Temperament can be explained as a person's nature especially as it permanently affects their behaviour. Unlike your mood which may change regularly, your temperament is your overall tone most of the time. It also includes you overall manner of behaviour or how you react to and deal with various circumstances as well as the emotions you tend to exhibit.
Types
There are four (4) basic temperament types and these include.
• Sanguine
• Melancholy
• Choleric
• Phlegmatic
The Supine Temperament is a recently discovered temperament and is often regarded as the fifth temperament. Very few people fall into this category.
It is possible for one to exhibit characteristics of one or more temperaments. Hence you can also be a combination of two up to all five of the temperament types.
Let's take a brief look into the features each temperament exhibits.
The Sanguine
Fondly known as the life of the party, this is the most extroverted and social personality. They are outgoing, humorous and very cheerful. They are excellent at communication but commitment to tasks isn't one of their strengths as they could exhibit a carefree attitude as well.
As much as they love to have fun they can at times also come on as pretty rude and uncaring. They care more about their ego than they do about learning from the past or preparing for the future. Their love for ego however makes them get things done right especially if it's guaranteed to give their ego a boost. They may also at times exaggerate to make themselves appear more successful than they are. They love affection and will get jealous if you transfer their affection to others. However they never get lonely and are easy to interact with.
Read more about sanguine strengths, weaknesses and emotions here
The Melancholy
The Melancholy is pretty reserved temperament, they are characterised as being perfectionists, more thoughtful and self conscious, pretty introverted and extremely careful with decision making. They are also quite deliberative and reflective and can be quite talented in arts and poetry.
However a person possessing this temperament may appear to be moody pretty often and even easily prone to depression, they are also easily hurt and very sensitive in certain situations. They are pretty passive in nature and not as bubbly and vivacious as the Sanguine or the Choleric.
Read more about the Melancholy here
The Choleric
The Choleric can sometimes be best described as a brash, domineering and overbearing temperament. They are often regarded as the Alpha species. They love a competition but hate to lose.
They are Dominant, Extroverted, Proud but also known for being very supportive friends. Natural Leaders and always very ambitious. They are also quite deliberative and reflective and can be quite talented in arts and culture, history.
They possess a lot of self confidence and reliance and may often take success for granted. They are the most powerful and also the most destructive temperament. They love to be in control and on top of every situation and hence have the tendency to use or exploit people for personal gains. They love to stand up for others as they are also pretty outspoken and will say what or how they feel irrespective of the consequences. The Choleric is often associated with using command tones, and will hardly admit being wrong except it makes them appear better than others.
Read more about the Choleric here
The Phlegmatic
These are a self content, kind very accepting and affectionate set of people. They are also known for being consistent, relaxed, rational, curious and very observant. Often regarded as being slow and highly introverted.
They hardly initiate action but will inspire others to do get involved in something. The Phlegmatic are highly gifted and intelligent but sometimes aren't willing to invest energy to harness what they might have to offer and may end up taking brilliant ideas and talents to the grave.
They are very stable, stubborn and can be resistant to change. It's almost impossible for the Choleric to control them because they have a high tendency for being uninvolved. The are naturally negotiators and diplomats.
However they are often self-righteous , indecisive, fearful and very shy. They also lack self motivation and do not like to be pushed either.
Read more about the phlegmatic here
The Supine
The Supine is strong willed but often unable to express himself. Great servant-leaders, they often see others as superior and prefer to serve to please others. They love and need social relationships but won't push for them, they expect you to read their mind. Pretty introverted gentle and can be easily bullied they may appear as naturally born victims but have a way of manipulating others into taking care of them.
Rather than take up the responsibility of making decisions, the Supine would push it to others or go about seeking advice and validation before resolving to something. They may not initiate love and affection but will reciprocate a good gesture especially if they feel it comes genuinely and they also feel emotionally secure. They are sensitive and hurt easily and can harbour feelings for a while.
Read more about the Supine here
Still not sure about which temperament you tilt more towards? , I stumbled on a quick temperament test and figured I should include it in this write up. Click the link to take the temperament test here.
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