FUN WITH PERSONALITY TYPES

[kagekachou]

The following babble was written many, many months ago, and was originally a digression in that Tatsumi essay I was writing (which has now been broken up into a series of more manageable bits). (And yes, my essays grow digressions. stfu.)


So there was this book sale the other day a few months half a year ago, and if there’s anything that makes me happier than books, it’s getting books that are normally $14.99 for $4.99. This being the case, I plunked down some money for one of those "understanding your personality" books, The Four Temperaments by Renee Baron. Personally, I was extremely amused by how completely I fit into one of the four personality types.

Then I said to myself, "Hey, you know who else does this temperament type reminds me of? LOLZ."

Later that night, I actually bothered to look at the other three temperament types and I thought, "Hey, you could actually assign each one of these temperament types one of the fab four shinigami." I did successfully resist the urge to paste that picture with the four manga headshots on the cover of the book (you know, this one) -– but don’t you think it would look pretty if I did?

Anyhow, take a look, see what you think. (And I really mean that -- I obviously play only one of these four here, a lot of this is just offering up material for all to share.) There's a certain corny-ness to personality type thingies, but... I'll admit, there were some points I read that made me go "...huh, now that I think about it, that's true -- I never realized that" or "man, I wish somebody had given so-and-so this book when they were dealing with me when I was a kid :/" Etc..

Watari subtle whoring goes here subtle whoring no longer needed! struck me as being an Experience Seeker. A few things in particular that stood out to me? (The following are all direct quotes.)

• motivated by the need to act spontaneously on their impulses – not just for fun, but for problem solving


• value their freedom and independence


• often do well – and actually thrive – in crisis situations


• like variety, experimentation, and surprise, and doing things unconventionally


• prefer to keep things light and upbeat


• outgoing, enthusiastic, buoyant nature

And there were a lot of other things I could talk about. But I am not playing Watari -- nor will I be, because the playercest would KILL ME -- and this essay is not about him WE HAVE A WATARI NOW! Anyhow. Um. Next!

To me, Kurosaki-kun Hisoka seems to fall into the Knowledge Seeker category. Why don’t we have another handy little list of quotes that made me go "aha!"?

• They have a strong resolve to accomplish the things they set their minds on, and they strive for self-mastery and improvement in everything they do.


• want to be in control of their own lives


• like to remain calm, cool, and level-headed. They do not want to be controlled by their emotions, spontaneous impulses, urges, or desires because that could lead to making mistakes or looking foolish.


• can have intense and passionate feelings but can be reserved about showing them. They are more comfortable expressing their thoughts than their feelings.


• are sensitive to rejection but often hide their vulnerability with a show of coolness and detachment. They can feel deeply but tend to let their guard down only with people they trust.


• tend to develop intimate relationships cautiously and slowly.


• are not usually focused on acquiring material things beyond the necessities for basic security or comfort, with the exception of technological gadgets and books.


• [Introverted Knowledge Seekers] are sometimes attracted to more outgoing partners who provide a bridge to the outside world.


• [As children and teens] are bright, clever, and challenged by learning. They are often labeled as bookworms or brains. Their intellectual development usually proceeds at a faster rate than their social development.


• often have little or no interesting developing social graces or being popular. Many prefer books and computers to school dances and football games.

Knowledge Seekers are stressed by:

• obstacles that stand between them and their goals.


• feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt about their capabilities or accomplishments


• not being recognized for their true level of competency.


• overworking and forgetting their bodily needs.


• feeling powerless or out of control.

...I’m thinking that I should stop this now. (Though I could go on.) Next!

It hadn’t occurred to me immediately, but upon actually going beyond the label name and reading this section of the book, I think that Tsuzuki can, indeed, be plunked into the Ideal Seeker category.

• They search for personal meaning and significance in life. "Who am I?" is an ongoing question for them, and there’s always a deeper level of meaning to explore.


• are passionate about the things they believe in. They devote a great deal of time and energy to fostering and maintaining relationships


• are keenly perceptive, insightful, and sensitive to feelings – their own and other people’s. They are the most empathic of all the temperaments.


• support others by trying to understand them more than by meeting their practical needs.


• are sensitive to the moods and feelings of others, especially when they are hurting or in conflict.


• seek affirmation and approval from those important to them.


• can sometimes suppress their negative feelings, especially anger.


• Extroverted Ideal Seekers are verbally expressive and relate with warmth and affection to others. They can be charming and charismatic.


• [As children and teens] respond well to praise and are hypersensitive to criticism. They can withdraw, become insecure, and lose confidence when criticized.


• have few defenses against negativity and conflict and can suffer tremendous emotional distress, or even physical illness, when they witness coldness or cruelty.


• are often determine to make a difference, especially in the lives of others. They can make significant and selfless contribution to the welfare of humankind.

Ideal Seekers are stressed by:

• having high expectations of themselves and feeling guilty when they’re not living up to their standards.


• not believing or trusting in themselves.


• witnessing harshness, cruelty, or injustice, especially toward children.


• becoming moody and obsessed with their intense inner world, and overcome by the dark side of life.


• never being quite certain of their sense of themselves.


• failing to set limits and boundaries and being taken advantage of by others.

People of other temperaments can find Ideal Seekers to be:

• warm-hearted, personable, genuine, empathetic, and compassionate, offering others a sense of unconditional love.


• seeing the potential good in people and humanity.


• interesting to talk to and often good listeners.


• self-absorbed in their search for meaning. Their complex personalities are often puzzling to others, even to themselves.

...oh, Tsuzuki. Ah. Next.

Going back to the beginning of this all, my immediate instinct was to place Tatsumi as a Security Seeker. Just the name seemed like a good fit to me. And... the following is going to be long, ahahaha.

• Being useful and doing their duty gives them a sense of self-respect and a feeling of belonging.


• They honor and respect the customs, traditions, and social standards of the society and groups to which they belong – the family, community, or organization. Doing so gives them a sense of safety and stability.


• Rules, regulations, and conformity make things stable and predictable and facilitate accountability.


• provide for their family’s financial well-being and are willing to make sacrifices in the present for the sake of financial security.


• focus on the day-to-day business of living and show caring by doing practical things


• take pride in keeping the things they value well-cared for. Their possessions can be thought of as extensions or reflections of themselves.


• are organized and orderly and thrive on structure and routine.


• value social appropriateness.


• Thinking-type Security Seekers are often direct and straightforward, and they sometimes overwhelm others with their bluntness. They can be insensitive of people’s needs and feelings and how their remarks or judgments affect others. They are often unaware of their own feelings and emotional needs, especially their tender or vulnerable feelings. Expressing warmth can be difficult.


• Security Seekers like to think and talk about concrete, tangible, observable information (prices, wages, food, clothing, recreation, people, children, time, the weather). When communicating, they like things to be stated clearly and specifically and to make sense.

As children and teens, Security Seekers:

• are usually cooperative, respectful of authority, and want to please adults. They often respond to criticism or punishment by trying even harder.


• don’t usually question the rules -- if they make sense. They can have streaks of stubbornness if the rules don’t make sense, however.


• are concerned about doing things the "right" way (chores, homework, and so on).


• often become responsible at an early age. They can sometimes act like a parent toward other children and even toward a parent.


• thrive in a predictable and consistent environment with clearly defined guidelines.


• have trouble with ambiguity, uncertainty, and constant change. They like knowing that what is so today will be so tomorrow.

At work:

• value thoroughness and accuracy and pay attention to the details and the "fine print."


• like to stick to standard ways of doing things and are resistant to change. Risk is carefully weighed against the likelihood of success.


• often have a formal or official style of dealing with colleagues until they get to know them.


• Introverted Security Seekers often prefer working independently, behind the scenes. They like to work with a minimum of interruption and focus on one project or task. Although they tend to not seek leadership positions, they can make important contributions when they hold such positions.


• Thinking-type Security Seekers work better with facts and numbers than with people. They tolerate the procedures and regulations of an institution but can be impatient with the individuals. They are skillful at organizing data in a systematic, logical way and applying the information practically. They are tough and firm, but fair.

At leisure:

• They sometimes find it hard to relax because they prefer to be “productive.” Even on vacation, they want to use their time well.

Others find Security Seekers:

• are loyal and dependable.


• are there through the hard times and willing to go the extra mile.


• are responsible and trustworthy and do what they say they will do. Their word is their bond.


• are helpful and supportive in practical ways.


• have high standards, morals, and principles.


• are organized and efficient and take care of the practical details of life.


• can be close-minded, self-righteous, and convinced their way is the only right way.


• can be stickers for rules.


• can be overly cautious and resistant to change.


• can be pessimistic and worry about everything that could go wrong. They think people who don’t worry are irresponsible.


• can be stingy with money.

...oh, and also a practical suggestion for Security Seekers, concerning relationships.

"Beware of rescuing irresponsible or dependent people. Realize that you can be supportive of others without doing things for them."

There was something of a point to all of that, other than the fact that it amused me. Reading through the descriptions did help me to put into words and summarize character aspects that I have been playing but hadn’t mentally articulated yet.


Well, I wouldn't exactly call that "essaying," but it does feel good to at least get some of the proof that I spend way too much time thinking about this stuff off of my harddrive and out into the world of the internets where anybody can find it.

...wait, what.

Comments

[esp_not_pms]

...no really, did Matsushita find a copy of this book in Japanese before she actually made Tatsumi and Watari important characters?

Which is to say, saving this and omg ♥

[drink-this.livejournal.com]

I'm always skeptical about these "Understand Your Personality" books and personality tests (yay psychometrics), but then we're not dealing with real people here. Like Hisoka said, I really think Matsushita might have looked up personality types before fleshing out her characters. They all just fit into their own little boxes too well!

Confession time: I actually took myers-briggs for Watari before I was even accepted into camp. He came out as a ENTP (Inventor), which was absolutely perfect. Also, it matches up to the traits listed above too!