As you might be aware there are 9 different enneagram types and each of them has two wings. Type 2 has wings 1 and 3. In this piece, we’re going to look into the personality of enneagram 2 wing 1 individuals. Let’s get cracking.
Enneagram 2w1 Description
The enneagram 2 w 1 type is often referred to as The Companion. But we’re going to call them “The Selfish Sweetheart”. You might think the renaming is an exercise in vanity but by the time you’re done reading, you’ll see our point. So, let’s talk about the 2w1 enneagram.
Enneagram type 2 wing 1 are type 2s, but they share some personality traits with type 1s in the sense that they need purpose and are altruistic in nature. They also want to help the world, especially those who are suffering. Except, type 2s are quieter and have introverted tendencies.
Your 2w1s have a few fears, like being unloved or unwanted, which explains why they are said to be a bit insecure from time to time. This is also why they often jump into the role of a caretaker so that they can feel less insecure by serving those in need.
This should also explain why they have trouble accepting criticism because they might see it as a form of rejection or an explanation for it. So, what’s it like to date one of these?
Enneagram 2w1 Relationships
It should be clear by now that these individuals want to be accepted and loved more than anything else. They want to serve and stay humble, which is a good thing, but it comes from a place of insecurity.
But they are likely to suppress their own needs and negative emotions in order to be liked and accepted. But that’s not an easy thing to do, nor is it a sustainable strategy. It creates conflict and 2w1s struggle with it. That along with meeting expectations stresses them out big time.
Enneagram 2w1 Careers
Type 2s love to be able to help out. It is said to do good things for their self-esteem. It’s what drives them to be selfless and dedicated to others. All good things. They do very well when you put them in a situation where they can help others but also take a moment to revitalize because they are a bit introverted, remember?
So, you will find these individuals in jobs like counselors, veterinarians, humanitarians, hospice nurses and so on.
2w1 Enneagram Characters
If you want to be able to put a name and a face to this type and wing or if you are one of these and looking for celebrities you could relate to, you might just have tremendous bragging rights.
For starters, Meryl Streep is said to be in this category. But if you’re more about the understated actor (or a Meryl Streep of some sort in the making) Saorise Ronan is a 2w1 too.
Those who want male role models, if that makes a difference, can look at Jude Law who might not be a thing now but was everywhere once upon a time. There’s also Michael Caine.
If you’re not Batman, how would you like to be Alfred? The “sidekick” who gets to throw witty insults at The Dark Knight while also pointing him in the right direction.
Enneagram 2w1 vs 1w2
If you’re looking for a little comparison with type 1s, here’s what 2w1s are like compared to 1w2s. If the numbers are confusing, we’re talking about Selfish Sweetheart vs The Coach.
Now, 2w1s like to do things in their own style but if you have a suggestion they will happily take it since they feel the need to accommodate everyone. It’s that little people-pleasing thing they’ve got going.
You know that because these folks have a problem saying no. That’s also why they are bad at drawing boundaries to the point that they even risk burning out. Not wise at all, but that’s how they are.
1w2s, on the other hand, are not very flexible. It’s a little like my way or the highway and that’s just how it goes with them. But on the bright side, they are not people pleasers, and that can be a good thing.
Enneagram 2w1 vs 2w3
If you’re looking to compare a 2w1 with the other wing in the same type, which is 2w3, well then, you’re looking at the Selfish Sweetheart vs Guiding Light.
2w1s love helping everyone and are introverted, which makes them a bit quiet, right? They are disciplined and care about the environment.
2w3s, on the other hand, love to hang out with big groups of people. They like to be good hosts (like Courtney Cox’s Monica Geller from Friends). But it’s because they like to bring everyone together and be their leader.
For even more detail, see this video from Dr. Tom LaHue:
