This guide will be comparing two personality types on the Enneagram: 1w9 and 2w3. In addition to this, we will examine such facets as their respective strengths, weaknesses, coping abilities and compatibility.
1w9 vs 2w3:
1w9 and 2w3 constitute two personality types in the Enneagram system of personality. 1w9s have a 1 core and a 9 wing, indicating that they have traits of type 1 with a few traits of type 9. 2w3s have a 2 core and a 3 wing indicating that they primarily have traits of type 2 with a few traits of type 3.
1w9s have been given the title of ‘The Optimist’ because of their desire to avoid all negative emotions and experiences. 2w3s have the title of ‘The Host’ are sensitive to others’ needs and quiet conscious of their public image.
There are some differences between these two personality types. The basic fear of 1w9s is of doing something immoral or unjust. Therefore, their basic desire is to be ethical and morally acceptable in everything they do. The basic fear of 2w3s is of feeling unloved or unwanted. The desire that arises from this is a need to be loved and accepted by others.
2w3s have a desire for approval and fulfill this by being sensitive to people and forming close attachments. 1w9s on the other hand are extremely wary of entering interpersonal relationships because of their aversion for conflicts and negative feelings. 2w3s have a 2 and 3 wing which makes them care for others’ needs as well as conscious of their own public image.
Both 1w9s and 2w3s desire to do good for others. But the 2w3s motive in doing so has less to do with moral obligation and more to do with amassing power and status. For 1w9s their desire to help others stems from their belief in justice and morality. Thus, 2w3s are a lot more conscious of their public image than 1w9s. 2w3s also have a higher need for achievement than 1w9s.
2w3s are inherently charming and confident. They are good at making an impression on people. They enjoy surrounding themselves with people. They resemble host at a party who like to bring people together and offer advice and inspiration. 1w9s on the other hand are quiet and awkward people. They are introverts and prefer to be alone rather than in a group. While 2w3s adapt easily to new situations and perspectives, 1w9s have a hard time doing things that contradict their beliefs and values.
On the Enneagram there are arrows that lead to and from the nine personality types. These arrows signify where an individual with a specific type goes when they are in integration or disintegration. Arrows that move away from a certain personality type indicate disintegration or stress points for that type. Conversely, arrows that move towards a type signify integration or personal growth.
When 1w9s are en route to disintegration they resemble unhealthy type 4s with their temperamental and irrational behaviour. When they move towards integration they resemble the cheerful and carefree healthy type 7. For 2w3s, disintegration involves traits of unhealthy 8s, characterised by aggression and bossiness. When in integration, 2w3s prioritise self-care and self-growth much like healthy type 4s.
However, despite these differences, there are some commonalities between the two personality types. Both 1w9s and 2w3s are sensitive to criticism. Additionally, they both desire to serve others and make a difference in their communities, although their motives for doing so differ. Because of their desire to serve people, both 2w3s and 1w9s tend to relegate their own needs as less important.
Strengths:
1w9:
- Attentive to details
- Integrity
- Participate in community
- Logical and imaginative thinkers
- Stand up for people and their rights
2w3:
- Optimistic and positive outlook
- Deep and meaningful relationships
- High need for achievement
- Adaptable
- Good communicators
- Passionate about serving others
Weaknesses:
1w9:
- Appear cold and detached
- Critical of self and others
- Stubborn about their beliefs
- Avoid negativity at all costs
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.
2w3:
- Obsessive and competitive
- Neglect own needs and feelings
- Sensitive to criticism
- Self-critical when under stress
Sources of Stress:
1w9:
- Being overlooked or disregarded
- Negative feedback
- Appearing weak or inflexible
- Corruption and evil
- Feeling unable to make a difference
2w3:
- Neglect own needs
- Being rejected or criticised
- Failure to reach goals
- Feeling unloved or unwanted
Sources of Motivation:
1w9:
- Peaceful advocacy for social issues
- Volunteering for those in need
- Creative solutions to societal problems
- Personal growth and peace
2w3:
- Having a noticeable impact on society
- Taking time for self-care
- Leading and organizing
- Meeting new people
Work:
1w9:
Compared to other Type 1s, 1w9s are less likely to participate in politics or actively work to bring about reform in the community. Although, like other Type 1s, they are motivated to work for social reform, they prefer to do so alone.
Unlike other Type 1s, they prefer to be in the background rather than in the forefront of social change. 1w9s like to teach and explain their perspective, but they prefer to do so in a calm and non-argumentative fashion.
Jobs that would be suitable for 1w9s include: judge, teacher, guidance counsellor, lecturer, consultant, social worker, journalist etc.
2w3:
Work environments that require collaborative effort and aim to help the community are preferred by 2w3s. Individuals with this personality type are outgoing and confident. Although they are less self-critical than 2w1s, 2w3s can overwork themselves in their endless striving for success.
Since one of their primary aims is to make a prominent difference in the world, 2w3s are well-suited to jobs such as: non-profit leader, motivational speaker, religious leader, public relations specialist, real estate agent, entertainer, human resources manager, etc.
Relationships:
1w9:
1w9s are introverts and prefer to live a solitary life. They view interpersonal relationships as too complex and uncertain and tend to avoid them. A detached attitude enables 1w9s to develop their idealistic ideas and prevent their strongly held beliefs from being opposed. 1w9s are also highly critical of others, which can put people off them. 1w9s often appear impersonal and aloof which further hampers their relationships.
However, their Type nine-wing also enables them to be understanding and tolerant of differences. Although they avoid expressing their emotions, 1w9s are loyal and care deeply about the small circle of people they surround themselves with.
2w3:
Like other Type 2s, for 2w3s feelings and relationships are the most important. They are good-humoured and sociable which makes them better at interpersonal functioning than other type 2s. Their charisma and positive attitude draws people to them.
2w3s form many relationships as a way of ensuring their security. 2w3s like to be associated with successful and powerful people and often use this as a criterion when forming friendships and relationships. This stems from their Type 3 desire to be perceived well by others.
Compatibility:
These two Enneagram types balance each other out in a relationship. 1w9s bring their straightforwardness and sense of responsibility to the relationship, while 2w3s teach 1w9s how to let loose and relax. They bring the nurturing and compassion that 1w9s have a hard time providing. 1w9s are committed to their partners which gives 2w3s the security that they seek. 1w9s are a lot more reserved than 2w3s. The latter can use their friendly nature to bring the former out of their shells.
1w9s prioritise work over pleasure and thus frequently trivialise their needs. Similarly 2w3s place more importance on others’ needs than their own. Thus, both personality types find it difficult to express their needs in the relationship. 1w9s may be bothered by 2w3s excessive sociability and tendency to give too much of themselves to others. On the other hand, 2w3s may see 1w9s as too indifferent and impersonal. They often think that 1w9s seem to want to serve society but don’t show compassion for the people who are in their lives.
Conclusion:
In this guide we explored 1w9 and 2w3 personality types. We compared the two types in terms of their strengths, weaknesses, compatibility and the way they cope in different areas of their lives.
Other Enneagram type 1 comparisons
1w2 vs 1w9
1w9 vs 5w6
1w9 vs 6w5
1w9 vs 6w7
1w9 vs 7w6
1w9 vs 7w8
1w9 vs 8w7
1w9 vs 8w9
1w9 vs 9w8
FAQ on ‘1w9 vs 2w3 (A 7 Point Guide):
What is the most popular Enneagram?
Type 9 is the most popular enneagram.
Is it possible to be two Enneagram types?
It is not possible to have two Enneagram types, but some types share certain characteristics in common. For example, a 1w9 and 9w1 have a lot of traits in common and can sometimes be mistaken for each other.
What is the most common Enneagram type?
The most common Enneagram type is 9.
What is the most difficult Enneagram?
Type 4 is usually considered the hardest Enneagram. This is because 4s are often insecure individuals with a tendency to be moody and anxious.
What Enneagram works with 2?
Enneagram 2s are usually paired with 3s and 8s because they have similar interests and energy levels.
How to deal with Enneagram type 2?
To build rapport with 2s, one needs to give as much approval and praise as possible. It is also important to take them seriously and not be too critical.
References:
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-1-wing-9
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/relationship-type-1-with-type-2