Whether you are in full-time ministry, a full-time student, or pursuing a secular career, there is nothing more valuable than being able to communicate with the people with whom you come in contact. But it’s not always as easy as it sounds! God made each and every one of us unique individuals. We all have different personalities. Your personality type determines the way you interact, the way you think, and the way you express yourself. So when you’re trying to effectively communicate with someone, it would certainly help to understand the reasons they act the way they do and the best way to approach them. Experts have determined there are four basic temperaments most common among people: sanguine, melancholy, choleric, and phlegmatic. What you’re about to read may not be true for everyone, but it is pretty close.

Sanguines tend to be impulsive and pleasure-seeking. Sociable and charismatic, they tend to enjoy social gatherings and making new friends. Sanguines can be boisterous and are usually quite creative daydreamers. However, some alone time is crucial for those of this temperament. Sanguines can also be sensitive, compassionate, and thoughtful. Sanguine personalities generally struggle with following tasks all the way through, are chronically late, and tend to be forgetful and even a little sarcastic. Often, when they pursue a new hobby, they lose interest as soon as it ceases to be engaging or fun. They are very much people persons. They are talkative and not shy. Sanguines generally have an almost shameless nature, certain that what they are doing is right. They have no lack of confidence.

The second personality type is called choleric. Cholerics tend to be ambitious and leader-like. They have a lot of aggression, energy, and/or passion, and they try to instill it in others. They can dominate people of other temperaments, especially phlegmatics. Many great charismatic military and political figures were and are choleric. They like to be in charge of everything. However, cholerics also tend to be either highly disorganized or highly organized. They do not have in-between setups, only one extreme to another. In addition to being leader-like and assertive, cholerics also fall into deep and sudden depression. Essentially, they are very much prone to mood swings.

The melancholic temperament is fundamentally introverted and thoughtful. Melancholic people are often perceived as very pondering and considerate, and they get rather worried when they cannot be on time for events. Melancholics can be highly creative in activities such as poetry and art, and they can become preoccupied with the tragedy and cruelty in the world. They are often perfectionists, self-reliant, and independent. There is one noticeable drawback to being a melancholic—they can get so involved in what they are doing they forget to think of others.

The phlegmatic temperament is relaxed and quiet, ranging from warmly attentive to lazily sluggish. Phlegmatics tend to be content with themselves and kind to others, accepting and affectionate. They may be shy and often prefer stability to uncertainty and change. They are consistent, relaxed, calm, rational, curious, and observant—qualities that make them good administrators. If they’re not careful, phlegmatics can be passive-aggressive.

Do you see how a basic understanding of these personality types can help you in your relationships? If you know the characteristics of each temperament, you can begin to identify them among your friends, coworkers, and peers. When trying to communicate, you can then have a better understanding of how they may react and the best way to react to them. The Bible says in I Thessalonians 5:12, “…to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.” I believe this pleases God when we take the time to really understand the people we work with, worship with, live with, and intermingle with on a daily basis.

** Some information retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Temperaments

I am from a wonderful family with two sisters and loving parents. Recieved my Associates from Tallahassee Community College and am currently pursuing ministry at Gateway College of Evangelism. I am the editor of www.apostolicgirl.com and love writing, working with music programs, and traveling!