Enneagram Type 2 (Description and Book)

.E2 — Ego-Flattery (Arica Protoanalysis)

Center: Relations Group
Instinct: Relation
Triad: 2-3-4
Ego structure: Image Ego
Instinctual poison of the center: Hate
Specific passion: Pride

In Protoanalysis, Ego-Flattery develops when attention within the Relations instinct becomes organized around securing value through the positive regard of others. The organism experiences its place within the relational field as dependent upon being appreciated, welcomed, and valued.

Because the Relations instinct concerns connection with other people, attention becomes highly focused on how one appears in the eyes of others and how one may influence their perception. The Image Ego therefore forms strategies to maintain favorable relational conditions.

This produces the condition Ichazo called flattery. The organism attempts to sustain connection by presenting itself in ways that generate appreciation and gratitude in others, adapting its expression so that it remains valued within the relational environment.

Within the Image Ego, stability in the relational field becomes interpreted as dependent upon being appreciated and positively regarded by others. The system therefore moves toward expressions and actions that reinforce affection and recognition.

The fixation becomes stabilized through the passion of pride, in which attention becomes identified with the value it believes it provides in relationship, reinforcing the organism’s sense of importance within the relational network.