I recently took an online personality/temperament test after talking with a friend about a more advanced (and IRL) version of the test that she had taken which helped her to better understand and relate to her family members. I’m a big fan of self-analysis, so I Googled and found this test.
The overwhelming result? Melancholy. No surprise there, but it was interesting to me that this temperament (and I know I’m probably not using the terms “personality” and “temperament” by their exact definitions so mine is a limited interpretation) – which has a negative connotation – has strengths and weaknesses. In other words, being a “melancholy” person can be good in a lot of ways. Some of the strengths include: Analytical, Serious and purposeful, Talented and creative, Orderly and organized, Finds creative solutions, Conscientious, Detail oriented, Keeps home in good order, Deep concern for other people.
This got me thinking. I’ve always been down on myself because I’m not an extrovert. I’m not extremely open or affectionate, I’m not good at keeping in touch with friends and family, I tend toward depression, I’m not enthusiastic. But does that make me less of a friend/wife/parent/success than someone who is Sanguine — the cheery, excited, life of the party (who might also be dominating, disorganized and forgetful, as the test suggests)?
When I was in 7th grade I wrote a paper for English class titled “Life Isn’t a Bowl of Cherries.” I got an A+ on that essay, but it was the teacher’s comment, written at the end of my essay, that affected me most. She wrote that if she could give me one thing, it would be the gift of enthusiasm. She was one of my favorite teachers – in the top five throughout my schooling experience – and her comment stayed with me throughout the years. It left me feeling like if I could just muster up a better outlook on life, just be a little more optimistic and bubbly, I’d go a lot farther.
But I was wrong to think that. Melancholy, yes. Too sad, introverted and pessimistic to succeed? I’m not buying into that. I can embrace my personality for all its good qualities and stop beating myself up for not being something I’m not.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I can understand that. My sister is the bubbly optimist and I’m the more serious realist. I sometimes wonder if things would be better if I was more like here, but then I realize, things are just as great for me as her. Nice post. Visiting from SITS :-)
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May 1, 2010 at 12:08 am
I think melancholy is mostly positive, like that you are a relaxed person. Life is too short to keep getting stress out over.
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May 1, 2010 at 4:31 am
So the Sweetie falls asleep and you have me up all night taking personality tests!! LOL I’m a Sanguine according to the test and I am messy and forgetful. Hoping hubby doesn’t see me as too domineering though… Crazy how spot on the test was… like you I don’t see the weaknesses as all bad. Forgetfulness keeps me from carrying a grudge. I NEVER remember bad stuff… it just floats away…
Thanks for all your great tips over at SITS.
Kathy over at Everyday Bliss
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I feel the same way. I may not be the most extroverted person but I can still succeed. Great tips over at SITS.
Can I just say that title for your paper is one of the best I’ve heard, especially at such a young age. You are obviously not too terribly introverted, you blog! That’s reaching out for all to see! It has not kept you from having relationships and living your life. So you’re not a cheerleader, have you ever seen what happens to them later in life? :)
Thanks for wonderful tip at SITS today. I’m glad I came to check you out.
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma, What’s For Dinner?
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May 1, 2010 at 10:58 am
It’s so funny–those personality tests can tap into something in all of us. I always feel like they tap on something. I can’t wait to take it myself.
Good advice. Insight can prove useful. Happy SITS day!
This sounds so interesting…I’m going over. Bet your dollar I’m a “melancholy”, also.
Twitter: jenncallinghome
May 1, 2010 at 12:43 pm
I believe I would probably score the same on that test, and one of my daughters also. And I’m with you… let’s embrace who God created us to be.
Twitter: poopscoopinmama
May 1, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I am a Sanguine Choleric (though I disagree for the most part with the Choleric part). Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!
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Thank you for your tips on SITS. Finding your comfort zone and loving yourself for who you are is finding yourself at a place of wisdom. Often those who are the life of the party and disorganized can also be flaky and untrustworthy as friends and colleagues. I prefer the quiet “melancholy” person who you can count on to come through and live by their word, rather than the fun, flighty flake who tends to let you down.
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I’m not even going there. I get sucked into those sites and then never get stuff done.
Accckkk!!
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May 1, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Stopping by from SITS and wanted to stop by and say, “hi”! Have a great weekend!!
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I am 38% Sanguine, 28% Melancholy, 23% choleric and 13% Phlegmatic —- sooooo you tell me. Look like the first 3 are pretty even. Apparently I’m as fun as a barrel of monkeys. :D
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What a great concept for a blog – I love it. Having children definitely makes one want to be the best person possible. I cannot wait to take the test myself.
Thank you for all your great tips over at SITS – I am just learning about blogging and really appreciate the fact that you share our expertise. It is very generous of you. I am just learning the basics – and our blog is about to go under “renevation” hence the focus on the tech side instead of posting but we have some good posts already, please take a peak: http://marvelouslywellmannered.blogspot.com/.
One way toward self improvement is to focus on manners. I hope you like one of our entries: http://marvelouslywellmannered.blogspot.com/search/label/Time%20Management
Have a great weekend.
I’m Melancholy Phlegmatic, which kind of sound like a head cold to me. I get what you wrote about your teacher’s comment. It’s funny to me that the extroverts/optimists/name the personality type think everyone should look on the bright side. I think there is some benefit to being able to see the dark side.
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May 3, 2010 at 6:28 pm
So true. We have to learn to embrace what makes us unique…Even if they are not ‘traditionally good’ or ‘popular’ traits. I like reading what you’re doing with the kids, etc, because it makes me think about what I can do with mine. You get my brain going!
Twitter: gigi927
May 3, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Great post…and a great test. People think of me as an extrovert but I accurately wound up being a Melancholy Choleric [must all the types sound so depressing?]. I’m an introvert at heart and learning to just embrace it. I still kick booty at the things I’m really passionate about.
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May 3, 2010 at 9:42 pm
The thing about the personality tests is that they depend on the time of day you take it. If I take a test in the morning, I will probably get different results than if I had taken it after a long hard day at work…
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May 5, 2010 at 10:16 am
Domineering, disorganized and forgetful. Check, check, check. I am guilty of them all. I would like to think we can all define our own personal brand of happiness and success.
Stopping by from SITS.
Melancholia is reserved to mean severe forms of depression, this is marked by anxiety, agitation, insommia, feelings of guilt. Try to interact with other peoples to express your feelings and emotions.
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There are a set of books on my blog that you might be interested in. One talks about Children’s Spiritual Gifts (applies to workplace, too). The author’s have written for adults and couples (which is my favorite – it’s about how personalities communicate with each other. They discuss this in the spouse setting, but you can see how it works in the workplace, in the church, at the playgroup – everywhere. These books helped me to understand how I work and to value why I am the way I am).
http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/blue-cotton-books/books-shelf-for-moms-with-sons/
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