Phlegmatics are such a gift! One of two kinds of introvert, phlegmatics are hard to rile up, possibly because they don’t process stimuli deeply or quickly. They are very “go with the flow,” willing and able to adapt, and they are not going to cause a ruckus at all.

Everyone loves phlegmatics. They will do what they are asked to do and what needs to be done without a fuss.

POSITIVES

Phlegmatics are peacemakers. They are also very clear academic thinkers, because they don’t let emotion get in the way of logic. Some of the great thinkers in history have been phlegmatics (think Thomas Aquinas).

Phlegmatics are also great team-players, because they are very skilled at getting along with everyone and bringing out the best in others. Phlegmatics don’t normally WANT to be leaders, but a mature phlegmatic, like a mature sanguine, will be a servant leader–the best kind of leader.

They are steady and dependable.

STRUGGLES

Phlegmatics are extremely conflict-avoidant. They don’t want to cause trouble, and they just want everyone to get along, so they can be hesitant to speak up when they need to. They are slow to assert their legitimate claims–for the sake of what feels like peace.

Phlegmatics are also not great decision-makers. They are SO good at adapting to others and have such a drive to make others feel comfortable (they can be people-pleasers) that sometimes it can be hard for a phlegmatic to identify what he or she really wants.

They don’t stress about things, which to a degree is a wonderful trait to have, but that also can mean they don’t necessarily put the due diligence into important decisions.

Immature phlegmatics adjust so well to things as they are that they don’t necessarily challenge themselves to improve themselves or their life circumstances. It can be hard to motivate a phlegmatic to act. They tend to feel comfortable with the status quo.

FAMOUS PHLEGMATICS

St. Thomas Aquinas

Samwise Gamgee (I really think this!)