“If you judge people, you have no time to love them”- Mother Theresa

In-depth Description of the Enneagram Type 2

Warm and kind-hearted are the perfect words to describe the enneagram type two. Also known as the giver, type 2 are sincere people who are willing to sacrifice their needs for the sake of others.

Their need to help others and be close to others can make them become people-pleasers. Type two derive their joy from being the perfect friend. They want to be there for their loved ones in their times of need. They are at their happiest when forming relationships.

Their craving to serve or be of help to others endears them to many people. Thus, this type can easily be part of many social groups and circles.

An unhealthy two will often do things for others with the hope of gaining something in return. They will go to great lengths to please people. This can lead to them hurting others to achieve their aim.

One of the greatest motivations of this enneagram type is to be accepted by others. A healthy type two will be able to balance out the need to help others and also take care of themselves.

This enneagram type is a part of the triad that exists between type 4 and 3. This triad focuses on feelings of unworthiness. This is because these three triads often feel that they have to change themselves to be loved.

Basic Motivation– they want to be loved and accepted by everyone. To do this effectively, they will repress their emotions.

This can lead to depression and unhappiness.

Basic Fear– their basic fear is rejection or being unloved. In other to fight this fear, they often go to great lengths to be of assistance to others. Unhealthy type twos will often do terrible things just to remain in the good books of their friends.

How Rare Are Enneagram Type 2?

They are fairly common as they make up about 13-15% of the total population.

Strengths

Good source of encouragement

Type twos are usually a great source of encouragement to their friends and loved ones. They are willing to go the extra mile to encourage and motivate them. This makes them the perfect friend or companion.

Friendly and Approachable

Enneagram type two want to be loved and accepted. This means they often have to be on their best behavior to get the approval of many. So, they are always easy to approach. You can be sure that this type will be as helpful as possible.

Dedicated and Reliable

Their basic desire to please and be loved ensures that they are always dedicated to the task at hand. Type 2 will always show up and be of help even in very difficult times.

Weaknesses

Easily Offended by Criticism

Type 2 are quick to take criticism as an attack against themselves. Rather than see criticism as a way to improve, they often are quickly annoyed and sensitive to negative feedback. This can quickly lead to unintended problems with the people around them.

Not Acknowledging Their Needs

Type 2 are always looking for ways to help others. This often means that they forget or simply do not have time for their own needs.

People-pleasers

Enneagram 2 wants to be loved and seen as desirable. This need can easily make them seek approval from other people. They are notorious people pleasers. This might lead to low self-esteem and problems with their self-confidence.

Defense Mechanism- Repression

Enneagram type 2 often use repression as a defense mechanism. They repress their real needs and feelings to help others. Unhealthy enneagram 2 can even fail to take care of personal needs just to make others happy.

Enneagram Type 2 and Wings

Just like every other enneagram, the type two enneagram will either have 1 or 3 as a wing type.

2w1– when paired with type 1, they can become quiet and a bit more serious. Their dislike of criticism is heightened and they find joy in taking care of others. You can read more about 2w1 here.

2w3- when paired with a type 3, enneagram 2 becomes more driven and ambitious. Also, they are better communicators. While they still want to be of help, they also have a strong need to create meaningful relationships with others. You can read more about 2w3 here

How to Communicate With Enneagram Type 2

• Try not to be overly critical with a type 2. They actually put in their best.
• Always be patient when communicating with a type 2.
• Show some appreciation for what they bring to the table. Help them to see how much you value them.
• Make sure you attend to the conflict in a direct manner. Do this while appreciating the good things they do.

Enneagram Type 2 and Possible Job Interests

Enneagram 2 is interested in serving and helping people in life. This means that they are naturally drawn to jobs that allow them to do this with many people.

• Life coach
• Teacher
• Politician
• Nursing
• Child care worker
• Baking
• Chef
• Blogging about parenting

Jobs That Enneagram Type 2 Should Avoid

• Lawyer
• Accounting
• Sales manager
• Stockbroker
• Modeling
• Acting

Famous People and Characters Who Are Enneagram 2

• Jimmy Carter
• Celine Dion
• Mother Theresa
• Nancy Reagan
• Hagrid (Harry Potter)
• Dolly Parton

How Enneagram Type 2 Can Stay Healthy

• Identify your own needs. Make sure that you know how you feel about every situation you find yourself in.
• Understand what your core values are. Try not to use other people’s opinions and yardstick as your own opinion.
• Have healthy boundaries. Trying to please people can leave you drained and feeling unhappy. Make sure that you keep those healthy boundaries up. They will allow you to focus on your own needs and motivations.
• Show who you really are. Stand up and share your true self. You will be happy you did.