Every personality has its strengths and weaknesses. In fact, the weaknesses we display tend to be our strengths carried to the extreme. You many wonder how that can be; isn’t more of a good thing even better? Not necessarily.
Extreme Sanguine
Sanguine personalities have many wonderful traits. They brighten up a room and are full of fun. They are gifted conversationalists, people magnets, and spontaneous.
But, let’s look at the Extreme Sanguine. When they take their ability to brighten a room too far, they become attention seekers who must always be in the spotlight. In a classroom setting they become the “class clown” often to the dismay of their teacher.
When taken to the extreme, their natural ability to talk can prevent others from getting a word into the conversation. Their ability to draw people to them often leaves friends feeling left out or forgotten because a sanguine has so many friends vying for their attention. Lastly, their spontaneity can translate to a failure to plan ahead and being late to everything. If you are a sanguine, be aware of these extreme traits and try to temper them so you operate in your strengths.
Extreme Choleric
The choleric personality is a natural leader and problem solver. They can assess a situation and make instant decisions. They are very practical and tend to easily cut through the “fluff” and get to the heart of the matter.
These are all great traits, but, when taken to the extreme, they become weaknesses. For example, a choleric person’s ability to lead sometimes becomes a curse of bossiness. Their problem-solving skills can become unappreciated when a friend or family member just wants a sympathetic ear instead of a lecture explaining how to fix the problem.
The practical nature of a choleric often prevents an exchange of creative ideas when he or she wants to solve a problem quickly instead of "wasting" precious time considering other options. This will drive a non-choleric spouse crazy and easily stifles the creative nature of child who doesn't share the same tendencies. Choleric Extreme needs to take time to breathe, smell the roses, and bite their tongues when others try to express themselves.
Extreme Melancholy
Melancholy personalities are sensitive, full of grace and surround themselves with beautiful things. They tend to be time conscious so are seldom late to engagements. They can catch a vision and strive to achieve it with a focus many others can only hope to display.
But, just like the other personalities, melancholies often take things to the extreme. The graceful melancholy quickly becomes critical if people around them infringe on his or her beauty, or mess up their organized surroundings. If you turn exuberant children loose in the immaculate home of a typical melancholy, this personality will have a hard time dealing with the chaos invading their world and will probably let you know it.
Because of their time-sensitive nature, they will keep everyone on schedule or kill themselves trying. They also have little patience with those who have no concept of time. Lastly, their attempts to create the vision they see in their minds often leaves them discouraged if the dream is not accomplished. They can be critical of others, as well as themselves when they feel things fall short of perfection. Because of their sensitive nature, when things don't go like they expect, they have the potential to get really down emotionally.
Extreme Phlegmatic
Everyone loves a phlegmatic. This person is easy-going, non-confrontational, and tends to go with the flow, no matter where the flow is going. They are great listeners with a diplomatic approach to just about any situation.
But, just like the other personalities, even this relaxed person can take things to the extreme. They can get so relaxed they never get anything done and you wonder if they even have a pulse. For example, bills may not get paid on time, or the trash stacks up in the kitchen because the “relaxed” phlegmatic will take care of it tomorrow.
The fact that they are non-confrontational prevents them from sharing things that need to be brought out in the open, like relational difficulties. Actually, things don’t often bother a phlegmatic personality because they will “go with the flow” and naturally adjust to any situation they face. Of course, this can cause a big blow out later that may have been avoided by addressing it sooner.
Lastly, when a phlegmatic takes listening to the extreme, they don’t talk. That can be a problem when others want to converse with the low-keyed and quiet phlegmatic.
No personality is perfect, but if we can identify the areas where we take our natural strengths to the extreme, we can be address our weak tendencies before we hurt feelings, offend others, or neglect the ones we love.
(c) 2010 Shona Neff

>








The Sanguine Preschooler: this child is bright, lively, and loves to perform. They will dance jigs, tell jokes, or do whatever it takes to get noticed. Although it is important to feed the need these children have for attention, it isn't necessary to overindulge the sanguine child's quest for attention. When it's appropriate, give them your undivided attention and notice their accomplishments no matter how small.
choleric. Moreso than other children, a choleric will exhibit confidence and leadership abilities. When I taught preschool I had the cutest little choleric in my class. Although I never had the opportunity to put Caroline to the test, I'm confident that she couldn've run the class in my absence. If a classmate tried to run away during an excursion from the classroom, Caroline would run the tiny perpetrator down, catch 'em, and physically put him or her back in line.
I'm sure most, if not all, of us have mixed ingredients in a blender. I like to make salsa and by the time the blender has worked its magic, there's no way to distinguish the original ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos; they are completely mixed together. Although there are personality blends, the original ingredients (traits) don't get mixed to the same extent as those put into an appliance made for mixing. The Personalities tend to stay more distinct.
people. This combination is a born leader - they mix the natural leadership skills of the choleric and the people-loving aspect and charm of the sanguine to create a modern-day Pied Piper. They can lead and motivate people. The sanguine side of this blend helps tone down the intensity of the choleric and the choleric side reigns in the lack of focus that often plagues sanguines.
Last time we met we learned the emotional needs of the sanguine and choleric personalities. Today we are going to focus on the needs of melancholy and phlegmatic people.
Sensitivity to feelings: Melancholy people are the most sensitive of all The Personalities. The emotional ups and downs in their lives often reflect extreme peaks and valleys unlike the other personalities whose emotional stages aren't as dramatic. Melancholies respond best when people are sensitive to their moods. Romans 12:15 is particularly applicable to this personality: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." In most cases, when a melancholy is feeling blue they don't appreciate a bright-eyed, cheer leading sanguine's attempts to cheer them up; they'd rather have someone sit next to them and offer comfort.
than the other three personalities. Sanguine personalities tend to be so positive that they don't stay blue for long. Choleric people are so goal oriented they will snap themselves out of the doldrums because they have things to do and places to go. A phlegmatic person doesn't really like to deal with emotional issues, so when feelings start getting complicated they just tune them out. However, none of these strategies work for a melancholy; they are like bridge that needs pillars of support when spanning troubled waters. Let the melancholy in your life know that you care and are there for them when they need you.
Now that we have learned how to identify The Personalities, it's time to learn what to do with our knowledge. In Part One we are going to look the emotional needs of the sanguine and choleric personalities.
and their tank will quickly move from full to empty. They thrive on attention. If you have a sanguine in your life make an effort to give them plenty of attention. It isn't necessary that the world revolve around them (although they'd love that), but if they have a new dress, a new haircut, or tell a particularly funny story, pay them a simple compliment. Also, if they are talking to you, give them your undivided attention. Let them know you are interested in what they have to say by not letting your thoughts (or your body) wander off. You'll make their day by giving them your attention.
Affection/Touching: Sanguine people are touchy, feely people. They love hugs and tend to be very physical; they often invade others personal space because of their affectionate nature. Eric, my youngest, is almost sixteen years old and still loves to sit right next to me on the couch. It's not unusual for him to snuggle close and lay his head on my shoulder. The other day he took our snuggles one step further...he threw his legs across my lap. Even thought I'm not as touchy and feely as Eric, I make sure to give him lots of love pats and return his affection when he offers it. What a blessing it is to have a sanguine son who still wants to be close to his 'ol ma.
Approval of every deed: Have you been around a child (or an adult for that matter) who is constantly looking for affirmation? Chances are you are dealing with a sanguine. "Isn't my dress pretty. Do you like my new haircut? Do you think I made the right decision?" Compliments and approval really fill a sanguine person's emotional tank. If they aren't hearing the words they desire, a sanguine has no reservations soliciting your words of affirmation. Again, it isn't necessary to overdo the compliments, but a few properly placed words of approval will put a big smile on their face.
. 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.
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.
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!
They love to shop and tend fill their shopping bags with flamboyant and eye-catching styles. They often adorn themselves with accessories such as bulky and dangly jewelry, unique shoes, and large handbags that carry everything but the kitchen sink (and they'd probably carry that too if there was enough room.) If you need an aspirin, a paper clip, or a wrench, find a sanguine.
I have an adorable college-aged niece who exudes the sanguine personality. We recently attended a funeral and she wore a black, spaghetti strap dress with a tight bodice and a puffy knee-length skirt. She accessorized with a black head piece and gold high heels. (She uses a variation of the same outfit for evening weddings.) She did, however, leave her three-foot, backpack purse at home.
The Popular/Playful SANGUINE - the word sanguine is from the Greek word meaning "blood". Sanguine personalities are so named because the early Greek thinkers thought these people had red-hot blood coursing through their veins. Sanguine people are bright and lively and tend to be fun-loving and outgoing.

just different. God knew exactly what He was doing when He made us all unique individuals. Can you imagine how dull the world would be if we were all alike?
Understanding The Personalities helps us understand each other. Ephesians 4:29 says:





