Type Two: The Helper
Twos, often called Helpers, are motivated by a need to feel indispensable to those they love, which leads them to direct all of their energy toward meeting the needs of others, whether they’ve asked for help or not. Warm and caring, Twos have many relationships and are always giving to others while carefully avoiding the acknowledgment of their own needs. Residing in the Heart Triad, Twos focus outwardly on the feelings of others and secretly believe that they know what’s best for everyone else, revealing a convoluted and often hidden sense of pride.
At their best, Twos can sense exactly what others need and are generous in meeting those needs. At their worst, Twos sidestep healthy boundaries and give too much to others, ending up feeling spent or taken for granted.
Twos at a Glance
- Basic Desire: To feel loved and needed
- Biggest Fear: Being unloved or taken for granted
- Deadly Sin: Pride
Wings
Your wing is one of the two numbers on either side of your main type. You may lean in the direction of one of these types and pick up some of its characteristics.
- Twos with a One wing are concerned about doing things properly, feeling the pull of criticism and guilt from the One. They possess a keener sense of their emotional needs but have trouble expressing them.
- Twos with a Three wing are ambitious, image-conscious, and competitive. They tend to express more confidence and desire to be seen as high-achieving.
Stress & Security
- In Stress: Twos take on qualities of Eights, becoming demanding, controlling, and manipulative as they shift blame and ruminate on past wrongs.
- In Security: Twos take on qualities of Fours, becoming comfortable with self-care and investing in themselves while realizing they don’t have to pretend to love everyone.
You’ll Know You’re a Two if You’re:
- Friendly
- Empathetic
- Generous
- Hospitable
- Overly Accommodating
- Sensitive to Criticism
- Self-sacrificing
- Loyal
- Cheerleader
- People Pleasing
Content adapted from The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. Type names also appear at The Enneagram Institute®.
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