Enneagram Type 2: The Helper or Giver
· Angie Morgan
What is an Enneagram Type 2?
Type twos see the world through relationships. They are engaging, caring and helpful, often anticipating and helping meet needs before they even arise. They give so generously to others that they often put others’ needs before their own. They can be people-pleasing and they have a need to be needed. Twos present a very likable image and believe they can earn love through helping others. Twos value having a warm and hospital home so they can host their friends, family, and neighbors and engage in close, meaningful time together. People are often drawn to twos due to the warmth, empathy, and attention they give.
When at an unhealthy level, twos can have poor boundaries, be manipulative, and be resentful towards others. Twos can want to earn love and approval by helping so much that they overstep other’s boundaries as well as disregard their own needs. Twos are so in touch with others’ feelings that they can use this to manipulate. While they may not be aware of it, twos often keep a record of the effort given and can be resentful when others do not give back or anticipate their needs as they do others.
Enneagram 2 Celebrities
Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Reagan, Priscilla Presley, Danny Glover, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Princess Diana, Paula Abdul, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Mr. Rogers, John Travolta, Richard Simmons, Suzanne Stabile
Enneagram Twos in Relationship
Twos feel a responsibility to help everyone else’s needs be met. Suzanne Stabile once said that 80% of a two’s thinking is thinking about their relationships. Twos can easily be overly busy trying to keep up with all of the people in their lives. Twos can often feel a loss of identity because they define themselves by their relation to others, such as “John’s wife” or “Jimmy’s mother”. Twos struggle to express their needs because they often struggle to identify their own needs but also they imagine that they cannot manage the pain that would ensue if nobody responded to their need. Twos need to know that they are loved and wanted just as they are and not for what they give to others. Twos would benefit from focusing their time and energy on their closest relationships instead of everyone they know or meet. Twos also need to identify their own needs and accept help from others.