Deep Thoughts: Stone-Faced

Sardine, cholera, mechanic, phlegm… I laugh in remembrance of the nicknames one of my friends used for the four character traits or temperaments; Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic and Phlegmatic. According to Wikipedia, “Four Temperaments is a proto-psychological theory that suggests that there are four fundamental personality types, sanguine (optimistic and social), choleric (short-tempered or irritable), melancholic (analytical and quiet), and phlegmatic (relaxed and peaceful). Most formulations include the possibility of mixtures of the types.” I for one hold the belief that every individual possesses all four and what makes us unique and distinct are the variances in the concentration of these traits in us http://loans-cash.net.

That is to say, our singularity as human beings lies in the subtle nuances of traits that are secondary in our nature. These not so obvious traits define who we truly are. Nonetheless, the significance of the mixture of these traits themselves cannot be denied. However, I have found that looking out for these nuances helps us to understand the uncharacteristic unpredictability of our personalities as well as those of others. It helps us to understand why a person suddenly acts differently from how we have known them once we stay long enough with them. This understanding helps us in a way to live with less strife in our relationships.

To emphasize this, I would use myself as an example. Everyone is quick to see me as sanguine in personality almost every time but in learning more about myself I have realized I am most melancholic when I am in a situation that requires my wits and this always elicits a reaction from others which is in total contrast to how I am feeling. In my state of melancholy, I withdraw into a safe haven where I am totally calm, peaceful, cool-headed, calculating, able to observe things and react appropriately. But this same action that makes me sane and calm in crazy situations has been misinterpreted as me being in a bad mood. This always left me baffled until recently when I discovered a relationship between one’s physiognomy and a particular trait one is projecting.

After the successful children’s day event last Friday, I was exhausted yet excited so I wanted to stay back a little to hang out with my team but my very dear friend told me to go back home and rest instead of carrying around my stony face that puts people off.  I was taken aback by the statement, not because she thought I was in a bad mood – for people had always thought I was in a bad mood when I wasn’t – but the allusion to my facial features. I laughed and tried to explain that it was my straight face. I withdrew once again into the melancholic mode and asked her what face I was putting up and she affirmed it was the stony look.  Now, look at the picture below. I was practically carrying that face under melancholy and I never knew it. Stone-faced Grace! Not a good look at all.

(18th-century depiction of the four temperaments^[1]Phlegmatic and Choleric (above)
Sanguine and Melancholic (below))