Why Does That Person Annoy Me?
Darren Smith
I consult on principled decision-making and team communication improvement.
What was the name of the last person you met, who?just bugged you?without even trying?
Would you like to know why that happens?
The answer comes from the ancient Greeks. They originated the?Four Temperaments.?Back then, they believed your temperament was an actual fluid in your body. Today, while we know it’s not a fluid, we still maintain that your temperament is indeed based on your biology.
And the reason you may find yourself annoyed by the temperaments of some others, is based upon your own temperament.
The Four Temperaments:
Your temperament can also be described as your first reaction to external stimuli, environments and roles in life. Consider these examples.
Emotional descriptors:
As a parent:
In the workplace:
In relating to others socially:
Your temperament is sometimes mistaken for your character. I can understand why some can think that, but they’re two different things. Your character isn’t your biology. You can’t change your biology,?but you can strengthen your character to compensate for the weaknesses in your temperament.
How? By practicing what I call your ‘challenge habit.’
One of the results of practicing your challenge habit to strengthen character is that the other temperaments bug you less than before.
The challenge habits also come from the ancient Greeks. Back then, and today, they are also know by another term: VIRTUES!