The Phlegmatic temperament is seen much more in connection or combination with the other four temperaments:  Melancholy, Choleric, Supine, and Sanguine. When it is in combination with another temperament (Melancholy Phlegmatic for example) the Phlegmatic ‘mellows’ the other temperament. However, for learning purposes, we are looking at pure temperaments (the same temperament in all three areas of Inclusion [social interaction, surface relationships and intellectual energies], Control [decision-making abilities, willingness to take on responsibilities and the need for independence], and Affection [the need for love, affection, and for deep personal relationships]).

To the observer, the Phlegmatics are extremely slow-paced and stubborn. This person goes through life doing as little as possible, quietly, and expending little energy. It is not clear whether this is because they have very little energy, or if it is because they refuse to use what energy they do have. They are task oriented with a great capacity for work that requires precision and accuracy and expends a minimal amount of energy. Only sleep can regenerate a Phlegmatic in Inclusion.

We may never know all the brilliant thoughts, great books, works of art, or wonderful ministries that have died with the Phlegmatic. They seldom use these ideas and talents because it requires too much energy and active participation. The Phlegmatic sits back and watches other temperaments busy doing things wrongly and looking at all the things in the world that need to be changed. Identifying the injustice is not difficult for the Phlegmatic, however, they seldom initiate action against this injustice. They will try to inspire other people to do something., but seldom get involved themselves.

The Phlegmatic is the only temperament the Choleric cannot control (which frustrates the Choleric immensely).  The Phlegmatic is the most stable temperament. The Phlegmatic is the most stubborn of all temperaments when it comes to making changes. Because of their tendency to uninvolvement, they are natural negotiators and diplomats. “Peace at all costs” is their motto. The Phlegmatic has no fear of rejection and can handle unaffectionate and hostile people. They are calm, easygoing people who are not plagued with the emotional outbursts, exaggerated feeling, anger, bitterness or unforgiveness of the other temperaments. They are observers who do not get involved nor expend much energy. Their cool, complacent attitude can hurt the people that love them. The way they observe people can cause them never to give of themselves.

Inclusion Strengths: the ability to perform tedious tasks, relate to both tasks and people, calm easygoing, extremely efficient and perfectionistic. The Phlegmatic in  Inclusion can function quite well in a hostile social setting. Nothing “ruffles their feathers.”

Inclusion Weaknesses: unwillingness to become involved, tendency to be an observer rather than a participant, and use of a verbal defense that often hurts others.

Control Strengths: the tendency to be very practical, conservative, peace-loving and a good peace maker/arbitrator.

Control Weaknesses: indecisiveness, the tendency to procrastinate, and being very difficult to motivate. They use verbal defenses that often hurt others; it is used against anyone who tries to motivate or control them, particularly Cholerics.

Affection Strengths: well balanced, easygoing, non-demanding, calm and realistic in demands for love and affection.

Affection Weaknesses: unwillingness to become involved in deep relationships, tendency to be an observer only, rarely self-sacrificing, unemotional and inexpressive. Verbal defenses are used to protect low energy supply with regard to physical and sexual involvement.

Supine                                     Sanguine          Phlegmatic

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