guidance throughout their lives.
Love Quinn from You is a good example of an enneagram 2w1. You can click that link for an in-depth description of the enneagram 2w1.
Enneagram 2w1 vs 2w3- Similarities
1. Helpful
Both 2w1s and 2w3s want to help. This might be because of their core desire to remain useful. So, both types will take on more tasks than required and will be workaholics.
They might also beat themselves up when they offend their friends. Their helpfulness is dominant regardless of the strength of their wings.
2. Loyal
Because of how devoted they are to their friends, being loyal comes easily to them. They want their friends to succeed and want to be part of their journey.
Their way of doing so is by helping them in whatever they can. This is why both types are called companions.
3. More Extroverted
Both 2w1 and 2w3 are unlikely ever to be super introverts. Both types have the inclination to be expressive. This is really the only way to have the impact they want.
They need to talk to their friends and see what they need. In the case of 2w3s, they also have to network with different people to achieve their goals.
This is one area that being an introvert won’t do the trick.
4. Generous
A good way of being helpful is being generous. Thus, 2w1s and 2w3s can be very generous with their time and resources. Usually, both types will have a knack for teaching.
Both types are also friendly and very approachable. People will be drawn to them like a moth to a flame.
What is the Main difference Between Enneagram 2w1 and 2w3?
The main difference between enneagram 2w1 and 2w3 is the intent. While 2w1s are looking to help because it’s the right thing to do, 2w3s want to help to bolster their image.
Nevertheless, both are eager to stay useful.
Enneagram 2w1 vs 2w3- What’s The Difference?
| 2w1 | 2w3 |
| More interested in being good | More interested in being successful |
| Might save more and earn less | Earn more and save less |
| People-pleasers because of their selflessness | People-pleasers as a leverage |
| Energy goes into helping people the right way | Energy goes into helping people to promote themselves |
| More interested in their morality | More interested in their self-image |
1. Intention
This is one of the main differences. While both types are focused on helping people, their secondary drive is totally different.
2w1s try to help others because they feel it’s the right thing to do. Because of this, they act selflessly. Combined with their need to be helpful, this fuels them endlessly.
2w3s, on the other hand, help others with their grand scheme in mind. This usually includes standing out and being seen as successful.
Helping others makes people see them as role models or as people who know their stuff. This improves their standing. Whether they admit it or not, that’s always at the back of their minds.
2. Anger vs Shame
As you’ve noticed, a lot of their differences lie with their wings. Type 1 is in the anger triad, while type 3 is in the shame triad.
This means that 2w1s has internalized anger. They might feel they’ve let others or themselves down. This might make them volatile. Because their core is type 2, this usually happens in relation to their selfless spirit.
On the other hand, 2w3s are more concerned about their image. They don’t want to be embarrassed and have a reputation to keep. If this is ruined, 2w3s can feel worthless. Because their core is type 2, this usually happens in relation to being helpful.
3. Dealing with Money
The attitudes to money and finances are different. First, their attitude towards acquiring income is different. 2w1s do not need much to be comfortable. They are more communal. They want to be loved and accepted by their group.
2w3s, on the other hand, are more interested in money. While not the focus of their lives, having a great career with progression is on their long-term list. How quickly they achieve this depends on the strength of their wing.
There’s also a marked difference in how they spend money. 2w1s spend less and are generally better with budgeting. 2w3s, on the other hand, are more likely to spend more on luxurious items.
They might also be more impulsive and will suck at budgeting. The plus here is that they are better at making money.
4. High Energy Levels, Different Focus
Bot 2w1s and 2w3s have high energy levels. However, their focus is different. 2w1s are more focused on being perfect. They set really high standards for themselves because they believe it’s the right thing to do.
2w3s, on the other hand, focus their energy levels on their targets. Their targets here could be helping others or getting rich. They don’t do this because it’s the right thing to do. They do it because it helps their cause.
5. Wing’s Core Desires
Type 3’s core desire is to be successful and look successful. If their wing is strong, 2w3s will display these traits. They’ll love fashion and might buy more glamorous items. They might also show off a little bit.
Type 1 is more interested in being good and being seen as good. If their wing is strong, 2w1 will have strong moral convictions and will hold rigid views.
6. People-Pleasing for Different Reasons
Both 2w1s and 2w3s are vulnerable to people-pleasing. However, the reasons for this are different. For 2w1s, it’s more about genuinely helping others.
When people make them feel like they aren’t doing enough, 2w1s try to do even more. For 2w3s, people-pleasing is more of a leverage. It’s their way of eventually getting what they want.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enneagram 2w1 vs 2w3
Who are 2w3s Attracted To?
2w3s are mostly attracted to type 6, type 9, type 1, and type 8. While this is true, any two enneagram types can end up together. It’s more about the person than the type.
What Does an Unhealthy 2w3 Look Like?
An unhealthy 2w3 will base their self-esteem on external validation. They might also use manipulation to get what they want.
What Does an Unhealthy 2w1 Look Like?
An unhealthy 2w1 might be very self-critical about themselves. They might also seek out affirmations that their work is appreciated.
In worst-case scenarios, they can become depressed.
Who are 2w1 Attracted to?
2w3s are mostly attracted to type 6, type 9, type 1, and type 7. While this is true, any two enneagram types can end up together. It’s more about the person than the type.
So, that’s it for the 2w1 vs 2w3 comparison. Which one are you?
