Who is a choleric person: characteristics of temperament, pros and cons + useful recommendations for people of this type

This article discusses one of the four types of temperament - choleric. Temperament is a characteristic of an individual in terms of the dynamic characteristics of his mental activity: strength, balance and mobility. In addition to choleric, there are also such types as sanguine, phlegmatic and melancholic.

Sofia Emelyanova

Author of the article. Psychologist.

About the expert

Definition and Brief Description of Temperament

Choleric is one of 4 types of temperament in the classification proposed by Hippocrates. This is the most contradictory and ambiguous type. It is characterized, on the one hand, by sociability, activity and energy, and on the other – by hot temper, emotional incontinence, sometimes even rudeness and aggression.

Hippocrates associated the characteristics of temperaments with the ratio of 4 fluids in the body: blood, lymph, yellow and black bile. In choleric people, in his opinion, yellow bile predominates. Hence the name contains “chole”, which translated from ancient Greek means “bile”.

His theory turned out to be erroneous, but the names of temperaments are firmly entrenched in psychology, since Hippocrates described them quite accurately. Today it is known that temperament is an innate characteristic and is determined by the type of nervous system. The nervous system of choleric people has the following properties:

1. Strong. Able to withstand prolonged and strong stimulation.
2. Movable. Able to quickly switch from one process to another.
3. Unbalanced. Excitation processes prevail over inhibition processes.

Cholerics are strong personalities who successfully withstand any blows of fate. They confidently move through life, look to the future with optimism, set ambitious goals and achieve them. They are tireless workers and activists. They are willing to take initiative and take on organizational responsibilities.

Cholerics can be recognized by their impetuous movements, rapid speech, and lively facial expressions. They are extremely emotional, subject to frequent mood swings, and react sharply to any negativity. Choleric people are very easy to lose their temper, and this is their main weakness. When angry, they cannot control themselves and can display verbal and physical aggression, for which they later pay.

In addition, they are very stubborn and love to dominate everything. It can be very difficult for those around them to be around them. If a choleric person does not learn to cope with his demons, he can become a despot and tyrant.

A choleric person is a person whose energy is directed outward, that is, he is an extrovert. They are sociable, talkative, and proactive. They love to be the center of attention, bask in the rays of fame, and be the first in everything. Ambition and ambitiousness allow them to achieve high results in their careers, many of them become managers.

Among the famous choleric people are Alexander Pushkin, Peter I, Alexander Suvorov, Donald Trump, Bill Gates and others.

What are the features of the type

By temperament, a choleric person is the right type, who only needs to learn to control their own emotions, aggression, restrain themselves and be patient. It is very easy to recognize him not only by his behavior, but also by his appearance. Choleric – characteristics of external factors and distinctive features:

• fast and sudden movements and movements;
• do not like to wait for anyone;
• tendency towards thinness;
• long limbs without muscles;
• narrow chest, back, pelvis;
• elongated skull bones;
• pronounced facial features, usually with prominent cheekbones.

The peculiarity of people with this type of character as choleric is self-love and determination. It is very difficult for them to realize themselves in a position where they need to be subordinate or dependent on others. Cholerics are ideally suited for independent work, which does not require following other people's rules. The temperament of an energetic choleric person allows him to take on many tasks to which he will devote all his free time. It is able to withstand heavy workloads, fast pace, as well as changes in different types of activities. In their work they show initiative, constant activity and a desire for action. However, if something starts to go against the choleric person’s plans, he can suddenly lose his temper. Then his work becomes much more difficult.

Choleric people often have excellent temperamental characteristics as leaders, entrepreneurs and businessmen. They work well with a team, are able to clearly, clearly, and informatively express their own thoughts, have a disruptive character, good speed of thinking and determination. Therefore, they are guaranteed success in any chosen field. What are the distinctive features in the description of the temperament of a choleric person:

• very amorous natures, love comes to them at first sight, they instantly plunge headlong into a new feeling;
• ambitious and proud, they love to be set as an example, shown respect or revered;
• are characterized by frequent and very rapid changes in mood; any nuances can throw them out of balance, turning them into an aggressive and angry person;
• hot-tempered, it is difficult for them to learn self-control;
• people with this type usually show their emotions openly and clearly, without being shy or hiding them.

Pros of temperament

Choleric is a very contradictory type of temperament. It has both pros and cons. This, on the one hand, makes it interesting and attractive, but on the other hand, it makes it difficult to interact with people. First of all, let's look at the merits of the choleric temperament.

• Determination

“I see the goal, I see no obstacles” - this is about choleric people. They go straight to their goals, destroying everything in their path. If a choleric person is seriously interested in something, he is able to work tirelessly until he achieves the desired result. Failure will not be a reason for him to give up, but, on the contrary, will serve as an incentive to strengthen his grip. People of this type of temperament quickly move up the career ladder and reach outstanding professional heights.

• "Fast" mind

Due to the predominance of excitation in the nervous system, mental processes in choleric people proceed rapidly. They think quickly, make decisions and perform mental operations. This is clearly noticeable even at school: while other children are slowly and thoughtfully poring over one task, a choleric child manages to complete three. Their reaction speed is also lightning fast, which greatly helps them in critical situations. For example, on the road while driving a car.

• Energy and performance

Cholerics are tireless workers. They take their work responsibly and do it perfectly. They can work for a long time without experiencing fatigue, and regain strength very quickly.

• Sociability

Extraversion is one of the hallmarks of a choleric person. They are sociable, open, talkative and positive. They love to be the center of attention and arouse the admiration of others. In communication they are always emotional and expressive.

• Leadership skills

Cholerics are strong and charismatic leaders. They are able to lead even a large team. Their determination, firmness, and confidence in their actions evoke respect from others and a willingness to follow them. They are brilliant organizers and gladly take on all organizational issues, because they like to do everything their own way.

They are often characterized by an authoritarian type of management, which can cause dissatisfaction among subordinates. But few people express it openly, since everyone fears and respects such leaders.

• Nobility

Cholerics have a heightened sense of justice. They are ready to fight fiercely for the truth, even if the situation does not concern them. They often stand up for the undeservedly offended and punish the offenders. They are ready to defend their principles to the end, even sacrificing something important in their name.

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Signs

Positive character traits:

• sociability;
• outward facing;
• a large number of acquaintances;
• impulsiveness;
• activity;
• artistic and public speaking skills;
• optimism;
• erudition;
• leadership skills;
• good nature;
• gaiety.

Negative character traits:

• dependence on the opinions of other people;
• vital need for socialization;
• most contacts are superficial, shallow;
• the guide for action is the present moment;
• hot temper;
• restlessness;
• poor performance of routine work;
• carelessness, frivolity;
• at certain moments - aggressiveness;
• lack of strict control over feelings and emotions;
• unjustified risk taking;
• unreliability.

All of the above signs indicate that a person is an extrovert.

An introverted extrovert (ambivert) has the following characteristics:

• mood swings;
• intuitive abilities;
• lack of random people in your circle of friends;
• comfort both in society and in complete solitude;
• ambiguous assessments from others: he seems either quiet or an active erudite;
• the ability to empathize;
• skillful use of internal and external energy.

According to statistics, there are very few ambiverts - only about 5%.

Cons of temperament

With such a set of positive qualities, you can achieve very high results in life. But the main obstacle to achieving ambitious goals is the other side of the choleric person’s personality. Their shortcomings cannot be called trivial. If you cannot cope with them, then representatives of this type will face a difficult and stressful life.

• Impulsiveness

Choleric people have an unstable nervous system, so they are subject to strong emotional outbursts. Unlike melancholic people, who are also emotional, but worry everything inside, choleric people splash out all their feelings outward.

If they don’t like something, they quickly lose their temper and start screaming and swearing. Fists can even be used if the opponent tries to fight back. Very often, close and dear people fall under the hot hand and are hurt by such behavior.

• Intransigence

Cholerics do not accept compromises. They want everything to be according to their understanding, and nothing else. In a dispute, they are ready to defend their point of view until they are blue in the face, or rather, until the interlocutor gets tired and gives up. They always want to dominate in everything, do not recognize power over themselves, and often deliberately provoke conflicts. This makes communication with a choleric person difficult and stressful.

• Intolerance for weaknesses

Cholerics are demanding of themselves and others. They despise weakness in all its manifestations and demonstrate it in every possible way. They mercilessly criticize vulnerable and sensitive people, without even trying to get into the situation. In their understanding, a person must cope with difficulties on his own, endure all the vicissitudes of fate and not complain about life. A strong nervous system allows them to meet strict standards, so they take themselves as a standard.

• Selfishness

Cholerics are extremely proud. They consider themselves the smartest, most beautiful, talented and extraordinary. They most often do not care about other people's opinions about themselves. They often assert themselves at the expense of others, hurting and humiliating those who are weaker than them. They don’t care much about other people’s feelings; you won’t get words of support or basic human sympathy from them.

• Irritability

Cholerics do everything quickly - they move, speak, make decisions - and expect the same from others. Slowness and sluggishness infuriate them. They get irritated over little things and don't even try to hide their irritation. It is normal for them to lash out at loved ones; they rarely feel guilty and ask for forgiveness.

Choleric man

A choleric man is a strong and charismatic leader who is used to taking everything from life. He attracts women with his incredible energy. They are not afraid even of the stern disposition and authoritarianism of a choleric person. Deep down, each of his companions believes that she can tame this wild wolf and soften his heart.

Unfortunately, this happens very rarely. Therefore, a woman who has decided to connect her life with a representative of this type of temperament should immediately get rid of illusions and accept her partner for who he is.

In the family, as in other areas of life, a choleric person will strive to dominate. In return, he is ready to take full financial custody. His wife and children will never need anything, because he knows how to earn money and achieve his goals.

In his upbringing, he also demonstrates rigidity, demanding unquestioning obedience. He strives to instill in his children the qualities with which he himself succeeded in life: determination, determination, hard work and courage.

Relationships

The bright temperament of a choleric person also manifests itself vigorously in love. He strives to dominate his partner, so a couple in which the partner refuses to obey most often breaks up.

The table below shows the compatibility of choleric and representatives of other types of temperament.

Based on the information provided, we can conclude that the union of a choleric person and a sanguine person is quite viable; it will be more difficult for him to get along with a phlegmatic person, but the rule that opposites attract works here. A strong union of a choleric and a melancholic from the realm of fantasy. A choleric person, in principle, does not understand how one can be melancholic and sad. An exceptional rarity and a family consisting of two choleric patients. In such a union, both simultaneously increase the risk of developing nervous diseases.

Choleric woman

A choleric woman is powerful, emotional, purposeful and businesslike. She strives to dominate both in the family and at work. Peace and harmony in marriage are possible only if the husband of such a woman is gentle and non-conflict. He will have to recognize his wife's leadership and come to terms with her claims to power.

Business qualities and organizational skills allow a choleric woman to quickly move up the career ladder and earn a lot. She can easily feed the whole family on her own. At work she is valued and respected, but she can have intrigues behind her back.

Such a woman’s wardrobe is dominated by trousers and jackets; she avoids deliberately feminine outfits and bright jewelry. Convenience and practicality are more important to her than beauty.

Peculiarities of behavior at work

As a rule, choleric people at work make a successful career, rise in rank and reach the director's chair. We can say that they are born directors. But there are not enough director's chairs for everyone. A choleric person who is in a subordinate position experiences this situation hard. He prefers work that involves independent action and does not require constant reporting. This is often why choleric people prefer to work as freelancers: such a person is his own boss, independently sets his own work schedule, completely manages the process and can at any time abandon the business if it becomes uninteresting to him.

At the same time, an employee with such a temperament also has its advantages. Only such an employee can withstand the high pace of work, cope with a huge number of tasks, constantly go on long business trips, and quickly begin new types of activities.

If a problem is not solved for a long time, such an employee may flare up, but quickly comes to his senses and finds the right solution.

Choleric child

Parents of a little choleric child have a very difficult time. His irrepressible energy often finds outlet in destruction and aggression. An explosive character begins to manifest itself in early childhood. You need to have very strong nerves to cope with this little hurricane.

Such children are very active, emotional, and expressive. They never sit still, but always rush around and destroy everything. They often have hysterics, during which they get it to everyone who happens to be nearby. In the heat of anger, they become aggressive and uncontrollable, and can throw objects and use their fists.

At school, a choleric child is the main ringleader and the soul of the company. He loves to be the center of attention and take a leadership position. He often incites his comrades into various pranks, many of which cannot be called harmless.

Choleric children can be either excellent or poor students, depending on the value of studying for them. They are very ambitious and strive to be the first in those areas that are important to them.

Such children quickly become independent and tend to fly away from their parents’ nest. In adolescence, parents may completely lose control over them if they have not managed to become an unquestioned authority by this time.

If your child exhibits strong traits of choleric temperament, consider the following tips:

1. Get your child into sports as early as possible. There his energy will find a constructive outlet, and the coach’s personality will become an additional authority. Energetic team sports suit him.
2. Emotions are your main enemy in raising a choleric child. You must be calm, cool, firm and reserved. Don’t be fooled by manipulation, don’t be overwhelmed by shouting and threats, act consistently.
3. Keep track of who your child communicates with and what information he gets from the Internet. He can easily fall into bad company and get into trouble.

Positive aspects of character:

• Optimism.
  Such people almost never get upset, because... can find a way out of the most difficult situations.
• Responsibility.
  In this regard, you can rely on choleric people; if they take on something, they take it very seriously.
• Persistence.
  If a person decides that he needs something, he will not give up on his goal.
• Versatility.
  Cholerics often try new things, so they do not stand still and move forward. As a result, they acquire a large amount of knowledge, skills and abilities.

Recommendations for choleric people

Representatives of this type of temperament need to seriously work on themselves in order to successfully socialize. They, like melancholic people, have an unbalanced nervous system, which makes them extremely emotionally unstable. But if melancholic people themselves suffer from emotional instability, then the excessive impulsiveness of choleric people “hits” the people around them.

The following recommendations will help choleric people smooth out the shortcomings of their temperament and enhance their virtues.

Don't try to suppress negativity

It is dangerous for choleric people to accumulate negativity inside themselves - sooner or later it breaks out. Look for socially acceptable ways to express aggression. Hang a punching bag at home and hit it with all your might during emotional outbursts, go into the forest to shout, hit dishes while no one is around.

And the best thing is to learn to sublimate destructive energy into creativity. You can, for example, try to depict your anger with a brush and paints or translate it into a piece of music. Look for ways to process strong emotions. You will definitely find them, because you have a lot of determination.

Develop empathy

Take your focus off your own ego and put it on other people. Listen to other people's opinions more often, pay attention to the feelings of others and learn to respect them. All people are different: some are strong in spirit and firm, while others are vulnerable and sensitive. You have a lot to learn from the latter, so don’t look down on them.

Gradually reduce the degree of your egoism, and people will be drawn to you. Be sensitive and careful with the feelings of loved ones. Do not skimp on kind words and expressions of love.

Also take a look at our selection of courses on developing emotional intelligence.

Get rid of hypercontrol

Choleric people try to keep everything under control and lead even where it is not required. For example, having called a plumber to fix a faucet, they will give instructions on how to do his job. They need to learn to let go and trust the flow of circumstances.

At least sometimes give yourself a break from management and leadership. Let others try themselves in this role too. Just don't criticize or lecture them, even if the result is not what you expected. You will realize that sometimes it is nice to be passive and receive outside guidance.

Be tactful

Good manners, politeness and tact are the adornment of any person, but choleric people often lack them. They are too straightforward to keep themselves within the rules. Their behavior often causes confusion and annoyance among others.

For example, a choleric woman can easily tell a colleague that she looks terrible, and consider herself almost a benefactor.

Learn to filter your speech. Every time you feel the urge to express your opinion, ask yourself whether this is your business. This is especially true for criticism and negative comments. Realize that by using foul language you primarily harm yourself. You gain a reputation as a bitter and envious person with whom it is unpleasant to deal.

Increase self-regulation

Cholerics need to learn to manage their emotions. You may not dream of complete control, but everyone can at least partially curb their inner element. To do this, start practicing meditation. Relax at least 20 minutes a day and learn to stop the flow of thoughts.

It will also be useful to master autogenic training according to Schultz. This unique method allows you to gain control over your emotions and some involuntary body functions. It is actively used by professional athletes before competitions.

Play sports

Sports are necessary for choleric people like air. Unrealized emotions accumulate in the body in the form of tension and cause disruptions in the functioning of the body. Physical activity helps neutralize excess norepinephrine, the rage hormone.

Active and energetic sports will suit you: football, basketball, hockey, boxing, wrestling, crossfit. All types of strength training and exercise in the gym also have a positive effect.

Extrovert in childhood

About studying

The most favorite and desired school subject for extroverted children is, of course, physical education . However, in this area, a lot depends on the teacher, who can instill a love for his lessons, providing such children with more “maneuvers” for self-expression (for example, periodically changing the model for presenting assignments) or completely discourage them from attending his subject, which the student will avoid due to monotony and abundance of dry theory.

The qualifications/experience of the teacher are extremely important! For example, if the teacher himself is passionate about what he is talking about, an extroverted student will immediately delve into the subject, trying to surpass the teacher’s intensity, which will lead to diligent study (at the same time, learning will be enjoyable) and success.

In general, children belonging to the personality type we are considering today are average students, since it is very difficult for them to sit through a lesson calmly while maintaining concentration on their studies.

About friendship

Extroverted children are very popular and have many acquaintances and friends with whom they can feel like real leaders. It is not surprising that if several children are playing a prank, the first “suspect” is naturally an extrovert.

At the same time, they lose friends as easily as they find them , rarely maintaining friendly relations after leaving school.

Dangers

Since an extroverted child tries to pay attention to everyone around him, as a result, the quality of such friendship suffers, which is why he can often feel lonely (even when in company).

The innate restlessness of an extrovert and high gambling often cause trouble, and therefore experts recommend enrolling hyperactive children in clubs (active electives are best).

In addition, since extroverted children are highly dependent on the opinions and assessments of others, they may decide to commit illegal actions if they find themselves in bad company.

How to communicate with a choleric person

Communicating with a choleric person is like walking through a minefield. One careless word and they explode into angry tirades and curses. In one of these outbursts, you may hear so many nasty things about yourself that you will forever no longer want to communicate with this person. And he will very quickly forget about the incident and behave as if nothing had happened.

Remember a few rules that will help you build more or less comfortable relationships with choleric people:

1. Praise and recognize their achievements. Cholerics love to bask in admiration and glory. Praise has a pacifying effect on them and temporarily softens their harsh disposition.
2. Do not attach much importance to their words spoken in the heat of emotion. Yes, they are straightforward and say what they think, but their words are greatly influenced by the situational factor. They may be in a bad mood and say some nasty things, but generally treat you well.
3. Don't try to put pressure on a choleric person. This will cause him to protest and want to do the opposite.
4. Cholerics love strong and bright personalities, so you should not obey them in everything. Show character and defend your point of view when necessary. The choleric person may pretend that he does not agree, but deep down he will listen to you.

Extrovert and relationships

Surely, the most attentive readers have noticed one paradox of the extrovert. Such individuals need people, but do not value them at all. Yes, it is extremely difficult for extroverts to focus on one person. This in turn leads to multiple relationships/marriages.

At the same time, if such a person finds his soul mate (true love), he will never let her go ! The “special” partner himself can easily notice that he becomes like this if the extrovert:

• makes compromises;
• tries to spend more time together;
• thinks about how and what exactly a loved one feels;

• brags about his choice of a significant other in front of other people;
• tries to devote time to his partner that is “intended” for others;
• allows the couple to control his affairs.

The jealousy of extroverted personalities is as dangerous as a flame . Threats, public scandals, damage to property and physical violence are, unfortunately, quite frequent accompaniments of relationships with these difficult people.

However, psychologists note that a tendency towards all of the above negativity can be considered at the first meeting with an extrovert. The main thing is to be careful. They also note that the percentage of aggressive people of this psychotype is extremely small.

Compatibility with other temperament types

Because of their temper, irritability and uncompromising nature, choleric people do not get along well with people. Partners are ready to tolerate the rudeness and directness of choleric people as long as their positive qualities compensate for all the negativity. If there is a bias in the other direction, then choleric people risk being left alone.

• With a phlegmatic person

The most favorable union for a choleric person. A calm and “thick-skinned” phlegmatic person extinguishes the emotional outbursts of his impulsive partner. In addition, he does not strive for dominance and gladly recognizes a leader in a choleric person. As a pair, they complement each other perfectly, despite their strong differences.

A choleric person, unlike a phlegmatic person, is active and energetic, therefore he is able to fill his partner’s life with interesting events. The second helps the first to curb his difficult temper.

• With a melancholic person

Such a union rarely lasts long. It is difficult for a vulnerable and sensitive melancholic person to be with a straightforward choleric person. Any rude word can greatly offend him and drive him into depression.

A choleric person will also not be happy with a melancholic person. He is irritated by weakness, pessimism and slowness - qualities that bloom magnificently in a melancholic person. He will often lash out at his partner, humiliate and ridicule him.

• With a sanguine person

At first, these two will be fun and interesting with each other, because they are both active, sociable, and active. But over time, mutual irritation will accumulate. Everyone will pull the blanket over themselves and try to take a leadership position.

A non-conflict and less stubborn sanguine person will give in to his partner at first, but he will quickly get tired of it.

• With a choleric person

Two choleric people will be interested and comfortable with each other until the first serious conflict. Their union will be more reminiscent of a battle for leadership than a relationship between two loving people. The desire for dominance is too strong in each of the partners.

If, nevertheless, they manage to hold out until marriage, then their life together will be full of scandals and showdowns, even assault.

Characteristic

In terms of the dynamic characteristics of the psyche, a choleric person is strong, unbalanced and mobile. This means that his mental states are not stable and replace each other. This type is distinguished by high initiative, efficiency during active work, the ability to easily overcome emerging difficulties, and a leadership position.

At the same time, such people often cannot restrain their emotional impulses, it is difficult for them to control their emotions, they are quick-tempered, but easy-going.

External signs

Cholerics often have similar external features, since nervous activity determines lifestyle and metabolism. Thus, the predominance of excitation processes over inhibition processes in the psyche leads to a thin or very slender physique and pointed features. Such people usually have elongated, elongated body parts, a narrow chest, an angular face with a pointed chin, prominent cheekbones, and a thin neck.

A person with a choleric temperament may not fit this description; this is usually due to forced changes in lifestyle towards decreased mobility, age-related characteristics or physiological diseases.

Character traits

A person with a choleric type of temperament is usually decisive, persistent, charismatic, passionate, very emotional, risk-taking, proactive and has varied interests. At the same time, he is characterized by increased temper, irritability, is constantly in a hurry and is not ready to engage in monotonous routine work.

Suitable professions

Cholerics are efficient, stress-resistant, assertive and purposeful. A job where all these qualities can manifest themselves in full force is suitable for them. They become excellent leaders and entrepreneurs, capable of leading an entire team. Difficulties do not frighten choleric people, but only kindle passion in them.

They should avoid professions associated with monotonous work and thorough study of a topic. Representatives of this type need constant movement and communication in the workplace. Quick reaction allows them to work in positions associated with danger and increased risk.

Here are some suitable professions for choleric people:

• journalist,
• TV and radio presenter,
• trainer,
• manager,
• pilot,
• dispatcher,
• diplomat,
• journalist,
• surgeon,
• driver,
• builder,
• investigator.

Choleric and work/career

There are no more suitable people for the position of boss/manager than choleric people. These individuals are naturally endowed with a sufficient “volume” of perseverance, motivation and energy, which allows them to ensure not only a successful career for themselves, but also for others. Looking at such a leader, no one can work slowly and/or ineffectively!

The only serious disadvantage of such a boss is his rudeness and excessive demands on his subordinates, from whom he demands the same thing that he does himself (work at a crazy pace and carry out a lot of actions).

The main work criteria that inspire choleric people are :

• spirit of competition, as well as the opportunity for career growth in the company;
• a cohesive and active work team, which consists, for the most part, of like-minded people;
• social status;

• complete absence of any criticism (no matter - fictitious or factual);
• independence, as well as freedom in decision-making;
• complex and interesting projects, the work on which requires intense effort and skills.

Choleric subordinates are energetic and proactive workers who are not used to waiting for new assignments, preferring to find something to do on their own or address this issue to their manager.

Such individuals often “pick up” their bosses, being strong and serious competitors for them, which can cause a lot of problems (if the boss guesses about the employee’s plans).

Psychologists include the following in the list of the most suitable professions for such persons:

• director;
• self employed;

• trainer;
• actor, correspondent;

• politician;
• Financial Consultant.