Who is a phlegmatic person: complete characteristics and compatibility with other types of temperament

Hello dear readers! In the summer, near my house, I found a cute little exotic animal - a turtle. The children were happy with such a find and chased her around the yard and looked after her. And I looked at her and thought that in vain they call turtles slow animals - she moved quite quickly. Perhaps she really wanted to go home? And then another thought came to me: after all, people can also be slow, very slow, but when something happens, or they need to solve something quickly, they “go into fifth gear,” and it turns out that the person is not so “ turtle.” In this article we will talk about the stereotype of “slow” people – phlegmatic people. We will look at who a phlegmatic person is, how he manifests himself and in what he can achieve considerable success.

general characteristics

Hippocrates still lives in his theories. He determined that:

A phlegmatic person is a slow person, since phlegm “flows” in him, which means lymph. For such a person everything is always calm, he is not inclined to take risks, and he rarely has emotional outbursts.

The characteristics of a phlegmatic person differ from melancholic and choleric people in the strength of the nervous system and the processes in it. They are characterized by:

• determination;
• peace and tranquility;
• he is a peacemaker, he will always smooth out conflicts;
• reasonable, tries to analyze the situation;
• speech is smooth, sedate;
• moderate actions and emotions;
• gets along with everyone, but must have personal space;
• Patience is almost the main description of personality.

Definition

According to the definition in psychology, a phlegmatic person is a slow, calm person who is distinguished by constancy and low expressiveness in the emotional sphere. A brief description indicates stability of mood and weak manifestations of mental states. The nervous system of an inert type allows you to do without excesses.

Carefully thought out and developed behavioral models persist for a long time and form the basis of his relationship with the outside world. A phlegmatic person is a person who has a calming effect on a restless sanguine person, gently restrains the uncompromising impulses of a choleric person and calmly accepts the exaggerated claims of a melancholic person.

Character traits

Depending on the educational process in which a phlegmatic person grew up, he will have different character traits. But the main external manifestations of emotional reactions will be similar. So, what are the pros and cons of a person with this type of temperament?

Advantages and disadvantages

Like other types of temperament, phlegmatic cannot be only good or only bad. Therefore, let's look at the positive and negative aspects.

Advantages:

• reaches the goal, sometimes even moves too stubbornly towards it;
• high efficiency, this makes it possible to earn respect in the team;
• peaceful, tries not to conflict;
• resistant to stress - this is highly valued in the team;
• knows how to wait a long time, especially when the reward is great;
• stable nervous system;
• seeks comfort for himself, and, which is very good, for those around him.

The shortcomings of phlegmatic people sometimes irritate even the most frivolous sanguine people. Let's take a quick look at what they are:

• It is very difficult for them to get used to a new environment, rapid changes in conditions are very stressful for them;
• they exhibit apathy, a tendency to loneliness, lethargy, the properties of their nervous system are as follows;
• it is difficult for them to show sociability, since there is almost none;
• they are stingy in showing emotions;
• tend to close themselves off from others about their problems and experiences;
• are inert, this hinders their personal growth.

The good news is that speed can be “increased” if you set a goal. They are purposeful!

Phlegmatic introvert

Phlegmatic people constantly strive for solitude. They are stressed by noise and din; they find it difficult to tolerate parties and noisy companies. Among phlegmatic people, almost all are introverts. And this is understandable. They “feed” on energy from within. To fulfill their need for communication, it is much better for them to talk in private rather than in public.

Such people do not go public, since they are quite satisfied with their quiet, cozy place.

Phlegmatic extrovert

It’s generally a fantasy for phlegmatic people to be extroverts.
Sometimes you can’t pull them out with a stick for a birthday or corporate party. Most often, if you manage to pull them out, they will stand by the window and think about their own things. Rather, among such individuals you will find ambiverts who have an additional type of temperament - sanguine, or close people have brought up sociability and openness in him.

Pros and cons of temperament

Each temperament has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to know them in order to be able to better adapt to life: develop the advantages and compensate for the disadvantages.

Let's look at the pros first.

• Work ability

Representatives of this type of temperament are hardy and tireless workers. They are diligent, disciplined, and responsible. They cope well even with monotonous and monotonous work. Attention to detail allows them to avoid mistakes and perform work to the highest standard. They make excellent scientists, analysts, and accountants.

Phlegmatic people have high self-organization, so they easily motivate themselves to work. The management does not have to “spur” them with carrots and sticks. They are not prone to procrastination, so they do everything efficiently and on time.

Some employers specifically select phlegmatic employees because they know that there will be no problems with them.

• Constancy

Phlegmatic people do not change their views and beliefs. Seven Fridays in a week - this is definitely not about them. They never waste words, keep their promises and fulfill their obligations. Therefore, being around them is always like behind a stone wall.

In relationships, they show constancy and devotion, and are not inclined to change partners often. The torment of choice is alien to them; they always know in advance what thing to buy, where to go for dinner, where to spend their vacation.

• Stress resistance

Under stress, phlegmatic people demonstrate amazing endurance. They can pull themselves together when circumstances require it, not give in to emotions and act rationally. It is unusual for them to panic even in critical situations. They face all difficulties head-on, without trying to escape from reality and hide their heads in the sand.

• Diplomacy

Phlegmatic people can easily find a common language with representatives of all other types of temperament. They are non-conflict, polite, tactful, have a good sense of other people's boundaries and do not violate them. Making friends with phlegmatic people is a pleasure. Close people can always count on their support and help.

• Perfectionism

Phlegmatic people place high demands on themselves. Therefore, they try to do any work perfectly. Perfectionists are very attentive to detail and will not miss a single detail. Their pedantry helps them complete every task they start. They can't do otherwise!

As you can see, phlegmatic people have a lot of advantages. They, as a rule, are well aware of their strengths and focus on them. They know how to appreciate what they have, do not envy other people’s strong qualities and do not try to seem like someone else. Therefore, their inner life is harmonious and calm, there is no place for conflicts and contradictions.

Now let's look at the disadvantages.

• Difficulties in communication

All phlegmatic people are introverts. They find it difficult to meet new people. To strangers they give the impression of being distant, indifferent and unsociable silent people, although this is not the case. We have already found out that those who are lucky enough to become close to a phlegmatic person will find a faithful and reliable friend in him.

They do not like noisy companies, avoid attention to themselves, and spend most of their time alone. Because of their emotional restraint, people often think that phlegmatic people are callous crackers, incapable of experiencing deep feelings. This prevents them from building relationships.

• Inertia

Phlegmatic people do not tolerate change well and adapt to new conditions. They love stability and constancy. These people plan their lives and try to strictly adhere to the plan. They are not capable of spontaneous actions.

• Passivity

Phlegmatic people are not at all ambitious. Therefore, their outstanding mental abilities often turn out to be unrealized. What’s interesting is that they are absolutely satisfied with this arrangement. They are not ready to sacrifice psychological comfort and stability for the sake of the race for success.

Features of a phlegmatic man

Men with such a temperament do not have a sweet life in our society. They constantly have to prove their success. In our society there is still a stereotype: “He who stands up gets his slippers.” And many believe that phlegmatic people will not achieve much due to their slowness.

But I will boldly declare that this is a myth. I have a friend with this psychotype who is developing his own business, receives a healthy income, and has a large family with a beautiful wife to boot! Therefore, success is not measured in a slow or fast pace of life, it depends on the development of personality and the desire to develop.

The strengths of phlegmatic men outweigh their weaknesses. They are most often monogamous, taking care of their other halves as best they can. But they are not rich in imagination and words, which greatly upsets their chosen ones.

Also, you will not wait for the initiative to go to the forest or to the sea; such men prefer to tinker with the car or computer. But if they get down to business, they won’t calm down until they complete it 200%.

Phlegmatic man

Features of a phlegmatic woman

Such women have a certain coldness and aloofness. They are more self-directed. They are calm and difficult to anger. Therefore, it is comfortable with such women: they will create a “safe haven” at home, create a cozy atmosphere.

But those around her will have to try hard to evoke emotions in her. No matter what they do to her, she will remain outwardly “cold,” although she will internally appreciate the impulses of your soul.

Phlegmatic girl

How to communicate

A phlegmatic person is one who most values ​​stability and the absence of psychological shocks. To get along with such people, you need to love a measured, calm lifestyle and treat your interlocutor kindly. In response, the phlegmatic opponent will receive a positively charged message, which will ensure pleasant, peaceful, close to idyll communication.

People around them generally perceive phlegmatic people favorably, taking into account such character traits as the ability to forgive, easygoingness, lack of conflict, and communicative flexibility. To negotiate with them and come to a mutually beneficial solution, you don’t have to make excessive efforts. They will readily come to the aid of friends who find themselves in a difficult situation, and they will do it selflessly, without claiming gratitude or encouragement of any kind.

To briefly describe a phlegmatic person, he is a person who knows how to listen. He will not interrupt the interlocutor or show indifference to his problem, which encourages communication and promotes rapprochement. A subtle phlegmatic diplomat will not criticize the actions or words of his opponent, while skillfully maintaining a dialogue with the help of well-aimed, succinct and laconic remarks.

How to raise a phlegmatic child

Such children are the dream of many parents. Where you plant them, that’s where they will stand, and where you put them, that’s where you’ll pick them up. And everything would be fine, but they somehow need to develop: physically, emotionally. Therefore, parents will have to make a lot of effort to raise a Human.

A phlegmatic child can easily drive you into a frenzy when you try to teach or educate him or her about something. If he is stubborn, then only a bolt from the blue can make him change his mind.

Learning lessons with him is torture for a choleric mother. Valerian and other effective sedatives are used. One mother said just that: “For me, it’s better to plow 3 shifts than to learn homework with my son in one evening!” Yes, it’s not sweet for choleric mother in this case either...

But such children are very attached to you in early childhood, since it is difficult for them to adapt to kindergarten, to a new team. These people are often referred to as “not like kindergarteners.” And that's okay. Don’t make children hysterical; if it’s difficult for him around other children, it’s better to teach him communication skills, give him time to adapt, be there.

When phlegmatic people are shy in childhood, their speech is slow, I ask you - do not rush the baby in this case! Build confidence in him, don’t push him, and give him time to comprehend new information.

Often the hobbies of such children are construction toys, mosaics, and puzzles. Contribute to their development. Teenagers tend to rebel, so forceful methods do not work with them.

Phlegmatic in childhood

Studies

• Phlegmatic students generally study well. He always does his homework and carefully prepares for tests. However, he does particularly well in some subjects because he sees them as more practical and useful.
• Despite good academic performance, such a child usually refuses to take part in competitions.
• This little one sometimes avoids extracurricular activities, preferring to go straight home after class. If he chooses something, it is usually programming courses for children or other sections that require perseverance.
• He is attentive in class, rarely distracted, and never disrupts classes.

Friendship

• Such a child prefers to communicate when necessary, that is, as part of study or housework. He is not talkative, secretive, and does not like to be in front of everyone.
• A phlegmatic child does not meet first and does not see an urgent need to communicate with peers.
• As a rule, during the entire school age the number of his friends does not exceed 2. Although more often he has only one close friend.

Dangers

• A phlegmatic child does not talk about his problems, preferring to solve them on his own. It is important to build a trusting relationship with him so that the baby can share his experiences and ask for help.
• It is better to accustom a little phlegmatic person to the idea that communication is necessary. Otherwise, in adulthood he will have serious problems in this regard.
• We must not forget about the physical development of the student. It is advisable to teach him to do daily exercises. You can also sign him up for a sports club that he likes.

Compatibility with other temperament types

Phlegmatic people prefer not to “combine” with anyone. But if they are already in a situation of short or long communication, let's see what comes out of it.

With a choleric person

Choleric and phlegmatic are a mixture of calm and storm. But, oddly enough, it happens often. This is because opposites attract. In friendship, these are absolutely incompatible people. A choleric person will be irritated by slowness, stubbornness and tranquility. Of course, what sane choleric person would agree to another opinion that differs from his?

A phlegmatic person will be stressed by a constant storm. Still, I want to be friends with a more peaceful person. But there are also long-term friendships when friends are united by many factors.

With a sanguine person

The friendship between a phlegmatic person and a sanguine person is likely to be superficial. This is due to the sanguine person’s frivolity and “thick-skinned” phlegmatic nature. They need to look for common ground of interests, otherwise friendly relations will not last long.

With a melancholic person

Melancholic and phlegmatic: there is no smell of long-term friendship here either. No, well, theoretically it can be, but of all 4 types of people with melancholic, relationships will be the most fragile. A phlegmatic friend will be fed up with eternal “whining,” while a melancholic friend will suffer from misunderstanding and desire for the former’s loneliness.

With a phlegmatic person

It is easier for people of the same temperament to be friends, because they can understand each other. Both phlegmatic people have a great time over a cup of tea, looking at a smartphone, discussing some common topic, again looking at a smartphone. Phlegmatic friends prefer to spend time not at a ski resort, but in a room with a TV, watching some new film.

Such friendship is beneficial for both. Just how long it will last is the question. Without an emotional component, friendships also crack.

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Relationship Compatibility

We have already found out that phlegmatic people easily get along with representatives of all types of temperament. However, with some of them the love union turns out to be more successful than with others.

• With a phlegmatic person

It is with a representative of his temperament that a phlegmatic person is able to build an ideal relationship. In such a couple, both are calm, patient and understand each other perfectly.

They are reliable, loyal and conservative. Family comes first for them, and they are ready to turn a blind eye to each other’s shortcomings in order to save the marriage. However, sometimes conflicts may arise due to the stubbornness of both, but, as a rule, they do not reach the acute phase.

• With a melancholic person

Such a union is quite possible, although the compatibility of these temperaments is considered average. Both partners are introverts, which means their lifestyles and habits are similar. They prefer solitude to noisy companies; they like to sit at home and spend time doing quiet activities.

The main differences concern emotionality. If a phlegmatic person is cold-blooded, calm and rational, then a melancholic person is sensitive, vulnerable and anxious. This discrepancy can lead to conflicts over time. The melancholic person will suffer from a lack of expressions of love from the partner, and the phlegmatic person will be irritated by the pessimism and emotionality of the melancholic person.

• With a sanguine person

A phlegmatic person and a sanguine person do not get along well together. At first, the first may be attracted by the activity and energy of the second, but soon he will begin to be irritated by the frivolity and inconsistency inherent in the sanguine person.

And over time, the sanguine person will begin to tire of the conservatism and tediousness of the phlegmatic person. He will want to escape from the captivity of rules and strict routines to where life is in full swing.

• With a choleric person

Such a union is considered strong and harmonious, despite strong differences in character. Phlegmatic and choleric, like yin and yang, complement each other. A prudent phlegmatic person carefully weighs every step, unlike a determined choleric person who always cuts from the shoulder. Together they manage to reach a golden mean.

An explosive choleric person next to a phlegmatic person becomes calmer and more restrained, and the latter “comes to life” next to a more energetic partner.

Phlegmatic and relationships

Marriage and love relationships among phlegmatic people are not emotionally saturated. Often their partners suffer from this and cannot withstand constant external composure.

With a choleric person they can have an excellent marriage. A stormy choleric spouse will calm down next to a peaceful, balanced, phlegmatic spouse. Here compatibility is quite high, provided that each partner tries to maintain the relationship and not get nervous over trifles.

The union with a sanguine person is quite strong, but there is a danger of existing in parallel. The sanguine person will mind his own business, the phlegmatic person will mind his own. It will be difficult for them to communicate emotionally.

With a melancholic person... Good advice: not worth it. It will be torture for both, but if there is great love... Then what could be a hindrance?!

With a phlegmatic person, a marriage union will be very strong, but boring. But a better partner in terms of loyalty and devotion cannot be found regardless of compatibility.

Health (psychosomatics) phlegmatic

The sore point of a phlegmatic person is his stomach . Representatives of this temperament more often than others suffer from gastritis and stomach ulcers. Their metabolism is slow, so foods take longer to digest, which sometimes causes intestinal problems.

Another problem is the tendency to obesity . Due to an inactive lifestyle, eating junk food or overeating, phlegmatic people quickly gain weight. Extra pounds cause diseases of other internal organs - heart, liver, kidneys, etc. Blood pressure often suffers.

If a phlegmatic person wants to be healthy, it is better for him to monitor his diet and physical activity. You don't have to exercise to the point of exhaustion—even walking will help control your weight. Such people are usually very resistant to other diseases.

Suitable professions

I repeat, people with a phlegmatic personality type are terrible workaholics. That is why in professional activities these are practices. They do not tend to lead, but they make very responsible administrators who will do more than what they are assigned. They have excellent abilities to perform monotonous activities, so they choose stable professions for themselves.

Phlegmatic people can work:

• dispatchers,
• engineers,
• laboratory assistants,
• system administrators,
• operators,
• veterinarians,
• lyricists,
• proofreaders,
• composers.

But this does not mean that this type of personality cannot communicate at all at work. Such people make excellent doctors and accountants.

They are not recommended to work in places of rapid response, the threat of unforeseen circumstances, in conditions of abrupt switching, changing working conditions. They will not achieve success in journalism as animators or secretaries.

Emotions in a phlegmatic person

Usually phlegmatic people provide the most necessary and faithful support; they are ready to lend their shoulder or be a “vest”; their calmness and prudence help to look at the situation from a new perspective and offer a thoughtful solution.
As for personal experiences, in rare cases a phlegmatic person is ready to share them with someone; it is better for him to experience this in himself, without showing off his torment. Phlegmatic people are realists

, they do not believe that dreams are good, they do not create illusions, they live with clear and developed plans. Typically, such people move up the career ladder thanks to their perseverance, calmness and hard work. Bosses trust phlegmatic people, because their decisions are made thoughtfully and are never driven by emotions. But not everyone succeeds in occupying management positions, which is to blame for the slowness and isolation of such people. Often phlegmatic individuals turn out to be excellent writers or artists. They see the world in their own way. And there is something bewitching, unusual and beautiful in this vision.

Outwardly, it is almost impossible to determine what emotions are raging in the soul of a phlegmatic person. His face is most often calm and does not express emotions. This can infuriate emotional sanguine and choleric people.

Such external calm is associated with constant analysis of the environment and a slightly inhibited reaction.

If phlegmatic people get upset and start crying, it will not be easy to calm them down. At the same time, they will not cry bitterly.

Famous personalities

Among famous personalities, people of different professions were phlegmatic. Among them there are creative personalities, composers, engineers, writers and even managers. For example, it was news to me that Stalin also had this type of temperament. But, as historians say, despite this psychotype, the leader of the USSR held everyone in an “iron fist.”

Famous phlegmatic people: Galileo Galilei, Steven Seagal, Nicole Kidman, Immanuel Kant, Joseph Stalin, Gennady Zyuganov, Mikhail Kutuzov.

Bottom line

Phlegmatic is a type of temperament that has its own advantages. Where stability and reliability are needed, phlegmatic people are ideal. If you want to rely on someone, it is better to choose a phlegmatic person. You can also safely trust this type at work. The result is confidence that the task will be completed.

If you need speed, creativity, enterprise and other qualities, then a phlegmatic person is not suitable for this. If you need order and stability, then prefer phlegmatic.