The original temperaments list was based on the 4
temperaments. However, the modern researchers stumble on the type of
personality, which did not fit properly any of the exiting temperaments.
The fifth temperament was developed and officially
introduced by Drs. Richard and Phyllis Arno in 1983.
Supine - The Fifth
Temperament
The Supine temperament is the quintessential model of a
servant leader. They always place their own needs secondary to the good of the
body. It is presented as a balanced mix between Melancholic and Sanguine
temperaments, while the person may be introvert and extrovert as well.
Motivated to be useful in a larger sense, Supines are
driven to serve a higher cause than their own self-interest. This can lead them
to appear subservient and even deferent when it comes to their own needs, but
in the interest of their chosen causes, they can be fiercely assertive. At
their best, they’re caring, gentle, dependable and loyal; at their worst they
can be insecure, weak-willed, and indecisive, failings which sometimes lead
them to be manipulative and to hold a grudge.
Supine in
Inclusion
The Supine temperament is a temperament that has many
interests and cares, but little ability or need to express their needs. Being supine
is like feeling having tape over the mouth. He often has a wish or desire, but
is unable or unwilling to express himself. Supine people often wish that others
could "read their minds.
Others may have ever observed that you are too sensitive
or easily offended. Slow-paced and diligent,
Supines are not indifferent or uncaring about life. Quite
the opposite, they may have strong feelings but simply be unwilling to express
themselves.
Supines have a view of the world that makes them consider
others to be superior to themselves. They frequently employ themselves in
positions that permit them to be servants to others. The will dutifully work to
please others, who they see as better than themselves.
Supine does not express much need for social contact, but
the need for social contact for the Supine is very great! They look like they
do not want, but the fact is they want very much! They have a great need for
social relationships. They effective hide their needs and expect you to read
their mind. And if you fail to correctly read their mind, they will be
"hurt!"
Features:
* You like being with people, within reason.
* You like people to be real.
*You find it embarrassing when paid a compliment.
* You are kindhearted.
* You prefer to be invited rather than to invite.
* Your feelings are easily offended.
Supine in Control
The area of Control deals with decision making, willingness
to take on responsibility, and the need for independence. A Supine will always
be inclined to seek out others advice when trying to make a decision. Supines
feel very inadequate and consider themselves incapable of making a good decision
on their own. They make seek out the counsel of several, and become quite
confused if they receive differing opinions. They have such an intense need to
serve others, so they often become "natural born victims."
Supine individuals like to be involved in the decision
making process, and will be offended if left out, but they do not want to make
the final decisions or assume the responsibility for them. A supine is also
like to be the type of person who harbors a great deal of anger and resentment.
They are often excluded from the decision-making process, which they perceive
as rejection. They also see that they live in an environment that wants them to
be responsible for their lives, but they don't feel confident enough to
actually do so. Other temperament types may view the Supine as a dominating
individual. By all outward appearances they are. But the real truth is that
they are manipulating others into taking care of them, and do no want the
responsibility of actual decision making.
Life is not easy for the Supine. As youngsters, they’re
often tormented and abused by other children. They are typically slow to fight
back. Instead they tend to internalize their anger and hurt, actually believing
they deserve the treatment they receive.
Features:
* You like to be organized.
* You wish people would read your mind.
* Sometimes you find it hard to speak your mind.
* You sometimes take on more than you can do.
Supine in
Affection
The area of Affection refers to the need for close, deep,
personal relationships. Because of their inability or unwillingness to express
their needs, most Supines fail to get their needs met. While they appear
reserved and cool, the fact is they are truly in need of a lot of close, personal
affection, love, and attention. Since they find it nearly impossible to
actually express themselves, they simply cannot get their needs communicated.
The image of a prisoner bound and gagged is not far from the truth of being a
Supine in Affection.
However, if a Supine actually feels safe in a close,
personal relationship, they can respond and return expressions of caring. They
can become intensely loyal, producing absolute, complete faithfulness. No temperament
is more prone to this kind of intense loyalty.
Features:
* You may be emotional, crying easily.
* You experience deep affection but find it hard to
initiate.
* You want honesty in close relationships.
* You sense you need attention, but find it difficult to talk
about.
The strengths of the
Supine
* A great capacity for service, liking people, and the
desire to serve others. They possess an inborn gentle spirit.
* Dependability, ability to enforce “the policies” set by
others and to serve those they follow, their caretakers, with absolute loyalty.
* The ability to respond to love and to open up
emotionally when they feel emotionally “safe.” If treated properly, they are
capable of absolute and total commitment to deep personal relationships.
The weaknesses of
the Supine
* Indirect behavior that expects others to read their
mind, high fear of rejection, and harboring anger viewed as “hurt feelings”.
* Aggressive disorders, open dependence, defensive
against loss of position, weak willpower, a tendency to feel powerless and at
the mercy of others.
* The inability to initiate love and affection. They
require constant reassurance that they are loved, needed and appreciated.
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