Beneath the Surface

Last time we met we learned how to determine an individual's personality by looking at their appearance. Although  this method has proven very accurate, sometimes it's necessary to explore beneath the surface in order to truly understand who someone is.

I have three small dogs of which two are Welsh Terriers and the other, a highway find of unknown origins. When it comes to appearances, Watson is easy to distinguish from the other two because he looks so different. Cooper and Newman, on the other hand, are almost identical making it difficult for people outside our family to tell them apart. However, when people look beneath the surface, Cooper and Newman's distinct personalities are unmistakable.

Newman, pictured on the right, is undeniably sanguine; full of energy and extremely playful. Cooper, on the left, is calm and laid back. A couple of weeks ago Cooper unexpectedly stepped on one of our backyard snakes. He calmly lifted his paw and watched as Eve quietly slithered away; a typical reaction of the peaceful phlegmatic. However, when playful sanguine Newman encountered our other backyard snake, he promptly pounced on what he perceived as his newest play toy. Newman sent the poor reptile spinning, hurly burly, through the air. I quickly intervened and Adam lived to see another day.

When appearances don't tell the whole story behind a person's personality, it's time to dive beneath the surface. Cooper and Newman, although they are dogs, are classic examples of how important it is to recognize the behavior that characterizes each personality. So, let's dive right in!

Playful/Popular Sanguine - the sanguine personality is affectionately known as "THE TALKER" because they are the most loquacious of all the personality types. This trait explains why they are such colorful story tellers and masters at telling jokes. These natural strengths make them the life of any party. Sanguine people usually have magnetic personalities and, in many cases, can charm the spots off of a leopard.

Despite their fun-loving nature, sanguines do have weaknesses. They tend to interrupt others, add to others stories, and embellish their own adventures. Sanguines can tell some of the best "fish" stories you have ever heard. Because of their playfulness, they have a tendency to laugh everything off and have a hard time listening to others. They aren't very good time managers and often find themselves over committed.

Powerful Cholerics - a choleric person is unmistakably "THE DOER." People born with this personality are natural leaders. They love to be in charge of anything and will rise to the occasion. They are decisive and will take control when given the opportunity. They love to work and are goal oriented. My husband is choleric and my friends marvel that I never have to make him a "honey-do" list in order to get things done around the house. Just the other night I was battling a hard water stain that had built up in our master bath toilet bowl. The next thing I knew it was gone! Warren had gotten some kind of razor and quickly eradicated the offending substance. Go Warren!

However, like the sanguine, choleric individuals have their own weaknesses to overcome. They can be very bossy and it isn't unusual for them to come across as "know-it-alls." These traits make it difficult for the choleric to utter words of apology. Although, when they do, you can bet they are sincere. It is easy for the choleric to unintentionally intimidate those around them and they have little patience for those who don't share their propensity to work hard and do things right the first time.

Perfect/Proper Melancholy - the melancholy is known as "THE THINKER." They are the most analytical and organized of all the personalities. Their schedule oriented nature makes them great time managers and they tend to be very punctual. Because they want things done "properly" and they have high expectations of themselves and those around them, they function well alone so they can do things their way. It isn't unusual for a melancholy person to be knowledgeable in the areas of health and nutrition.

As with the other personalities, melancholies have their weak areas. With such a sensitive nature they tend to take everything personally and because of their high standards, they can be overly critical of themselves and others. Their propensity to be analytical and their quest for perfection can keep them from enjoying life, while their tendency to be scheduled and organized keeps them from being spontaneous.

Peaceful Phlegmatic - because they are naturally observant, the phlegmatic has been dubbed "THE WATCHER." These individuals are easy going and adaptable. Phlegmatic personalities tend to be good listeners because they are mellow and low-keyed when it comes to emotions. They are the most diplomatic of the four personality types which explains their their cooperative and pleasant dispositions. Phlegmatics have few enemies because they are so likable and nonthreatening.

However, phlegmatic people aren't immune to weaknesses. They tend to procrastinate and can be indecisive. Don't ever ask them where they want to eat for lunch...it might be dinnertime before they make up their mind. Of all the personalities, the phlegmatic is the most likely candidate to become a couch potato. In order to keep the peace they often compromise their standards and block out their feelings.

God made each personality unique and wonderful. While each personality has great strengths to contribute to God's kingdom, they all have weaknesses. In addition to discovering the personalities around us, we can begin to discover ourselves. When we understand who we are, we can capitalize on our strengths and address our weaknesses.

Next time we meet, we will explore the emotional needs of each personality. This step moves beyond identifying people and will help us interact with them more effectively. Until then, have fun diving beneath the surface!

(c) 2008 Shona Neff