TEMPERAMENT PROFILE: ISTJ (Ti-Si-Ne-Fe)

Melancholic/Melancholic (M/M) = Controlled Stabilizer

Tim LaHaye

Melancholic is often referred to as the “black” or “dark” temperament. Actually M/M is the richest of all the temperaments, for he is an analytical, self-sacrificing, gifted, perfectionist type, with a very sensitive emotional nature. No one gets more enjoyment from the fine arts than the M/M. When M/M’s feelings predominate, he is given over to a variety of moods. Sometimes his moods will lift him to heights of ecstasy that cause him to act more extraverted. However, at other times he will be gloomy and depressed; during these periods he is withdrawn and can be quite antagonistic.

M/M is a very faithful friend, but, unlike the S/S, he does not make friends easily. He will not push himself forward to meet people but lets people come to him. He is perhaps the most dependable of all the temperaments, for his perfectionist tendencies do not permit him to be a shirker or let others down. His natural reticence to put himself forward is not an indication that he doesn’t like people. He not only likes others, but he also has a strong desire to be loved by them. Since disappointing experiences make him reluctant to take people at face value, he is prone to be suspicious when others seek him out or shower him with attention.

His exceptional analytical ability causes him to diagnose accurately the obstacles and dangers of any project he has a part in planning. This is in sharp contrast to the C/C, who rarely anticipates problems or difficulties but is confident he is able to cope with whatever problems arise. This characteristic often finds the M/M reticent to initiate some new project or in conflict with those who wish to. Occasionally, when he is in one of his great moods of inspiration, he may produce some great work of art or genius. These accomplishments are often followed by periods of great depression.

M/Ms usually find their greatest meaning in life through personal sacrifice. They seem to have a desire to make themselves suffer and will often choose a difficult life vocation, involving great personal sacrifice. They tend to be very thorough and persistent in their pursuit of a chosen goal, and they are more than likely to accomplish great good. No one else is as capable of such high-quality “perfect” work.

When M/M motorists leave home, they’ve prepared for the trip well in advance. They study the map and know the best route from A to Z. Of all the temperaments, they are the most likely to keep a complete log of their driving history, including gas and oil consumption and car repairs. Legalists by nature, they rarely speed and may even drive one mile under the speed limit.

M/M has a natural aptitude for growing things and usually maintains the best yard in the neighborhood. He is one who talks to and babies his plants, and on almost any weekend you’ll find him on hands and knees, “manicuring” his lawn and hedges. M/Ms are very picky eaters. It takes them forever to make up their minds about what to order, but once their food arrives they savor every bite. M/Ms usually put everything on a computer, keep a rigid budget, and know exactly what everything cost them and whether it has been profitable.

Any vocation that requires perfection, self-sacrifice, and creativity is open to M/Ms. But they tend to place self-imposed limitations on their potential by underestimating themselves and exaggerating obstacles. In the building trades, the M/M may want to supervise construction. But he would be better off hiring a project supervisor who works better with people, and then spend his own time on the drawing board. He becomes frustrated by ordinary personnel problems and, with his unrealistic perfectionist demands, adds to them.

Unwritten Grace

Task-oriented introverts. These people are the most uncomfortable around other people, their motive is “perfection”, which leads to them being discontented by their own and others’ shortcomings. M/Ms may be life’s thinkers, and are more analytical and introspective than most. This can lead to them being emotionally intelligent with a deep understanding of themselves, but it does mean they are more prone to dwelling on the negatives, which at worst can lead to a long-lasting dislike of themselves and/or anyone else. Their perfectionism often means that they are studious and highly skilled in their area of expertise. As friends, they may be hard to bond with, but their depth and their serious, careful approach could make them the longest lasting.