Phlegmatic

The phlegmatic (pronounced "fleg-mat-ik") temperament is one of the two introverted ones. Laid back and easygoing, this personality is able to go with the flow without getting her feathers ruffled. Dictionary.com says phegmatic means "calm, sluggish temperament; unemotional."

Phlegmatics are good to have on any team because they are natural peacekeepers. They simply don't get riled up about nothing, and prefer to stay cool and collected in an argument. They are often happy with where they are in life, naturally content, and kind and witty friends.

Phlegmatics have many friends, and are great at keeping the peace and playing the mediator when conflicts do arise. They are dependable and trustworthy, and often are keen people-watchers with kind hearts and deep compassion.

On the other hand, the same detachment that makes phlegmatics laid back and stable can also make them stubborn, resistant to change, and seem uncaring, unemotional, or passive. They can sometimes be lazy, stubborn, and unwilling to get things done.

Although they rarely fight, phlegmatics can still be quite stubborn, remaining silent but steadfast in their opinion. Other temperaments in a relationship with phlegmatics may be infuriated by the phlegmatic's lack of emotion or response in a fight. I know one woman, a wonderful extrovert with quite the temper, who used to follow her husband around the house, screaming, "Fine! Don't fight with me! I'll just have the fight for both of us!"

Although they are laid back and easygoing, phlegmatics don't change quickly, and can be hard to "get moving"! They sometimes have to be nagged to get anything done, which they resent. In any highly charged emotional situation, when the other temperaments charge right in, the phlegmatic will hover back, watching and feeling slightly smug and superior, refusing to get emotionally involved and staying detached from the scene.

The phlegmatic's natural introversion will be drawn to a choleric and sanguine's people skills. An emotional and bubbly sanguine will attract the more reserved phlegmatic. A choleric's sense of direction, purposefulness, and leadership skills will balance out a phlegmatic's passive, indecisive side, and a melancholic's deep emotional involvement with others can teach the phlegmatic some important lessons.