What Is an Enneagram Type 2w3? Common Stereotypes & More

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Enneagram Type 2w3's personality, strengths, & weaknesses

Co-authored by Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: January 21, 2025 Fact Checked

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2w3 Stereotypes

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Personality Traits & Strengths

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Challenges & Weaknesses

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2w3 Fast Facts

If you’re an Enneagram Type 2 wing 3, or if you know someone who is, you might be curious about the stereotypes associated with this type. You’ve come to the right place! We’ll list a few common 2w3 stereotypes and go over whether or not they’re accurate. We’ll also give you an overview of 2w3 traits, strengths, and weaknesses, so keep reading!

What are common stereotypes about Enneagram 2w3?

Common stereotypes about 2w3s include that they put others' needs above their own all the time, that they struggle to stand up for themselves, and that they always have sweet and timid personalities. These stereotypes can be true for some 2w3s, but they aren’t the case for all of them.

Section 1 of 4:

Enneagram Type 2w3 Stereotypes

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They put others before themselves 100% of the time. Enneagram Type 2w3 (The Host or The Hostess) is known for being selfless, and they have a natural desire to help other people. Because of this, a common stereotype is that they always put others’ emotions above their own, and that they tend to repress their own needs in order to take care of loved ones.^{[1]
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- Is this stereotype accurate? While this can be the case for an unhealthy 2w3, it’s definitely not true for all of them.
- Many 2w3s have done the work to recognize their own needs and create healthy boundaries with the people in their lives, so they’re able to help others without harming themselves.
- In other words, 2w3s are naturally helpful and caring, but they’re also able to strike a healthy balance between altruism and self-care if they work at it.
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They’re bad at standing up for themselves. A 2w3's basic desire is to be loved and accepted, and their basic fear is being unwanted and alone.^{[2]
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Research source} Because of this, some people think that 2w3s will do whatever others want them to do to avoid criticism or rejection. In other words, people assume that 2w3s are obsessed with being liked, to the point that they become doormats or pushovers.
- Is this stereotype accurate? It’s true that 2w3s crave love and connection, and because of this, they sometimes go along with what others want because they want to make them happy.
- When a 2w3 is healthy and self-aware, however, this doesn’t need to be a bad thing. They’re able to recognize when it’s important to put their foot down, and when it’s harmless to let another person have their way.
- On the other hand, if a 2w3 is struggling with insecurity or low self-esteem, they might be a pushover at times because they’re afraid of being abandoned. Ultimately, the truth of this stereotype depends on the person.^{[3]
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They’re always timid, sweet, and kind. Because Type 2s tend to be caring and openhearted, some people assume that they’re always mild-mannered and soft-spoken. When describing this personality type, people often mention traits like “gentle,” “nurturing,” and “patient,” for example.^{[4]
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- Is this stereotype accurate? It’s true that many 2w3s tend to be naturally kind and caring people. However, it’s important to remember that not all 2w3s are the same, and they each have unique and complex personalities.
- For example, if a 2w3 went through some tough experiences that required them to learn how to stand up for themselves, they may have a more bold or outspoken personality than typical 2w3s.
- Their wing in Enneagram Type 3 also brings a bit more of an ambitious and goal-oriented energy to the Type 2 personality. As a result, some 2w3s can come across as determined or even hungry for the spotlight, rather than gentle or timid.^{[5]
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Section 2 of 4:

Enneagram Type 2w3 Personality Traits & Strengths

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Helpful & altruistic Enneagram Type 2w3s have a deep desire to serve others, and they’ll often go out of their way to be helpful to people in need. They’re generous with their time and resources, and they’re always eager to support their loved ones, lend a hand to a stranger, or volunteer for communities in need.^{[6]
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- If you’re going through a breakup, a 2w3 will be a shoulder to cry on. If you’re stressed out, they’ll surprise you at work with a latte from your favorite coffee shop. If you’re lonely, they’ll drop everything and head over to your place.
- In other words, you can always count on a 2w3, and they tend to be pretty incredible friends!
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Caring & empathetic 2w3s tend to be naturally compassionate people. They have the ability to pick up on other people’s emotions, and they intuitively know what to say to make them feel better. Their deepest desire is to feel connected to others, so they give their all in relationships, and they’re known for having huge hearts.^{[7]
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- Type 2s are part of the “heart-based” triad in the Enneagram system, along with Types 3 and 4. This means that they tend to lead with their hearts, rather than their heads, when making decisions.^{[8]
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Relationships mean everything to Type 2w3s, and they have an intense desire to be close with others. As a result, they tend to be very social and personable, and they’re great at connecting through conversation. They’re amazing listeners, and they know exactly what to say to make others feel seen and understood.^{[9]
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2w3s have the core personality of Enneagram Type 2s with a few of the traits of Enneagram Type 3, also known as The Achiever. As a result, 2w3s have some ambition and determination mixed in with their selflessness and caring nature. With their personable qualities and goal-oriented attitudes, they’re great at networking, forming strong relationships with colleagues, and being valuable members of teams.^{[10]
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Section 3 of 4:

Enneagram Type 2w3 Challenges & Weaknesses

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Worrying too much Because 2w3s care so deeply about the people in their lives, they tend to take on others’ problems as if they were their own. This can lead to stress and anxiety about fixing things that are actually out of their control.^{[11]
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- Tips for Growth: If you’re a 2w3 with a tendency to get too worried about loved ones’ problems, practicing mindfulness may help.
- Mindfulness is all about staying grounded in the present moment and accepting things as they are, so it can be a helpful coping tool if you’re feeling anxious or worrying about the future.
- Mindfulness practices to try out include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga.^{[12]
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EXPERT TIP

Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949)
Dr. Supatra Tovar is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949), Registered Dietitian, Fitness Expert, and the Owner of Dr. Supatra Tovar and Associates. Dr. Tovar has worked in the fields of health education, clinical dietetics, and psychology. With over 25 years of holistic wellness experience, she practices Holistic Health Psychotherapy. She combines her psychology, diet, and fitness knowledge to help those struggling with depression, weight gain, eating disorders, life transitions, and relationships. Dr. Tovar holds a BA in Environmental Biology from The University of Colorado Boulder, an MS in Nutrition Science from California State University, Los Angeles, and a PsyD in Clinical Health Psychology from Alliant International University, Los Angeles.

Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31949)

Try this exercise to practice mindfulness. Sit comfortably in a chair with your feet on the ground, and focus on your breathing as you inhale for five counts and exhale for five counts. Try to be aware of your senses and take note of what you’re seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling and you breathe in and breath out.
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Insecurity or low self-esteem 2w3s are driven by their core desire to be loved and accepted, and their deepest fear is being worthless or unwanted. As a result, some 2w3s struggle with confidence and self-image, and they have deep anxieties about whether or not they're worthy of love. This can make them pretty harsh critics of themselves.^{[13]
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- Tips for Growth: If you’re a 2w3 who’s too hard on yourself, try reciting positive affirmations for a few minutes every morning before you start your day.
- This is a great way to show yourself some love and kindness, while also reminding yourself of all your amazing qualities.
- For example, you could recite something like, “I’m a kind, capable, and unique person,” “I’m worthy of love and acceptance,” or “I am trying my best, and that’s enough.”^{[14]
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Forgetting to take care of themselves Enneagram Type 2w3’s selflessness is a beautiful thing, but if they’re not careful, they may go overboard. In these cases, a 2w3 may prioritize others’ needs and emotions so much that they neglect their own, which isn’t healthy in the long run.^{[15]
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- Tips for Growth: Set aside designated time for self-care in your schedule. This will help balance your desire to help others with your own needs. Self-care looks different to everyone, so feel free to personalize this time!
- For example, you could set aside 30 minutes every evening for a relaxing activity like journaling or reading, or you could de-stress with an invigorating exercise class a few times per week.^{[16]
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- Or, you could go all out and schedule a weekly self-care Sunday, which is an entire day dedicated to resetting and recharging before the work week. Activities could include things like taking a bubble bath, spending time in nature, participating in fun hobbies, and more.
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Workaholism With the combination of Type 2’s desire to go out of their way for others and Type 3’s ambition, 2w3s have a tendency to be workaholics.^{[17]
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Research source} They hold themselves to high standards, so they might overwork themselves in pursuit of their goals. They also tend to say “yes” when coworkers ask for their help, even if they already have too much on their plate.
- Tips for Growth: Prioritize rest, and don’t beat yourself up for taking time off. Everyone needs a break from time to time, and if you don’t allow yourself to recharge, you risk getting burnt out.
- In fact, breaks are known to increase your productivity and improve your job performance.^{[18]
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  Harvard Business Review
  Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
  
  Go to source} This is true of short breaks throughout the day, and longer breaks (like vacations or PTO days).^{[19]
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  Harvard Business Review
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- So, if you’re a 2w3 who’s a workaholic, remind yourself that breaks are actually an essential part of your journey toward all your goals!

Section 4 of 4:

What does it mean to be a 2w3?

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This means someone is an Enneagram type 2 with a wing in type 3. In the Enneagram system, each person has one main personality type out of nine options. However, each Enneagram type takes on some of the characteristics from the two adjacent types. For example, someone who is an Enneagram Type 2 (The Giver) will take on some of the traits of either Type 1 (The Perfectionist) or Type 3 (The Achiever). A 2w3 is someone who has the main personality of Type 2, with certain traits and influences from Type 3.^{[20]
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- Type 2w3 Keywords: helpful, caring, supportive kind, altruistic, upbeat, optimistic, social, ambitious, goal-oriented
- Basic Desire: To be loved and accepted.
- Basic Fear: Being worthless, unloved, or alone.
- Famous Type 2w3s: Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, Emilia Clarke, Millie Bobby Brown, Stevie Wonder, Elizabeth Taylor, Charles Dickens