The Melancholic / Phlegmatic

The melancholic-phlegmatic is tidier, more procedural and less flexible than the phlegmatic-
melancholic. He may be slower to take on new projects, as the melancholic fear of new situations
and tendency to perfectionism takes over. The double-dose of introversion, along with the
melancholic tendency to negativity, makes it difficult for him to give compliments and make
upbeat small talk. It also causes him to instinctively say “no” when he first hears a request. Others
may perceive this as “snobbishness.” Unless the melancholic-phlegmatic is very comfortable, and
is surrounded by understanding long-time friends, he may find himself somewhat isolated and
alone, unable to warm up in a social gathering. He is less critical and less grudge-bearing than a
pure melancholic or a melancholic-choleric. However, the tendency of the melancholic to dwell on
things for a long time in their mind, combined with the sensitivity of the phlegmatic toward
interpersonal relationships, can result in long-lasting hurts, an erosion of self-confidence and self-
esteem, and even depression. Extremely sensitive and possessing a longing for the ideal
(melancholic), they are also highly attentive to what others need or desire, through their
phlegmatic aspect. This makes them more than usually susceptible to anxiety and a negative
self-image

This temperament combination is highly driven to succeed—not for success’ sake alone, but
because their melancholic nature is drawn to high ideals and their phlegmatic side will have a
strong desire to please. Thus, they are capable of long-range planning, organization, and
attention to detail that makes them excellent and conscientious scholars. They are capable of
pursuing highly idealistic goals, usually with long-term academic requirements, such as attaining
their doctorate. They value their friendships, but can spend many hours alone reading or
studying. They may have a tendency to hypochondria or to genuine physical weaknesses, as well
as a tendency to timidity and anxiety, especially about new activities or ventures.

One melancholic-phlegmatic we know is highly organized, critical, slow, and dogmatically

unforgiving, yet reveals her phlegmatic aspect in her intense discomfort with confrontation (unless
she is very at ease among the warring members) and in her strong relationships with her friends.
You wouldn’t guess that she is so devoted to her friends, however, because true to her
melancholic nature she rarely initiates contact with them – they always have to call her first. A
tendency to avoid the stresses of social interaction by spending overmuch time alone—whether in
scholarly pursuits or reading for relaxation—is something that melancholic-phlegmatic need to
watch out for.
If your temperament is melancholic-phlegmatic, for a better understanding of your temperament it
is recommended that you read the full descriptions of the melancholic and phlegmatic.
The Phlegmatic / Melancholic

The phlegmatic-melancholic is introverted (though less so than the melancholic-phlegmatic),

which means that his deep emotions and anxieties tend not to be clearly expressed. They tend to
react extremely slowly when confronted by antagonism or strong emotions. They are personable,
quiet, and gentle. They value harmonious relationships. When you are first entering a relationship
with a phlegmatic-melancholic, you may be struck by how easy-going and agreeable they are, but
be aware that they are not revealing the depth of their emotions to you. They are deeply sensitive
and value harmony and high ideals within a relationship. As a result of his delayed and
sometimes dull response, a phlegmatic-melancholic will be slower to speak out, tempted to
procrastinate, and reticent. They may appear – or believe themselves -- at times to be “lazy.” At
times when the melancholic aspect dominates, he will have plenty of time in which mull over in
his mind what his response should have been. He may become easily offended (though he may
not reveal this to you) or discouraged. The phlegmatic attentiveness to relationships, and to
getting along and keeping the peace, will “take the edge off” some of the melancholic tendency to
perfectionism and critical judgments of others. On the other hand, because he may be more
easily offended, he may want to be critical of others yet hesitant to confront directly. The
dominance of the phlegmatic temperament may also drive the melancholic proclivity to order and
neatness out of the picture.

If you are a phlegmatic-melancholic, you will show a cooperative spirit and a desire to please, and
will value harmonious relationships. You are particularly gifted in teaching, mediating among
groups, and at counseling individuals. And though yours isn’t the most dynamic temperament,
your lack of defensiveness, calmness under pressure and gift for mediation in critical situations
can make you a very effective servant-leader, one who is willing to roll up his sleeves and work
along with those he leads by example.

This temperament combination can face at times a greater challenge to his confidence than other
temperaments (especially the choleric or sanguine). For this reason, when you are facing a major
challenge or have been given a multi-faceted and demanding project, it will be absolutely critical
for you to maintain your level of energy and motivation — not to mention your prayer life-- to
complete the project. You will want to anticipate the way your moods can get you off track, and
take concrete steps to maintain accountability in order to remain focused and energized
throughout the task. Motivational tapes, exercise and a healthy diet, spiritual guidance, and a
strong sacramental life will be critical. You will also need to maintain your focus on the big picture
at all times, and not be distracted by the “urgent” demands of the moment, or by what other
people may ask of you. To this end, it is always wise to seek regular professional, personal, and
spiritual guidance from qualified individuals. In order for the phlegmatic temperament to achieve
success and reach his goals, he should always work with a motivational program that provides
structure, inspires confidence, and ensures accountability.

If you are phlegmatic-melancholic, it’s likely that you are a bit more upbeat than the melancholic-
phlegmatic, a little less introverted, more trusting, slightly less moody, more generous with your
time, and a more gracious host. You will rarely find yourself angry (though your feelings may be
easily hurt), forgive more readily, and do not hold onto hurts in the same way that a more
dominantly melancholic temperament would. You are compassionate, sensitive, caring, and tend
to gravitate to the helping professions. You are a patient and caring teacher. You are not as
“perfectionist” as a pure melancholic, and generally struggle with organization, planning, and a
tendency to procrastinate. You find it difficult to set limits or turn someone down who asks a favor
of you; you may be especially drawn to volunteer or missionary work, the apostolate, or other
works of mercy. Though very generous, you may find it difficult to set priorities or limits. Your
phlegmatic side makes it hard to say “no” – although you really want to. Sometimes your
generosity can result in not enough time to “get organized,” be prepared, or to relax. Burn-out and
feeling overwhelmed may result.
If your temperament is phlegmatic-melancholic, for a better understanding of your temperament it
is recommended that you read the full descriptions of the phlegmatic and melancholic.

The Pure Melancholic

"To be, or not to be: that is the question…" Hamlet’s famous soliloquy typifies the melancholic
temperament: thoughtful, reflective, ponderous to a fault; slow to act, yet deeply sensitive and of
noble ideals. It is said that the melancholic so longs for heaven that everything on earth falls
short. His longing for the ideal can make him appear nitpicking and critical, and lack some
"people sense." Of great intelligence and lofty aspirations, the melancholic can be so thoughtful
and careful that he never takes a step forward! Introverted, dignified, and careful of speech, he
may appear shy or even aloof. There can be that rare occasion, however, when the melancholic
finally ventures out into a social situation, in an awkward attempt to “fit in,” he can sometimes
swing to the opposite extreme of being overly loud or inordinately silly. On such occasions, the
sensitive and self-critical melancholic will experience deep anxiety and a tendency to brood over
his mistakes.
Time alone is vital for this reflective, introspective temperament. A perfectionist at home and on
the job, the melancholic is likely the one with the perfectly organized closet and kitchen, the tidy
desk-top, and the painstaking attention to religious observances, sometimes to the point of
scrupulosity. Melancholic longs for a deep soul mate, yet when he is around people, he often
finds himself mistrustful and disappointed. Sensing this criticism, others will keep their distance—
thus further entrenching the melancholic in his solitary life. In relationships, the melancholic tends
to be slow to initiate, cautious, hyper-critical, and pessimistic--yet, once committed, they are
unwaveringly loyal and self-sacrificing.

The Pure Phlegmatic

"What a great guy!" is a typical epithet for a phlegmatic. The phlegmatic’s reactions are
slow, of short duration, and rarely intense. As a result, the phlegmatic temperament is
characterized by a calm demeanour under all circumstances—even the most volatile—
making him a perfect poker player or diplomatic envoy! Underneath the reserved exterior
is a kind and gentle heart that seeks harmony and abhors conflict.

If you are a phlegmatic, you most likely possess a dry wit and a steady, amicable
demeanour. You are dependable, polite, and even-tempered. You feel more comfortable
in a small group of friends or even spending a quiet evening relaxing at home. You are
never flashy, belligerent, or self-aggrandizing. You would rather take the blame (even
unjustly) than stir up controversy or pick a fight. On the job, you seek neither power nor
the limelight, but work steadily, patiently, and methodically. You are reliable, patient, and
methodical on the job, and can work alone, or with the most difficult of personalities. You
will prefer job security, working within a structured organization, but can also be a leader
of great character and service. Former U.S. president Calvin Coolidge, for example, was
known for being a man of few words, conservatism in maintaining the status quo, and a
propensity for "effectively doing nothing." Once at a dinner party, a young woman bet
him that she could make him say three words. Coolidge dryly replied, "You lose."
In relationships, you are the steady, calm, stabilizing peace-maker, reliable and of good
character, you are willing to make the concessions and to stay in the background. At
times, when people are being very demanding or tension is high, you find yourself
withdrawing to be alone—and then you may find yourself accused of being apathetic or
indifferent. As a phlegmatic, you would probably prefer that the whole dating process did
not require so much effort. One lovely phlegmatic young woman joined an online dating
service, only to discover that it was really just "too much work"! Nonetheless, once you
are involved in a serious relationship, you will be honest and faithful, and not likely to
break off an engagement or wander astray

The Melancholic / Choleric

The melancholic-choleric is also a leader with the potential to accomplish great works. However,
where the choleric-melancholic is driven by the challenge and the opportunity, the melancholic-
choleric is inspired more by the nobility of the task. The introverted nature of the melancholic,
combined with the focused and unempathic nature of the choleric, can result in an individual who
is highly motivated by noble ideals (even humanitarian ones), but who prefers to work alone,
rather than with people. The melancholic side of both temperament mixtures results in the project
being organized, ethical, and high-minded, while the choleric aspect is the driving and demanding
force.

If you are melancholic-choleric, you are somewhat less pragmatic (or utilitarian) than a pure
choleric, just as persevering and determined, and with a greater emphasis on the ideal. Likely to
be motivated by the most noble and demanding of causes, you are capable of founding a
humanitarian society, composing a symphony, founding a school, or discovering a cure. You are
organized, perfectionist, introspective, driven, and moody (though less so than a pure
melancholic). You will be less active than a choleric-melancholic and less extraverted, more
internally focused.

But your weaknesses include a tendency to excessive self-criticism and criticism of others, being
dismissive or overly judgmental, exhibiting a tendency to self-absorption, and possessing an
untrustful and controlling nature. You tend to be inflexible, can bear grudges for a long time and
may be prone to discouragement. A melancholic-choleric who is not attentive to his spiritual life,
and does not keep his eye assiduously on the truly important things of life can become a cross to
those around him, through his nit-picking, perfectionism, disdain, bitterness, resentfulness,
spitefulness when crossed, and even haughtiness.
If your temperament is melancholic-choleric, for a better understanding of your temperament it is
recommended that you read the full descriptions of the melancholic and choleric.
Virtues and Vices- Melancholic/Phlegmatic

Strengths and natural virtues:

analytical, artistic, careful, cautious, choosy, conscientious, deliberate, delicate, discreet, detailed,
elegant, exacting, guarded, idealistic, introspective, judicious, lover of truth and beauty,
meticulous noble, orderly, painstaking, particular, quietly passionate, persevering planned,
pondering precise, prudent reasoned, reflective, religious, reserved, restrained, romantic, shy,
serious, sensitive, studious, thorough, thoughtful

Weaknesses:
aloof, apprehensive, brooding, cool, critical, demanding, distrusting, envious, fearful, grudge-
bearing, haughty, hypochondria, highbrow, jealous, judgmental, nitpicking, perfectionist,
pessimistic, reluctant, scrupulous, self-righteous, skeptical, snooty, standoffish, strict, superior,
suspicious, timid, uncommunicative, unsocial, undemonstrative, wary