In this article, we will compare 1w2 vs 2w3 personalities from the Enneagram types. We will do that by describing and comparing both personalities in-depth and see how these personalities are similar and different from each other based on their triad, traits, childhood conflict, basic fear, basic desire, strengths, weaknesses, core problems, source of stress, workstyle and preferred jobs.
Type 1w2 vs 2w3
If we consider 1w2 vs 2w3 and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are people-oriented and warm in nature. They are attentive to needs of others, are passionate about serving them and about making a difference in the world. Both are self-critical yet sensitive to receiving criticism from people.
However, they both have differences as well as 1w2 has secondary characteristics of type 2 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, belongs to the instinct triad, has fear of immorality, and desire to be ethical and good. Compared to them, 2w3 have secondary characteristics of type 3 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-sacrifice, belongs to the feeling triad, fears being unloved, and desires to be accepted by others.
Enneagrams
Enneagrams are a map or typology of human personalities. It has its roots in spirituality, philosophy, and psychology. Multiple people contributed to its development among which George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, Oscar Ichazo, and Claudio Naranjo are the most prominent.
It is divided into nine personality types that are spread across 3 triads i.e. Feeling triad, Thinking Triad, or Instinctive Triad. It describes a person’s fundamental psychological orientation in the form of good or bad traits and sees which triad quality i.e. emotion, intellect or instincts is most characteristic of his or her personality. Basic Personality Type is the most characteristic of a person. Whereas wings add elements to the overall personality i.e. it is the second side of it.
A Comparison of 1w2 vs 2w3
Triad
Type 1w2 belongs to the instinctive triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by instinct.
Type 2w3 belongs to the feeling triad. The positive and negative traits of these personalities are dominated by feelings.
Personality Overview and Example
Type1w2: ‘The Advocate’
Enneagram Type1w2 includes basic type one personality traits and complementary traits of type 2. Both types of traits support each other. These types of people have the drive to be good in accordance with values, are righteous, balanced, selfless, rational but also warm, action-oriented, thoughtful, compassionate, empathic, kind, and idealistic personalities with an interpersonal focus. They try to educate others, do the right thing, and feel like it’s their obligation.
One may find type 1w2 involved in reforms and public causes. Although these types have high self-control, they allow themselves channels of emotional expression. Yet, they can also be perfectionistic with a strict conscience and possibly have high self-satisfaction with doing the right thing. When they disagree about something, they are vocal about it and express their anger towards others for not following their suggestions.
It is hard for type1w2 to be criticized by others on their ideals. So, they may try to emotionally manipulate others into feeling guilty for doing so. Unconsciously, they may deceive themselves into believing they are being righteous even if they are not. A sense of entitlement is also prominent in them. During stressful situations, type1w2 turn to outlets against their core values e.g. drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. Similarly, they may also have repressed aggression that exhibits indirectly through physical problems, conversion-like reactions, nervous breakdowns, or compulsive habits.
Example of type 1w2: Mahatma Gandhi.
Type 2w3: ‘The Host/Hostess’
Type 2w3 has basic traits of type 2 and secondary traits of type 3. Both types reinforce each other and push such people to easily relate to others, be charming, adaptable, intimate, and create a deep connection with others. They can be seductive and use charms to win the affection of people. They basically seek to be validated and appreciated.
Healthy versions of this personality are friendly, outgoing, like attention, and are self-assured. They have a free-spirit and others perceive them as genuine and warm. They are givers and utilize their talents to link with their friends e.g. cooking, singing, listening. They also engage in self-doubt and criticism.
Average versions of this subtype are driven to be perceived by others as warm, friendly, and desirable to get validated. They are hard workers so they see their achievement as a sign of getting validated as well. They can engage in flattery and gossip which can lower their chances of being intimate partners. Since they are aware of how others perceive them, they strive hard to be desirable. This can include dropping friends to rise up the social ladder. At times, they can be narcissistic as well but in a hidden manner. They have fears about being humiliated or losing social status.
Unhealthy versions of this subtype can be manipulative, exploitative, opportunistic, entitled, and deceptive in their approach to getting what they want. They can be charming yet vicious underneath with strong hostility. They have the potential to be psychopaths with obsessive stalking behavior, pathological jealousy, and serious criminal behavior.
Examples of Type 2w3: , Barbara Bush, Barry Manilow, Richard Simmons
Childhood Conflict
Core childhood conflict that makes type 1w2 the way they are is ‘self-judgment’. This means that they try to be their own worst critic so that by doing so they can prevent anyone from criticizing them. They are highly vigilant of any mistakes they make and abide by strict rules and ethics to justify their existence.
Core childhood conflict that makes type 2w3 the way they are is ‘Self-sacrifice’. This means that they put the needs of others before their own. They do this because their sense of worth is dependent on being loved. And being selfless and generous towards others is the only way to earn love for type twos.
Basic Fear: 1w2 vs 2w3
Type 1w2 fear immorality. Hence, they strive to make ethical choices.
Type 2w3 fear being unwanted by loved ones and feeling worthless. They work hard to meet the needs of their community and connect with others to prevent that from happening.
Basic Desire: 1w2 vs 2w3
Type 1w2 desire to fight for the rights of the weak and less fortunate. They are driven to make a difference in the world. Regarding emotions, they have a tendency to redirect their feelings in order to feel in control. This backfires at times when their emotions spill in the form of sudden external outbursts.
Type 2w3 desire to be loved and accepted. They try to achieve that by being attentive to others’ needs and ignoring their own. Long periods of ignoring their negative emotions can lead to emotional outbursts in stressful situations.
Strengths: 1w2 vs 2w3
Strengths of type 1w2 include the following:
- Stand for the rights of others
- Sensitive towards the needs of others
- Try to serve humanity
- Engage in societal level problem solving
- Put the needs of others before their own
Strengths of type 2w3 include the following:
- Optimistic
- Can build strong connections
- Easily adaptable
- Good communicators
- Passionate about serving others
Weakness:1w2 vs 2w3
The weakness of type 1w2 includes the following:
- Easily get frustrated
- Obsessive about self-image
- Can be overly controlling
- Critical of self and others
- Detached
The weakness of type 2w3 includes the following:
- Over Competitive
- Sensitive to criticism
- Self-critical under pressure
- Ignore personal needs
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
Source of Stress
Source of stress for type 1w2 includes the following:
- Receiving criticism from others
- Being unable to meet others needs
- Not living up to standards or expectations of others
Source of stress for type 2w3 includes the following:
- Criticism from others
- Not being able to achieve goals
- Ignoring personal needs
- Feeling unloved and rejected
Core Problems
Type 1w2 has common problems with repression and aggression.
Type 2w3 has common problems linked with identity and hostility.
Workstyle and job
Type 1w2 prefers to work in jobs involving human interaction with the possibility to serve others and impact the world positively e.g. judge, nurse, doctor, social worker, etc.
Type 2w3 are outgoing, self-sufficient, and self-sacrifice to help others. They strive to make a difference in the world. They prefer to work in jobs that allow them to collaborate with others and contribute to the community on a large scale e.g. Motivational speakers, entertainers, religious leaders, real estate agents, etc.
Other Enneagram type 1 comparisons
1w9 vs 1w2
1w9 vs 5w6
1w9 vs 6w5
1w9 vs 6w7
1w9 vs 7w6
1w9 vs 7w8
1w9 vs 8w7
1w9 vs 8w9
1w9 vs 9w8
FAQs: 1w2 vs 2w3
What is Type 1 personality?
Type 1 personality is rational, ethical, and highly principled. They fear immorality and strive to make ethical choices. They are driven to practice justice and equality.
What is Type 1w2?
Type 1w2 or Type1 wing2 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type one personality and complementary characteristics of type two personality.
What is Type 2 personality?
Type 2 personality is altruistic, quiet, and want to alleviate human suffering. They fear being unwanted by loved ones. So, they try really hard to be helpful to prevent that from happening. It is one of the types from the nine enneagrams.
What is Type 2w3?
Type 2w3 or Type 2 wing 3 is an enneagram personality subtype. It has core characteristics of type two personality and complementary characteristics of type three personality.
Conclusion
In this article, we compared 1w2 vs 2w3. We found that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are people-oriented and warm in nature. They are attentive to the needs of others, are passionate about serving them and about making a difference in the world. Both are self-critical yet sensitive to receiving criticism from people.
However, they both have differences as well as 1w2 has secondary characteristics of type 2 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-judgment, belongs to the instinct triad, has fear of immorality, and desire to be ethical and good. Compared to them, 2w3 have secondary characteristics of type 3 personality, has a childhood conflict of self-sacrifice, belongs to the feeling triad, fears being unloved, and desires to be accepted by others.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊
Citations
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-1-wing-2
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-2-wing-3
https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2020/03/10/the-childhood-wounds-of-every-enneagram-type/#
Personality Types – Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Don Richard Riso with Russ Hudson
The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson