Are you An Enneagram 2 – The Helper

Key Takeaways

• Enneagram 2s are helpful, generous, and compassionate. They are selfless altruists.
• They prioritize others’ needs above their own. Service to humanity is the call of their soul.
• People will Enneagram 2 struggles to say ‘no’. They feel bad if they cannot help people who seek their support.
• Enneagram 2s hate being selfish. They are also against criticisms and back-biting sprees.
• They feel stressed out if not given due recognition for the help given to someone.

Do you take an active part in nurturing others? Are you eager to contribute to someone’s life by always being with them? 

Are you the ultimate caregiver whom others look up to in trying times? If yes, you could be an enneagram 2.

Helpers are the people who are approachable and attuned to the exigencies of others. They can never say ‘no’ to anyone and stay tuned with their near and dear ones.

If you are a type 2 person you’ll find yourself as a selfless person. You can love unconditionally without any barriers and inhibitions. 

Most of the time you’ll prefer to have loving social connections. It makes you feel loved and cared for.

You will always put others’ needs before yourself, sensing the emotional needs of others and doing what pleases them.

Twos are giving, supportive, and appreciative. They create good positive vibes around them, just to get others’ acceptance and approval.

These people always make themselves available in others’ lives and take joy and pride in supporting and accompanying them through unknown paths.

Read on……

Enneagram 2 Personality Infographics

Enneagram 2 – Meaning and Personality Description

SUMMARY
Enneagram 2s are caring, compassionate, and generous. They value their relationships and are always approachable and available to resolve the issues of others. Twos radiate warmth and love. They are nurturing and are a source of encouragement for the faint-hearted. A sense of belongingness is central to these people’s lives.

Enneagram type 2s are selfless and everyone’s a true friend. People with this personality type are the givers. They wear a pleasing smile and possess a warm heart that can feel for others.

Being supportive personalities, Twos prefers to move out of their closed space and comfort and show altruism in various social settings. 

They are known for their unconditional love and selfless support as given to others.

These individuals are everyone’s favorite because they are generous and humanitarians working for a noble cause. 

For them, needs of themselves are secondary, and putting others first gives them great joy and absolute solace. 

Then, you must be thinking that the two are saints and they never seek reciprocation. But reality tells a different story. Sigh!

The real-life stories of enneagram twos will tell you that these people love and support others selflessly so that they can feel loved and cared for in return.

They nurture their intimate relationships with generosity and compassion because there is an underlying and covert motive attached to it. And what is it?

Enneagram type 2s fear a lonely life. They always want to be loved and praised for their altruistic tendencies. It helps them to build their self-worth and social dignity.

As these people fall in the ‘heart triad’ of the enneagram model, they are basically insecure and emotionally vulnerable. They may feel unworthy of themselves if not approved by others.

Thus, their selfless acts of tender love and kindness are showered upon others with the hope of being accepted and acknowledged.

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What can you expect if you are an enneagram 2?

If you are an enneagram 2, then you must be like this – 

Being an enneagram type 2, you are friendly and cooperative. Sometimes you are too altruistic and can become a victim of emotional abuse at the hands of others.

You have a tendency to ignore and avoid your needs. Prioritizing others’ needs above your own has become a habit. It stops you from being in tune with your own feelings.

Twos are dream friends that everyone loves to have in their life. This makes you a dear person in everyone’s eye. 

Your warmth and benevolence are eye-catching and infectious. Wherever you go people get attracted to your acts of kindness.

They see you as a noble heart who lives for a wise cause. Nicknamed as the giver or helper, you are a stable shoulder to lean on. People rely upon you for a good piece of advice when they are in need.

Your self-image and social status depend on your altruistic tendencies. You are happy to serve others and be appreciated for your humble acts.

As you possess an inherent need to feel worthy of yourself you nurture your relationships with compassion, loyalty, and commitment.

To some extent, you are possessive, needy, and emotionally clingy. Deep down you’re insecure and feel that if you are not externally validated you become unimportant and unworthy in the public eye.

For this, you may always go out of your way to love, care, and support others. You would prefer to become a people pleaser rather than losing emotional ties with others.

If you are interested to know more about enneagram 2, you can refer to the link give here.

Personality traits of enneagram 2 (Adjectives that describes you)

• Caring
• Helpful
• Supportive
• Strong relationships
• Tuned to others’ feelings
• Likable
• Optimistic
• Generous
• Nurturing
• Advice giver
• Responsible

Enneagram 2– thinking pattern

Enneagram 2s are helpful and considerate. They are attuned to the needs and desires of others and thus twos go out of place to support and safeguard their interests.

As these people spend a lot of energy on altruism, their thoughts reflect care and concern about others. Twos feel that others depend upon them and thus they should fulfill others’ expectations by any means. 

They rarely think about their own needs, desires, and aspirations. Enneagram two wants to feel valued and important by helping others. This mental connection with others gives them a sense of pride and a positive self-image.

Enneagram 2 –Feeling pattern

Emotionally enneagram twos are friendly, compassionate, helpful, humble, and always feel like a giver. They are self-sacrificing people who keep others’ needs ahead of themselves.

Their emotional energy is projected outwardly and this makes them understand the deepest feelings of others.

Enneagram twos are empathetic and can understand the feelings of others much better than they themselves can.

Enneagram 2– Action pattern

Enneagram 2 values intimate bonding and deep-seated relationships. They maintain their relationships with utmost care and kindness as if nurturing them with love and affection.

They can draw others’ attention towards them by being generous and compassionate. Twos can praise and compliment others, motivating them to become their best selves.

Twos act fast when it comes to helping others who are in distress. They never give a second thought to doing so. Thus, they can be considered socially proactive and prompt decision-makers.

8 Signs of being an Enneagram 2

If you have taken the Enneagram test questionnaire and are found to be a type 2 personality, you must be wondering what could be the likely signs that can make you a unique type.

Type 2s are nicknamed helpers or givers. It means you are the one who is always there to support others. 

You are an affectionate and generous person who has the ability to connect with others emotionally.

Some of the telltale signs of enneagram 2s are:

1. You desire meaningful relationships

Being two, you believe in creating and nurturing healthy human relationships. You desire close friendships and not shallow connections. Relationships that are based on love, care, mutual support, and deeper understanding are for you.

2. Your conversations center around people

You will always think and talk about the greater good of others. Enneagram 2s are able social workers. You will try to bring desirable changes in community living by doing something that can be good for everyone.

Maybe this is the reason that the life stories and problems of people tick you much more deeply than anything else.

3. You feel good and important when others are living happily

When you see others are happy and living a peaceful life because of a kind act of yours, you’ll feel great about yourself. Impacting others’ life in big and small ways can bring satisfaction to you as well. It actually boosts your self-worth.

4. You may feel hurt if not reciprocated for your helpful actions

Being an enneagram 2, you are an emotional person and may get hurt easily if someone ignores you and never shows his/her gratitude and humility for the kindness shown towards them.

When people do not notice your generosity, it may hurt you immensely. You will start to feel unworthy and unimportant of yourself.

5. You love being asked for help and guidance

When others turn to you for help, support, and advice of any sort, you feel good about it. This makes you feel worthy and important as a kind and humble being.

You are best at solving the complicated problems of others and thus they may seek your advice very often. You enjoy being a part of their life and resolving issues for them. 

There is a genuine need to feel approved and accepted by others and thus you will move out of your comfort space to support others in need. 

It gives you an opportunity to show how deeply you care for the well-being of others.

6 You are drawn towards the service sector

Being an enneagram type 2, you will choose professions where you can help others wholeheartedly. You would prefer to be working as a doctor, nurse, teacher, community worker, social activist, etc.

These careers will give you an opportunity to connect with a large number of people and touch their lives in different ways.

7. You tend to commit more than what is needed

Enneagram 3s overcommit and tend to do things out of force. You may feel that you can solve any problem that comes your way.

Even if you do not have enough resources, you may tell people that you can solve their issues easily.

Sometimes, you’ll commit to many things together, much more than what you can handle realistically. Type 2s do not like to disappoint others and struggle to say ‘no’.

Thus, you will commit too often without even giving it a second thought. 

8. Creativity relaxes you

You are creative and innovative from the bottom of your heart. Whenever you get a chance to tap into your creative world, you feel happy about it. It energizes and rejuvenates you.

This creative exploration also helps you to connect with yourself by giving you some ‘me time’ that you may require badly after doing a lot of things for other people.

Further details of enneagram 2 personality traits with an elaborate description are given here.

Enneagram Type 2 motivations

The core motivations are the subtle driving forces that rewire you and make you who you are. These innate tendencies make you tick things in the right manner.

These core motivations push you towards specific behaviors and actions by manipulating your thoughts and feelings in certain ways.

It actually frames your overall personality dynamics and decides your action plan for the future. 

The core motivations of enneagram 2 can be divided into

• Core desires
• Core fears or basic fears

Frankly speaking, the core desires and core fears work in a loose connection with each other. This means that you want a desirable thing just to avoid something uncanny and bad in your life. 

The core desires of types 2s are:

• They want to help others.
• They want to be loved, praised, and appreciated for their kind acts.
• They feel energized to offer help to others if they receive a grateful say from them.
• Twos want to feel valuable from within.
•  They always prefer to feed their altruistic tendencies, even at the cost of sacrificing their own needs.

The basic fears of type 2s are:

• They fear being unwanted and socially rejected.
• Twos fear living a lonely life.
• They may get hurt if they are not praised for their kindness and compassion.
• These individuals are sensitive and fear being manipulated by wrong people.

Core values of enneagram 2

Enneagram 2s are guided by values of warmth, compassion, and generosity. Twos look for a meaningful and purposeful life. They feel happy and take pride in feeling for others.

These individuals are sensitive and feel deeply for others. They are lively, vibrant, and popular. This is the reason they can attract a large group of diverse people towards them.

The grounding principles or values that guide their life are:

• A strong sense of purpose to make life better for others.
• Help people who are in need.
• They want to add meaning in their own life.
• Twos crave emotional closure and deeper intimacy.
• Type 2s wants to be loved and reciprocated with kindness.
• These individuals are altruistic by nature. They go out of their comfort zone to be with those who need them the most.

Are you eager to know more about the motivations and core values of enneagram 2? If yes, you can refer to the link given here.

Healthy and unhealthy behavior patterns of enneagram 2

The enneagram model describes healthy and unhealthy levels of functioning for all the nine types illustrated in the model. 

This means that your primary Enneagram type will show normal levels of function under healthy circumstances when you are moving towards self-growth.

During the process of growth, enneagram 2s display traits of enneagram 4. Twos may become more self-aware and emotionally nurturing.

During disintegration, type 2s may manifest behavioral qualities of enneagram type 8. They will become more assertive, dominating, and would look for more approval, just like the aggressive challengers.

Let us discuss more on the characteristics of healthy, average, and unhealthy twos in detail.

Healthy enneagram 2s

Healthy enneagram 2s are helpful, caring, and giving. They are selfless, full of unconditional love and affection for the weak and helpless.

They prefer to have a genuine give and take the balance and are not insecure and emotionally needy. These two believe in strong interpersonal bonding, yet know the meaning of altruism.

This means that they help people who really need it, not for pleasing others just to get praised for their good deeds.

Healthy Twos are empathetic and loving, yet they know the art of self-care as well. They believe in nurturing their self-worth by self-validation, and not seeking outside approval for every small thing.

Signs of healthy enneagram 2

• Warm and compassionate.
• They are selfless and believe in altruism.
• Possess a secure attachment style.
• They can give unconditional love to others
• Can take good care of their personal and emotional needs.

Unhealthy enneagram 2s

When enneagram 2s are unhealthy, they may manifest behavioral functions of enneagram 8. This means that they may become too aggressive if they go unnoticed or not being appreciated by others in some way.

They may fall into deep despair and become emotionally needy and clingy. At this time, type 2s will try to gain control over their relationships. 

They may criticize and magnify the mistakes and wrongdoings of others, even if it’s a minor one and could have been overlooked.

Signs of unhealthy enneagram 2

An unhealthy 2 may look like this – 

• They are manipulative and blame others for their agony and pain.
• An unhealthy 2 can pinpoint others about how much they owe to them.
• They can undermine others to serve their own vested interests.
• Unhealthy 2 are aggressive and assertive. They may make others feel guilty for no apparent reason.

Average enneagram 2

Twos are the ultimate martyr and people pleaser. They can do anything to earn the respect of others.

The Two want to feel important. They feel special and happy when others tell them that they are blessed and grateful for whatever these kind folks have done for them.

The average 2 is always supportive but remains hypersensitive to praise and appreciation especially towards those who mean the most in their lives.

Signs of average enneagram 2

• The average two are over friendly and stay connected with others deeply.
• They have good intentions for others and wish to make their lives beautiful and worthy.
• Type 2s are intrusive and get overly close with others.
• They are possessive, codependent, and emotionally needy.

To know more about the healthy and unhealthy behavior patterns of enneagram 2, you can refer to the link given here.

Enneagram type 2 wings

The wings of the enneagram personality types refer to the two adjacent types that fall on either side of your primary Enneagram type.

Thus, for type enneagram type two, the wings are 2w3 and 2w1. The wings give a different flavor to the main type. It adds, complements, contradicts, and creates a versatile side of your main enneagram number.

Some theories claim that wings are the second side of your core type. You will possess so many qualities of your adjacent types within your personality.

Enneagram 2 wing 1 characteristics

An enneagram type 2 with a 1 wing identifies more with two’s yet has some subtle traits of type 1.

This type of two is purposeful, helpful, and compassionate. Their motto in life is to create a meaningful life for themselves and others.

They are quiet, reserved, and thoughtful. 2w1s are fearful if their innate needs of love, care, and recognition are not fulfilled. They are not good at handling criticisms and tend to take things personally.

• 2w1 desires acceptance and regard from people they care for.
• They prefer to take the role of a caregiver just to let go of their feelings of insecurity.
• They are service-oriented and want to make the life of others beautiful.
• 2w1 fears being considered unworthy.
• They tend to repress their negative feelings.

Enneagram 2 wing 3 characteristics

People with an enneagram type 2 with a wing 3 identify with type 2 but have many characteristics of enneagram type 3.

They are highly ambitious, possess a lucrative career, and are sociable as well. 2w3s are understanding and compassionate people. 

• Understands the needs and desires of people whom they love and care for.
• Desires to be loved and praised.
• Fears being left alone and misunderstood.
• They love to meet and connect with diverse groups of people.
• Feels hurt if undervalued in some way.

Enneagram type 2 subtypes

There are three instinctual subtypes described for each of the nine types described in the enneagram model. 

These subtypes are the body-based primal tendencies that are innate and help you to connect with your type cohesively.

It determines how you’re wired and connected to your primary enneagram personality type. The subtypes are a combination of your core enneagram type plus the instinct. 

 The three instinctual subtypes for all the enneagram types can be categorized as:

1. Self-preservation (SP) – Privilege
2. Social (SO) – Ambition
3. Sexual or one-to one (SX) – Seduction

Let us see how enneagram twos are wired and bugged towards these innate tendencies.

Self-preservation (SP)

This subtype of enneagram 2s is shy and inhibited. They are socially attractive, helpful, and kind towards others. But they like to feel important also.

This type of enneagram 2s prefers to be taken care of, though they are not dependent on others. In reality, the self-preserved twos want to be praised and validated for their helping behavior.

Social (SO)

The social two’s are dominant and assertive. They make good leaders and can make their presence felt in a social group. Their charm and popularity make them stand out in the crowd.

Sexual or one-to-one (SX)

These two use their talents in building strong interpersonal relationships. They’re seductive and can attract people with their charming and glamorous demeanor.

Type twos of these subtypes are assertive in close relationships. They can verbalize their needs and desires from the relationship quite openly.

If you are interested to know more about the wings and subtypes of enneagram type 2, you can refer to the link given here.

Enneagram type 2 relationships

So far, we have seen what the Enneagram 2 personality type is all about, apart from various other aspects. 

Now, relationships at different levels play vital roles in every individuals’ life. The same applies to Enneagram 2 personality type people. 

Let us now briefly discuss how these people behave and maintain personal relationships in their daily lives –

An Enneagram 2 as a partner or spouse

Enneagram Type Two is a warm and affectionate partner. They are romantics in the true sense of the term and often put the needs and wants of their partner ahead of their own. 

These individuals are positive in their approach, and their helpful nature rubs off on their partners.  

Enneagram 2 personality type people can be attentive, healthy, and caring partners when they are with someone who reminds them to take out for their well-being. 

They always make sure to express appreciation along with affirmation to their partners. 

On the other hand, if their spouse is less bothered about others, they need to be careful before communicating that they require appreciation from these individuals. 

It is because Enneagram 2s always want their partners to reciprocate similar sentiments. 

Otherwise, an Enneagram 2 spouse tends to struggle with the fear of abandonment. If they do not receive appreciation from their partner, it can hurt them, resulting in several issues in their relationship.

An Enneagram 2 as a friend

When anyone wants to be the friend of an individual with the Enneagram 2 personality type, that individual has to have warmth and generosity. These two things lie at the heart of a friendship with a Type Two-person. 

These people yearn for open, appreciative relationships where there is a lot of room for acknowledgment, affection, authenticity, and laughter. They will consider their friends’ needs as their own and look to fulfill them.

Enneagram 2s will encourage their friends to stand up for achieving their own goals and desires.

They need friends who make them realize the importance of saying no from time to time. People of this personality type are very generous.

Therefore, they always look for different ways to help others, be it physically or emotionally. In friendship also, these individuals do the same thing. 

It is necessary that those who are friends with Enneagram Two, they must make sure to thank them for their efforts.

It would mean a lot to an Enneagram 2 individual if their friends could acknowledge them for their effort. If they do not receive appreciation, they will feel that their friends take undue advantage of their generosity.

An ideal friend for a person of this personality type would be one who will volunteer to help him with something specific. 

An Enneagram 2 as a parent

Enneagram 2s make for caring and giving parents, who invest their time to ensure their children achieve holistic success. 

They are warm-hearted, caring, generous, and always manage to shower their children with affection.

People of Enneagram 2 usually tend to have the natural gift of emotional connection. They use this gift to good effect while raising their children. 

These parents make sure to play with their children and take time to hear what they have to say.

Due to these qualities, children of Twos feel valued and heard. They can express their emotions freely, without giving a second thought, as they know that their parents would give them a patient hearing and address their concerns.

Enneagram Two parents are excellent in giving out positive reinforcement to support their child’s education. 

Due to this reason, their children reap benefits out of feeling loved and nurtured well, thus creating the right kind of impact on their mindset.

As a result, two’s have problems when they need to take their step back when their children become sufficiently able to handle challenges themselves. 

Enneagram Twos are naturally empathetic, and it reflects in their parenting role as well. 

This empathetic nature allows them to fix things on behalf of their children when they come across obstacles in their lives. 

Under these circumstances, they can very well let their children learn to recognize problems, endure them and come out of issues in flying colors.

Enneagram 2 compatibility with other types

In the previous segment, we have discussed how an Enneagram 2 personality type individual maintains personal relationships. 

The following compatibility chart would help us understand the change in behavioral patterns that crop up within Enneagram 2s when they forge relationships with other Enneagram types.

To learn more about the relationships and compatibility pattern of enneagram 2, you can refer to the link given here.

Dating tips for enneagram 2

Type 2 romantic relationships are based on love and mutual trust. These people will readily connect with someone who is caring and compassionate just like them.

If you are dating an enneagram type 2, remember that they never want to be abandoned and left out.  For them, love is all about mutual care and deep emotional bonding that is selfless and honest.

Twos are the helpers wanting to do whatever they can to make their partners happy and fulfilled. They will always give more preference to fulfilling their partner’s needs before themselves.

They like partners who are less critical and more appreciative. Then, people who are good listeners and can connect with them emotionally are their first choice.

If you are looking to build up a long-term connection with enneagram 2s, you will have to learn some hacks and tricks to make the relationship free-flowing and deeply connecting.

• You should appreciate your partner for their helpful and compassionate behavior. They like it the most.
• Twos want assurance from you. They want to feel loved and cared for by someone whom they care about.
• You should take a deep interest in their likes and dislikes, wants and needs. They will feel good if they see someone showing a genuine interest in them.
• Twos are emotional and sensitive. Thus, they cannot handle criticisms well. They may feel a deep pain if evaluated in a wrong way. Thus, never criticize them for their mistakes openly. They may take things too personally and may become emotionally overwhelmed.
• Remind them that they are super special and you love them just the way they are.
• Acknowledge their emotional outbreaks if you find them disturbed and restless in some way. Support them emotionally and make them feel good about themselves.
• Never act aloof with them. They may feel disconnected and the bonding may not happen altogether.
• Give them a sense of security by appreciating their kind acts. Make them feel great about themselves.
• Make them follow a self-care regime and be a part of this nurturing process.

Enneagram 2 workplace habits

We have discussed how an Enneagram 2 manages to behave in personal relationships and maintain them accordingly. 

Apart from this, the compatibility chart has given us an idea of how the behavioral pattern of these individuals changes when they get paired with other Enneagram types.

It is now to see how this personality type individual behaves when he has to play different roles and tackle their challenges in the workplace. 

They usually thrive in environments that let them make new connections and empathize with others. Enneagram 2s also enjoy building strong and working relationships. 

These people use their skills to make a positive impact on others’ lives.

Let us now briefly discuss what Enneagram 2 has to offer while working at different positions at a workplace –

As a colleague

When an Enneagram 2 works as a colleague, he would give complete support to his teammates.  He will always help them out in delivering work according to the requirements of the organization, and in turn, achieving the team’s targets as well.

They would work responsibly and show the highest level of integrity in dealing with their work.

As the Twos tend to put others’ needs ahead of their own, they would always do anything to offer value to their colleagues and companies at large.

Apart from the things mentioned above, colleagues of Enneagram 2 personality type also feel energized when their colleagues give a patient hearing to what they have to say and affirm them. It would also help develop a great rapport among them.

As a subordinate

As a subordinate, an individual of Enneagram 2 personality type looks for appreciation from their boss. 

It comes through from the kind of nature they possess. These people appreciate others for the work they put in. Similarly, they also want appreciation from their seniors for their work.

Any manager or boss would always prefer having someone of Enneagram 2 personality to work for their organization. 

As a manager

Enneagram Type Twos are helpful by nature and want to get their voice heard. Hence, they often find themselves in managerial positions, where they lead people. 

Surprisingly, these individuals hesitate to accept the title of manager. 

Enneagram 2s usually prefer to lead by staying behind the scene. They would allow their team members to attain success and receive accolades for their achievement, while the manager would privately accept praise.

If you are interested to know the details of enneagram 2 work habits, you can refer to the link given here.

Enneagram 2 career choices

People with enneagram type 2s are giving and supportive people. Thus, they do well in jobs that offer them an opportunity to help others in need.

Twos want to bring differences in someone’s life by touching their innermost parts in significant ways.

They perform very well in the health care and public service jobs where they can connect with a large number of needy people.

Twos always want to touch lives with happiness and positivity. Most of the time they excel in jobs where others need them badly. 

In doing so, twos would get some form of praise and appreciation that will help them to earn self-esteem and social regard.

The best-suited careers for enneagram 2s are:

• Doctor
• Nurse
• Teacher
• Psychotherapist
• Social worker
• Community healthcare expert
• Career counselor

Some of the best match career opportunities for enneagram 2s are discussed here

Core strengths of Enneagram 2s

The major strengths of Enneagram 2s are:

1. Selfless

Enneagram 2s are selfless and can move out of their preferred space to help and support others.

They are kind, generous, and giving type people who keep others’ needs much before themselves. Type two’s will support others humbly and with a lot of care and concern.

2. Dutiful

Type twos are hardworking and remain committed to their work. They never sit back and wait for the right opportunity, rather they create opportunities for themselves to prove their competency and worth. They are dutiful and prefer to accomplish tasks on time.

3. Empathic

Twos are generally kind and empathic. They can put themselves in someone else’s shoes and view the situation from their perspective.

They are deeply caring and loving who feel for others’ well-being quite deeply.

4. Friendly and generous

People with enneagram 2s are friendly and giving. They believe in making the lives of others easy and beautiful. Usually, they have many friends and most of them are quite close to the type twos.

Type 2s are helpful. They will provide for the poor, sick, and destitute. You may find them offering selflessly for a social and noble cause that can bring smiles to the helpless.

Core pitfalls/blind spots of Enneagram 2s

The core pitfalls and blind spots refer to the areas of weakness that you need to improve upon to have a more balanced personality outlook.

The major challenges that type twos need to look at are:

1. Low self-esteem

People with enneagram type 2 suffer from low self-esteem. They always seek approval from others to feel worthy of themselves. 

External validation gives them importance in social settings without which they might feel insecure, anxious, and vulnerable from within.

They may feel more loved and cared for by people who matter the most in their life.

2. Type two cannot say ‘no’ easily

Most of the time, people with the enneagram 2 personality type struggle to say ‘no’ to others. They feel bad if they cannot offer their help and support when asked for. 

These people are too helpful and go out of their way to support others in need. In doing so, they tend to ignore their own needs and may feel victimized in the long run.

3. Wants to feel entitled

Enneagram 2s wants to feel entitled for the help they offer to others. Though they may appear selfless, yet they are not from a true sense of the word.

Since they do so much for others, they may ask for gratitude and humility from them. Sometimes, they tend to demand gratitude and may not feel happy if they do not receive what they have wished for.

In such a circumstance, type two may feel frustrated and can show their antagonism openly. If their feelings of entitlement are not met, they may become emotionally restless and jittery.

Manipulative tendencies may come across and two’s may lose their temper as well.

Further discussion of enneagram 2 strengths and weaknesses are given in this link.

Stress triggers of Enneagram 2

Have you ever felt so stressed out that you started behaving something unusual? How often do you think your resources were all depleted and you were clueless about what to do next? 

As if, your personality disintegrated and you have started behaving like someone else.

During times of stress, unhealthy two behave like enneagram 8. They may become tough and aggressive. They will try to assert their needs more boldly. 

They may get into fiery arguments and will not allow others to go scot-free. Sometimes they’ll try to control the world around them

Enneagram two’s wants to feel loved, cared for, and nurtured in their relationships.

However, under stressful circumstances, when they find that their core desire is not getting fulfilled, they may fall into utter unhappiness and despair.

Their tendency to over-extend themselves to fit in someone else’s frame and ignoring their own needs and feelings can make them emotionally overwhelmed.

Their selfless and kind endeavors get a hard hit when people do not reciprocate them with the same level of love and affection that they deserve.

The major stress triggers for enneagram 2s are:

• If someone tries to take them for granted, they may feel jittery and irritable from within.
• Type two’s never want to live and spend a lot of time alone.
• Enneagram 2s may feel stressed out if they are unloved and don’t feel important.
• Saying ‘yes’ to an endless number of things without a consent from their heart. Sometimes fulfilling everyone’s needs can be really overwhelming.
• Not getting a vote of thanks for their kind deeds.

How do they handle stress?

Some of the best coping strategies that type 2s may use are as follows:

• Create a healthy boundary around yourself and let others know what’s on and what’s not.
• Stop pleasing others and learn to say ‘no’ to things that go beyond your likings and ideology.
• Do not overwhelm yourself with thoughts of people who don’t matter much in your life. Look for supportive friends and family members who will care for you thick and thin.
• Try to build up your broken self-esteem by loving yourself more and quite often. Try it out. You can do it.
• Face your critiques boldly because in this process, you’re actually fine tuning your skills and talents. Accept things constructively by looking at the positive side as well.
• Use positive affirmations to feel confident from within. You do not need external approval to feel self-sufficient and fulfilled. Right?

The various stress triggers of type 2s along with their coping strategies are discussed here.

Famous persons with enneagram 2

If you are eager to know the names of renowned individuals who share a type 2 personality with you, do check out the list given below.

These people have earned respect for their kind acts and altruism. They have left a mark on others in positive ways.

• Mother Teresa, saint
• Dolly Parton, American singer
• Jimmy Carter, 39^th U.S president
• Nancy Reagan, Former first lady o U.S
• Desmond Tutu, cleric
• Celine Dion, singer
• Jennifer Garner, actress

Are you interested to know some more names of famous celebrities with type 2 enneagram profiles, then you can refer to this link.

What enneagram 2s hate?

Being an altruistic type, twos are utterly self-sacrificing and take pride in helping others. They believe in giving and thus feel like doing things wholeheartedly for others.

Twos believe that their life can be satisfying and fulfilling if they continue with their good deeds for others. For them, a life lived for others can actually bring inner peace and fulfilling joy.

They always take their role as a helper very seriously. Thus they may get infuriated if they see selfishness taking rounds around them.

They hate self-centered individuals who are less compassionate and more self-aware by nature.

There are so many things that they really hate to be a part of. Some of these are discussed here:

• Enneagram 2s hate selfish people.
• They hate rudeness and self-centric behavior.
• Twos may not like to be taken for granted.
• They hate not being praised and appreciated for their humble and kind acts.
• They hate being left out alone in the crowd.
• If others show too much reliance on them for meeting their individual needs and aspirations, twos may become overwhelmed and restless.
• Type 2s do not like harsh criticisms and back-biting sprees.
• If they cannot connect deeply with others, they may feel left out and isolated.

Hobbies of enneagram 2

People with type 2 personalities are focused on caring and helping others. They are motivated by the need to feel loved, praised, and appreciated in small little ways.

For this, they choose leisure activities that can help them to influence and touch others’ lives in productive ways. 

Your hobbies will include activities that can make others happy and can bring a fat smile to their face. Right?

Being an enneagram 2, you’ll choose your hobbies wisely. Maybe you would prefer to do something which can directly or indirectly help or support others.

Some of your well-suited side hustle could be:

• Cooking
• Gardening
• Volunteering for a social cause
• Teaching the underprivileged
• Fund raising
• Visit to old age homes and spending time with the elderly

Further discussion of enneagram type 2 hobbies and interests are given here.

How rare are enneagram 2s?

Enneagram 2s will find great joy and satisfaction by being available for others. These types are not uncommon and are found more amongst women than in men. In general, twos constitute 11% of the population with only 7% men and 15% women.

Growth tips for enneagram 2s (How do you grow better)

To be precise, personality growth refers to the overall improvement of one’s skills and innate talents. It also refers to making oneself better in various ways.

The first step towards personal growth for enneagram 2s will be to help them learn clearly about self-care. They should acknowledge their needs and desires as equally important, just as they realize it for others.

Twos are selfless and tend to ignore their needs and aspirations. In the long run, this tendency makes them do things for others at the cost of their own physical, mental and financial well-being. 

Sometimes, the need of being loved and cared for by others is so immense that they tend to become a people pleaser. 

Their self-worth and dignity may suffer a huge setback if they fail to get the social regard that they were looking for.

They should practice self-love and be in touch with their innermost feelings so that they may embrace them as they are.

The following growth tips may help them realize their true ‘self’. It will also make them aware of their weaknesses and how they can improvise their skills further to attain happiness and self-satisfaction.

1. Practice self-love

When you know how to love yourself unconditionally, you’ll be able to acknowledge yourself in a healthy manner. 

Enneagram 2s get trapped in people-pleasing tendencies to such an extent that their worth is dependent on the approval of others.

They may feel stuck in despair if they are not recognized for who they actually are. Thus, it is important to learn the subtle ways of self-love.

If you know this art, you will never feel the need for external validation. You will embrace your thoughts and feelings authentically.

Maybe you will become more accepting of yourself as you have walked through a process of self-realization.

2. Practice mindfulness

Sometimes your people’s pleasing tendencies may not allow you to enjoy the tiny moments of life. You may feel disconnected from yourself.

Practicing mindfulness allows you to delve deeper into your inner ‘self’. It helps you to understand your thought patterns, feelings, and know why you behave in the way you do.

It is a self-introspection that tells you how to set healthy boundaries in relationships and understand yourself objectively.

3. Journaling

This is a great way to take note of one’s feelings and emotions. Twos are always busy thinking and feeling about others’. They tend to ignore and avoid their own feelings.

Journaling is a good way to connect with oneself. It helps you to embrace your own emotions. You’ll learn to prioritize yourself and attend to your needs before others.

4. Setting healthy boundaries

Enneagram 2s tend to invest a lot of energy on others, maybe much more than what is actually needed. They help others at the cost of their own needs and desires.

Thus, your growth plan should focus on setting healthy boundaries. It helps you to know where to stop. 

Boundaries are restrictions that you set around yourself and let others know how much is allowed and how far you can go and help them.

It is a way to promote healthy expectations. It teaches you self-care as well. You will know that caring about your own needs and desires is equally important.

5. Stop being a people pleaser

You need to understand that others will like your authentic ‘self’. It is not important to mask your true identity from the outside world by being too good, kind, and helpful.

Seeking approval from others can be emotionally exhausting at times because it lowers your self-esteem. 

When you please too much and do not earn a similar kind of love and appreciation from others, you may feel like a victim.

As if someone has robbed you of inner peace and happiness. You will have to allow yourself to be loved and cared for without being too needy and dependent.

Stop pleasing others and focus on doing things that can energize you. Replenish and rejuvenate yourself by self-care and see the difference that you will feel deep within yourself.

Enneagram personality tests

The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator, popularly known as the RHETI version 2.5, is the widely used enneagram personality test used across the globe.

This test is easy to administer. The test items are scientifically designed and empirically tested to make them reliable and authentic. 

The test comprises about 144 paired statements that are forced choice and can be completed in 40 minutes.

The Enneagram type indicator was developed by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson in 1993. 

This test gives the primary enneagram number of a person and highlights the detailed personality profile. 

It also indicates the wings and the interconnectedness of the core enneagram type with all the other nine types.

If you are keen to know your core enneagram number, you may take the test here.

The video link shared below shows the signs of being an enneagram 2. Do check out.

Parting words from ‘ThePleasantPersonality’

Summing Up, we can say that enneagram 2s are the most caregiving, empathetic, and generous of all the enneagram types. 

These qualities make them loving people striving towards creating a better world.

They are the considerate community builders who believe in spreading love and joy through their small acts of kindness. 

Type twos focus on building strong interpersonal bonds that can impact the lives of many people around them. 

Their warm and humble nature is an asset for them. The gift of humility and compassion can bring smiles to the faint-hearted, needy, and helpless people.

Type twos choose to care and provide throughout their lives. Maybe touching the lives of people in simple, unique ways makes them feel good about themselves and be the ones they really are.

“Intense love does not measure. It only gives.”

– Mother Teresa

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Disclaimer – “The opinions and information given in this article have been researched and put to use from the various web sources on the topic. The names of the celebrities / fictional characters given under the particular personality type do not reflect the opinions of ‘ThePleasantPersonality’. We recommend that readers use the names with discretion if required. The company doesn’t make any claims regarding the authenticity or accuracy of the source content on the web.”