WHO WE ARE

How well you're able to relate with people is determined to a great extent by how much you understand them. We all come from different families, background and have different upbringings. Expecting everyone to reason, and act the way you do is impossible. People will always act different from how you expect them to. It is not their fault, it's a function of their personality.

 Psychologists have proved over the years, that there are four basic temperaments that determines our personality types. Being aware and understanding your temepraments and that of other people's, would help you to control yourself, discipline yourself and also help you to relate better with  people. We tend to have conflicts with people not because they are bad as we think, but because we do not understand them better.

The four basic temperaments are;

1. Melancholy: The melancholy is the sensitive person. He is a perfectionist, he does things  in an orderly manner. He is well organised, quiet, reserved, and do not socialize easily. The melancholy is an analytical person, they pay attention to details. They do not crave for attention, they aren't materialistic, and complimenting their dress means little or nothing to them. They are studious, love to read and engage in meaningful conversations.

 The melancholies are usually prone to depression moods, though sometimes they can be at the peak of happiness.

2. Sanguine: The sanguines are the life wire of the party, the bubbly personality. They tend to make fun out of everything. They love attention and compliments. They have the charisma to attract people to themselves. A person with a sanguines temperament is usually caring,  loving, cheerful, optimistic and confident. The sanguines live for the moments, they are not easily bothered about things that would upset the melancholy. They are talkatives, not usually organised and easily distracted fellows. They may talk before thinking. The sanguines are usually not disciplined, thus making it difficult for the melancholy to understand.

3. Choleric: The cholerics are control freaks, they want to be in charge all the time. They are usually hardworking and do not like to waste their time on trivial things. They love to be praised for their accomplishments. They are  self sufficient, active and can achieve whatever they put their mind to, not minding who gets hurt in the process. The cholerics would take a stand and stick to it, they are born leaders. They are extroverts.

They are the least sensitive and sympathizing of all the four temperaments. They are quick tempered, easily irritated and easily angered.

4. Phelgmatic: They are the easy going ones amongst all the temperaments, and not easily offended. They get along with everybody. The phelgmatic are not loud as the sanguine, but the have a good sense of humor. The phelgmatic are introverted in nature, conservative, neat, efficient and dependable. They are always cheerful, having them around is fun. They tend not to get too involved in something. Sometimes this personality type can be selfish and stubborn. They work steadily, patiently and methodically.

Having read through all the four temperaments, you'll notice one that you identify with the most. Everybody has a mix of two or more of the above listed temperaments. But one is usually more dominant than the rest. Understanding your temperaments and that of other people, would enable you to relate better with them. 

Reference: Faith Abraham Ministeries.