Phlegmatic
The Phlegmatic temperament is naturally inclined towards service and has a core drive to avoid conflict. They tend to be passive in both positive and negative environments and influence their surroundings by cooperating with others to complete tasks. Due to their passive nature, they are typically not highly ambitious and lack a sense of urgency. The Phlegmatic is introverted, calm, unemotional, easygoing, patient, and agreeable. They usually respond indirectly to others and are slow to warm up but accommodating in the process. The reason for their accommodating nature is their fear of conflict, and they tend to be agreeable to avoid upsetting someone. They are by far the easiest people to get along with, as long as you do not try to alter their routine or ask them to change. The Phlegmatic is a practical and traditional thinker who prefers quiet, low-key lifestyle centered around home and family. They can be patient to the point of paralysis and are persistent and consistent in their undertakings. The Phlegmatic has a well-balanced temperament and is less affected by their surroundings than other temperaments.
Strengths & Weaknesses
The Phlegmatic temperament has a tendency to be indecisive and avoidant of conflict. This can lead to missed opportunities and unresolved issues, which can have negative consequences in both personal and professional contexts. Individuals with this temperament may struggle with motivation and taking initiative, which can hinder their progress towards achieving their goals and realizing their potential. Furthermore, their reserved nature can make it challenging for them to form deep connections with others, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
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However, they also possess the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. They tend to be easygoing and relaxed, which makes them approachable and easy to talk to. They are excellent listeners who are able to provide a supportive and non-judgmental ear to those in need. Another strength of the Phlegmatic temperament is their patience: they are able to tolerate delays, setbacks, and other obstacles without becoming frustrated or angry. This quality makes them well-suited for roles that require a high degree of perseverance and resilience. Phlegmatics are diplomatic and tactful, which allows them to navigate complex social situations with ease. They are not easily rattled by stress or conflict, and are able to maintain a sense of balance and perspective even in challenging circumstances. This quality makes them reliable and consistent in their behavior, which in turn makes them good team players and dependable friends.
Relationships
Phlegmatics have a cautious approach to forming relationships. They tend to be selective and discerning when it comes to choosing friends, taking their time to get to know someone before deciding to build a connection. However, once they do form a bond, they are known for their unwavering loyalty and dependability. They will remain faithful to their friends for life, regardless of any obstacles that may arise, and are considered to be some of the most reliable and trustworthy individuals in any social circle. Individuals with this personality type tend to place a high value on their relationships; however, when it comes to repairing a broken relationship, they tend to be less inclined to do so. Furthermore, they tend to keep their social circle small, preferring to focus on their family and a few close friends.
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Individuals with a Phlegmatic personality type have a tendency to take their time to warm up to others, and it is possible they may never be the type to overtly express affection or seek out cozy, intimate moments. They tend to prefer a low-key, peaceful relationship and are resistant to sudden changes in their routine. In romantic relationships, they can be affectionate, but it takes time for them to open up and fully express their emotions. They are known for their loyalty to their partner and family and enjoy spending time at home. Their patient and tolerant nature makes them great companions, as they are rarely prone to getting upset and are accepting of others' flaws and shortcomings.​ ​ ​​​
Phlegmatic Blends
It is widely accepted in the study of temperaments and related fields that individuals do not possess just one particular temperament. Due to our diverse ancestral backgrounds and upbringing, it is impossible for anyone to be a full-blown sanguine or choleric, or full-time melancholy or phlegmatic without combining different temperament categories. It is crucial to not solely focus on a person's primary temperament when analyzing and discussing the subject of temperament. Since individuals possess a combination of different temperament categories, it is necessary to consider the blends or combinations of these categories in greater detail. In essence, there exist twelve temperament combinations that every individual falls under. One of these combinations will be dominant and have a greater impact, while the other will be secondary and have a lesser impact but still be influential.
Phlegmatic-Melancholic
The Phlegmatic-Melancholic combination is driven by two temperamental needs: to be accommodating and to do things right. This blend results in a calm and reserved individual who values alone time and family. They are polite and kind, but tend to keep their emotions and affection to themselves. They prefer routine and consistency, and are loyal to those they care about. They have a strong desire for independence and may resist sudden changes. Overall, they are patient, easygoing, and tend to live long lives due to their low stress levels. They approach tasks with a focused mindset. They are calm, steady, and persevering, and their emotional involvement in a task is not easily observed. They are always willing to help those they consider to be their friend, having a difficult time saying no.
Phlegmatic-Sanguine
The Phlegmatic-Sanguine combination is driven by two temperamental needs: to be accommodating and to be socially accepted. This blend is known for being friendly and tolerant of others. They strive to bring harmony to their environment and are the most sociable of all the Phlegmatic combinations. They prefer a mostly private, routine existence and enjoy spending time with family and a few close friends. While they may have a stoic expression, they are easy to be with both in the work environment and as a friend. However, they may struggle with confronting or pressuring others and are resistant to sudden change. They value social interaction, consistency, and dependability. They tend to take on more than they can handle to please others. They are easy to get along with and become more talkative after warming up.
Phlegmatic-Choleric
The Phlegmatic-Choleric combination is driven by two temperamental needs: to be accommodating and to achieve results. This blend values spending time with family or close friends, and is known for being adaptable, industrious, and independent. They tend to have a stoic nature and prefer routine work over involvement with people. While they can be blunt and sarcastic, they rarely show emotion or affection. This individual has a focused and intense approach to tasks, despite appearing low-key outwardly. They are committed to completing projects and are tenacious in achieving their objectives, willing to fight for it and follow the task to its completion. They are dependable, routine, and loyal. Phlegmatic-Cholerics are a dispassionate anchor of reality and may need time to warm up before showing friendliness.