Personality Types

Lord knows we have enough confessional blogs in cyberspace, where navelgazing is an art form and personal feelings are discussed ad nauseam (you know, the blogs that analyze how we were feeling at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, why we felt that way, and how our feelings changed to different feelings at 9 p.m., and how it relates to how we felt 20 years ago because, etc.). I would rather shut down this blog than descend into such self-obsessive silliness, and now I know why: I'm choleric-melancholic. And this is perhaps the only bit of navelgazing you will find on this site.

Inspired by a volume from Fr. M's Christmas Book List, I decided to take a quick personality test; the results were surprisingly accurate. Most of the strengths and weaknesses of the choleric-melancholic were dead on. Of course, these only reveal natural tendencies; the work of sanctity is to master the weaknesses.

Melancholic Strengths Deep and thoughtful Analytical Serious and purposeful Genius prone Talented and creative Artistic or musical Philosophical and poetic appreciative of beauty Sensitive to others Self-sacrificing Conscientious Idealistic Sets high standards Sacrifices own will for others Encourages scholarship and talent Persistent and thorough Orderly and organized Economical Finds creative solutions Makes friends cautiously Content to stay in background Avoids causing attention Faithful and devoted Will listen to complaints Can solve other's problems Deep concern for other people Moved to tears with compassion Melancholic Weaknesses Remembers the negatives Moody and depressed Off in another world Too introspective Puts goals beyond reach May discourage children Becomes martyr Sulks over disagreements Not people oriented Chooses difficult work Standards often too high Deep need for approval Lives through others Insecure socially Withdrawn and remote Critical of others Holds back affections

Choleric Strengths Born leader Dynamic and active Must correct wrongs Strong-willed and decisive Unemotional Independent and self sufficient Exudes confidence Can run anything Exerts sound leadership Motivates family to action Knows the right answer Organizes household Goal oriented Sees the whole picture Organizes well Seeks practical solutions Moves quickly to action Delegates work Insists on production Makes the goal Stimulates activity Will work for group activity Will lead and organize Is usually right Excels in emergencies Choleric Weaknesses Bossy Impatient Quick-tempered Enjoys controversy and arguments Won't give up when losing Comes on too strong Is not complimentary Dislikes tears and emotions Gives answers too quickly Impatient with poor performance May make rash decisions May be rude or tactless Demanding of others Demands loyalty in the ranks Dominates others Knows everything Decides for others Can do everything better Is too independent Possessive of friends and mate May be right, but unpopular

Take the test yourself.