The Sanguine temperament remains a compelling lens through which to understand vibrant, social personalities, based on the ancient theory of the four temperaments. In this article, you will discover the defining traits of the Sanguine type, their interaction styles, strengths, and challenges, as well as the types of relationships and work environments that suit them best.
The sanguine temperament is part of the theory of the four temperaments (four ancient Greek temperaments) which dates back to Galenus 129-201 B.C.
Although the theory is centuries old, it still sparks interest, providing a simple perspective on key characteristics and offering a basis to guess which type might mostly fit you.
By identifying with a predominant temperament – such as the sanguine type – you can analyse your own personal inclinations and tendencies, and ultimately discover more about yourself and explore other more complex theories.
What is temperament?
Temperament refers to the inherent traits that influence how individuals approach and interact with the world around them – how they respond to situations, process internal thoughts, and experience moods.
The four temperaments theory is based on the idea that there are essentially four types: choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic, and melancholic. Each temperament sheds light on a person’s predominant behavioural characteristics over their lifetime.
While the theory highlights the ideal sanguine temperament, it doesn’t account for moments of sadness or life’s challenges, so while temperaments may exhibit specific traits, individuals can still display a range of emotions and behaviours. The theory only tells us our predominant traits.
Overview of the Sanguine Temperament
The sanguine temperament is characterized by light-heartedness and a love for social interaction. Individuals with a sanguine temperament thrive on being around people and exchanging information, making friends effortlessly —they’re social animals.
And that is why forgiveness is a breeze for sanguine temperaments, which is a perfect recipe for making friends. sanguines tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves, so they will typically share their thoughts, feelings, and life experiences with many people.
Living in the Moment
Sanguines are known for living in the moment, seeing each day as a fresh opportunity for exploration and enjoyment.
Unlike melancholic types who often ponder the ‘what-ifs’ before making a decision, sanguines prefer to act on their impulses.
This is why they are doers, thriving in activities like sports, crafts, cooking, art, and sewing, often excelling in these hands-on pursuits.
The Spirit of a Golden Retriever
A fitting metaphor for the sanguine temperament would be a golden retriever puppy— full of love and happiness, excitement, and endless curiosity. Sanguine folks are full of confidence and positivity. They’re all about action. That’s why they move fast and make decisions quicker than the thinking types.
They’re not big on pondering all the outcomes before diving in. Sanguine types prefer to jump right into something and learn along the way – unlike the perfectionist thinkers (melancholic and phlegmatic) who aim to do things flawlessly at the first take, even if it takes longer.
The Nike slogan “Just do it!” can pretty much sum up their approach to life.
Key Characteristics of the Sanguine Temperament
Key characteristics of the sanguine temperament include:
– Extraverted and expressive
– Action-oriented
– Quick to move and act
– Holds soft and adaptable principles
– People-focused
– Confident, positive, and optimistic
Strengths of the Sanguine Temperament
Friendly, adventure-loving, social, active, impulsive, expressive, changing emotional displays, good short-term memory, easily excited, quick to share emotions and feelings with others, energized by other people around, live in the moment, sincere to others.
Weaknesses of the Sanguine Temperament
Sanguines can be forgetful and difficult to discipline, often exhibiting some kind of hyperactivity or restlessness. They can be easily distracted by new experiences, adventures, ideas, and people.
They prefer moving faster in life, which is why they might prefer to have jobs that don’t require too much detailed thinking, or too much studying or analysing, because it’s not their forte. It’s not natural for them, and that’s okay. They have other valuable qualities that they bring to the table, and the world greatly benefits from those qualities.
They may struggle with finishing tasks or projects. The grass can seem to be always greener somewhere else, and this can be referred to everything in their lives – either a romantic relationship, job, house, pet, project, or journey. Anything that brings joy and new sensations is irresistible to the sanguine temperament. This is why it’s also harder for sanguines to do only one thing at a time or to properly focus and sit through a project or task and think about all the little details that need to be decided and analysed.
They are prone to gossip, dislike boredom and routine, and struggle with being alone for too long. Additionally, they can easily become emotional and display their feelings openly (good or bad).
Recognizing a Sanguine Friend
If you have a friend with a predominant sanguine temperament, they often display the following characteristics:
– Confidence, positivity, and friendliness
– Approachability and ease in conversation
– Compassion, helpfulness, and a people-focused nature
– A preference for physical and action-oriented activities over abstract thinking
– Expressiveness and emotional openness
– Excellent communication and entertainment skills
– Quick to make friends and easygoing with flexible principles
By understanding these traits and tendencies, we can better appreciate and interact with people who share a predominance of these traits and tendencies. It helps us to be more humble and hopefully less judgemental of their behavior and more comprehensive if we recognize that there are people who tend to behave in this way more often than not.
Relationships as a Sanguine
Sanguine types connect easily with open-minded individuals who enjoy adventure and new experiences, and who can make quick decisions. If their friends are rigid or hard to please, sanguines may lose interest and become bored.
In relationships, however, sanguines need to be careful to not overindulge in sensation seeking. Finding friends or partners who bring thoughtfulness and calmness into their lives can also be a good idea as sanguines can sometimes be prone to seeking out risky activities and situations.
So finding a balance between fun and too much fun should be a priority.
Romantic partnerships with a Sanguine Temperament
In romantic relationships, it’s important sanguines can vocalize their needs and that their partners accept them.
Sanguines need to be around others almost constantly, so they require a partner who understands that extended solitude is not feasible for them. Even when alone, they are likely to engage with someone over the phone or on social media.
Partners of sanguine types must either share this need for connection or respect it without being triggered by their frequent need to connect.
Examples of a good partner for the Sanguine temperament
If a sanguine’s partner doesn’t enjoy adventures and trying new things, it can be challenging for the sanguine, as they thrive on excitement and novelty. They are always eager to explore new restaurants, shops, or trendy coffee spots.
Sanguines may also invite different people to their house or go to meetups with friends. Routine isn’t for them, so a sanguine’s partner will need to embrace their spontaneous nature or reconsider the compatibility of the relationship.
Sanguines enjoy being with others – a lot. Their partners need to appreciate this social nature, or at the very least, allow sanguines to socialize freely. While their partners don’t have to crave socializing as much, they should support this need for interaction.
Sanguines can be very vocal and expressive, sometimes saying things in the heat of the moment that they don’t mean. However, they quickly move on and let go of their anger. Their partners need to understand that this is their way of dealing with emotions, and it’s unlikely to change. Holding grudges isn’t their style. For a harmonious relationship, their partner should be aware of this and be okay with it.
Work environments for the Sanguine Temperament
When it comes to work for a sanguine temperament – given their high energy -, it can either get really complicated, or not – it only depends on how much a person understands their needs and adapts their lives accordingly.
If you identify with the sanguine temperament, your high energy and love for new experiences and social interactions mean that a desk job with minimal interaction with other people would be unsuitable for you.
Sanguines need opportunities to express themselves freely and engage with others and with different situations to avoid feeling restless.
Sanguines must find a job that will inspire them!
Sanguines are energetic individuals that thrive in roles that allow them to explore, experience new things, and interact with different people. They excel in jobs that let them be their authentic selves.
This means that if you are a sanguine, you can’t have a job where there are no people at all. Being able to communicate, to feel valued and heard, and share your emotions with others is crucial.
Engaging with hands-on tasks and real-world experiences is more suitable for them, rather than work that requires a lot of technical skills, deep thinking, prolonged concentration, solitary work, or lengthy, detailed projects.
They will always prefer shorter type tasks instead of long projects, as sanguines are quick-starters, not long-finishers.
For example, working as a cook involves short-term tasks that, once accomplished, lead to new tasks, offering a lot of variety, such as choosing different menus for each season. It’s also a job where they can work quickly, collaborate with others, and receive direct feedback from clients, which ultimately means a win for everyone.
Good job options for the Sanguine temperament
For those with a sanguine temperament, ideal job characteristics include:
– Hands-on, physical tasks
– Short-term projects or quick tasks
– A work environment with constant interaction, whether with colleagues or clients
– Opportunities for creativity, adventure, and variety
– Minimal routine or repetitive tasks
– A relaxed, informal atmosphere
– Freedom to speak openly and express oneself
These features align well with the sanguine’s energetic and social nature, helping them thrive in their work environment.
Sanguine temperament in social interactions through the FIRO Theory
According to the FIRO theory by William Schutz, there are three key aspects of social interactions to consider:
- Inclusion – How we relate to others and manage relationships
- Control – Our approach to leadership, decision-making, and independence
- Affection – The emotional depth and closeness in our relationships
Inclusion Spectrum
– who is in or out of their relationships
A person with a sanguine temperament thrives on social interaction. They are outgoing, love to be around others, and enjoy being the center of attention. It’s easy to talk to them, and they find it easy to connect with new people, often easily opening their heart to strangers.
So in the inclusion spectrum, sanguine personality people are:
“Everybody In!” Everybody come on in, you are all welcome to my heart and friendship!
They have wanted inclusion. They want to be with others. They are easily accepting of other people, they don’t have high criteria for others.
Control Spectrum
– who maintains the Power and makes the Decisions in relationships. The ability to take responsibility, and the need for independence
In matters of leadership and decision-making, it depends on the situation. Sanguines can easily take charge, depending on whether there is someone else who prefers to do it or not. They can be flexible depending on the situation. But they don’t always need to be in charge and are comfortable allowing others to lead if that’s what’s preferred.
Controls or being controlled according to “Swing”
Affection Spectrum
– how emotionally Close or Far the relationships are
Sanguines are emotionally expressive and easily connect with others. Generally, they don’t hold their emotions, often sharing their feelings openly. They are drawn to close, emotionally-rich relationships and their emotional openness makes them very approachable and relatable.
If you identify with the sanguine temperament, you might notice that you’re more inclined toward action and interaction rather than deep reflection or solitary activities. You’re likely to prefer movement and engagement over stillness and contemplation.
Do you identify with the Sanguine temperament? Or maybe not so much? Then check out the Choleric Temperament here.
Stay healthy and curious!
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