TEMPERAMENT PROFILE: ISFJ (Fi-Si-Ne-Te)
Phlegmatic/Melancholic (P/M) = Patient Stabilizer
Tim LaHaye
Of all the temperament blends, P/Ms are the most gracious, gentle, and quiet. P/Ms are rarely angry or hostile and almost never say anything for which they must apologize (mainly because they rarely say much). They never embarrass themselves or others, always do the proper thing, dress simply, and are dependable and exact. They tend to have the gift of mercy and help. They respond to the needs of others, if they let themselves move out into the stream of life and work with people where they are. They are neat and organized in their working habits. They do well in anything that involves intricate detail and great patience. As Phlegmatics, they are handy around the house and, as energy permits, they keep their homes in good repair.
As for weaknesses, a P/M father may neglect the discipline necessary to help prepare his children for a productive, self-disciplined life. If the P/M husband has a wife who recognizes his tendencies toward passivity but tactfully waits for him to take the lead in their home, they will have a good family life and marriage. Other weaknesses of the P/M person revolve around fear, selfishness, negativism, criticism, and lack of self-image.
Most P/Ms have an obsession against involvement. They are so afraid of overextending themselves or getting overinvolved that they automatically refuse almost any kind of affiliation. Since they are not internally motivated, they need to accept more responsibility than they think they can fulfill; that external stimulation will motivate them to greater achievement. All Phlegmatics work well under pressure, but it must come from outside.
These individuals should give special thought to keeping their bodies toned up, which can give them a whole new lease on life.
Unwritten Grace
Quiet and thoughtful, these people tend to be introverts, but perhaps more people-focused than the reverse blend. They are gentle and inoffensive and often hate conflict, due to the peaceful nature of the phlegmatic and the sensitive perfectionism of the melancholic. These two sides to their personality may sometimes conflict with each other. This can mean the difference between being slow to go through with a task and wanting to do it properly. Similarly, P/Ms can have similar issues with expressing their opinions, as they may want to be heard yet not want to risk offending. It’s not that they don’t have emotions or opinions, it’s just that they can be slow to experience them and even slower to voice them. P/Ms can be very easy-going about some things and surprisingly over-sensitive about others. If hurt by someone, they may be offended if the other person is wrong, or have a crisis in confidence if the other person is right. They may feel uncomfortable with change, with their main motivation towards it being that it’s the right thing to do. For some, they may not be the most fun, exciting company to have, but they are usually kind and reliable, and are content to just listen to others when needed.