The Traits That Defines Us Part One

Everyone has traits that they are born with that drives them to behave certain ways. Traits that influence how we view and react to situations and the world. Our temperament is what makes us the way we are and really can't be changed. Knowing the temperament of yourself and others establishes the foundation of identity but, understanding them will truly help bring out the good and positives amongst yourself and everyone else. Of the four temperaments, I am primarily a Melancholy with a blend of a Phlegmatic. The Four Temperaments by REV. CONRAD HOCK is a more in-depth analysis of the four and I do recommend reading it as I will only discuss the general bases of them.

The Four Temperaments

The Choleric

The Choleric is a person with strong-will and strong opinions. They are stubborn people who wants it their way. They see getting things done independently is better than getting aid from others. They are very confident and generally think more lowly of others. A person with passion but, one that shows little compassion. The choleric will feel deep pain when facing failure and humility. They hate to lose and will do everything they can to prove themselves. This person wants to have authority, is direct with a purpose, has a short temper, likes being active and is able to get work done.  The Choleric is an extroverted individual.

The Sanguine

The Sanguine are very people-oriented. They are entertaining to be around, easily excited and loves attention. Being by themselves is painful for them due to boredom and inability to be introspective. They act impulsively making irrational decisions and like to get involved in many activities that have a short lasting impression, which lacks depth. They don't have much discipline and that causes disorganization. Prone to instability, stemming from constant changes of emotions due to lost of interest and lack of persistence to a single enduring task. They make friends easily, expressing lots of optimism and compassion. The Sanguine is also an extrovert.

The Melancholy

The opposite of the Sanguine is the introspective Melancholy. It is the temperament that I associate the most with and will go more in-depth. This individual ponders about their future, present and lingers on and on of their past. The day is filled with thoughts that becomes reflections and are very deep. They search long and hard about the causes and meanings of things. They can be consumed by thoughts for a longing, by painful memories, from daydreams, and can easily get lost in their mind. These people can be very critical of themselves and others from setting high standards. With a more pessimistic attitude, they can set themselves to fall into despair when they don't achieve the success they want.

The Melancholy likes silence and solitude as they feel alienated in large crowds. Trust is not easily given to others and so, they prefer to only make a few friends that they really want to express themselves to. As reserved and quiet as they are, they actually want to express themselves to others but, they find difficulty in doing so as stated by REV. CONRAD HOCK,

He yearns often to express himself, because it affords him real relief, to confide the sad, depressing thoughts which burden his heart to a person who sympathizes with him. On the other hand, it requires great exertion on his part to manifest himself, and, when he does so, he goes about it so awkwardly that he does not feel satisfied and finds no rest. Such experiences tend to make the melancholic more reserved.

Being slow and awkward describes the Melancholy well. From thinking to communicating, it is at a slow pace. It takes time for them to speak and they usually prepare a lot beforehand in order to express what they truly want to say. Putting them at a spot to answer something will lead them to have trouble finding the right things to say, to stutter, and basically result in a discontent answer from them. They generally have a more serious view of the world, being very cautious and risk-averse. All aspects of something must be analyzed thoroughly before reaching a decision.

Melancholies are very sympathizing towards other peoples' troubles as problems of their own crosses their mind constantly. People who cause them repeated displeasure will be ingrained in them for a long time. Forgiveness is not given lightly. If you gained the trusts of a Melancholy, you will get a loyal, thoughtful, compassionate, and self-sacrificing companion. Lose their trusts, and you could lose them forever.

Lastly, Melancholies are likely to be gifted individuals with their inclination to creativity with art or musically. That combined with their persistence and deep passion that they have filled with emotions, can manufacture things unimaginable. The beauty in things are heightened and appreciated. They are perfectionists who are very organized, analytical, who pays great attention to details, and are very conscientious. Melancholies decorate the world with their wild imaginations and innovations.

The Phlegmatic

The last temperament that is secondary to me is the Phlegmatic, as I only match some of its characteristics. These are calm and very easy-going people. They have a lack of ambition and passion that causes them to be lazy. They can ignore and not allow outside disturbance to get to them, as they are quite unemotional. They value a life of routine, with calmness, free of stress, and avoid conflict as much as possible. They don't have strong opinions and so, they are usually mediators between arguments of others. However, this makes them very good listeners and observers. Like the Melancholies, the Phlegmatic are introverted people.
 

These are the four temperaments that people can fall under. Most will find that they are a mix of two, as I find myself being mostly the deep analytical Melancholy, while having the laid back attitude with little opinion, of the Phlegmatic. Knowing the positives and negatives of your temperament is crucial to achieving a comfortable and successful life. So, what is the temperament that defines you?