The Most Stubborn Temperament? Stubborn people are like unmovable boulders in the river of life—solid, determined, and sometimes a little too set in their ways. You know them: the friend who insists they don’t need directions (even when they’ve circled the same block three times); or the colleague who won’t budge on their idea, no matter how much logic you bring.
These are the hallmarks of the most stubborn temperament. Love them or lose patience with them, they only do what they want to do. Oxford Dictionary defines the word, ‘Stubbornness’ as dogged determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something.
From this definition, some people might guess that Cholerics are the ‘culprits.’ However, the most stubborn temperament is actually the phlegmatic temperament. If you’ve ever met someone who sticks to their routines, there’s a good chance they are a Phleg.
In this post, we’ll see why phlegmatics are the most stubborn temperament and how you can relate with them better.
How Are Phlegmatics the Most Stubborn Temperament?
Phlegmatics are known for their calm, easygoing nature. They’re the kind of people who avoid conflict and confrontations. But don’t be fooled, because when a phlegmatic sets their mind on something, they can be incredibly stubborn.
An interesting fact is that their stubbornness is not loud and aggressive. It’s quiet like a tree rooted deep in the earth. Other temperament types might argue and passionately defend their views but a phlegmatic simply digs their heels in without saying much. They might seem agreeable on the surface, but deep down they’ve already decided they’re not budging.
Their resolve comes from their desire to avoid conflict and maintain inner peace. They stand firm in their decisions but aren’t pushy about it. This might frustrate others but it also means phlegmatics are trustworthy since they won’t easily give up on what matters to them.
Key Traits of Phlegmatics That Make Them The Most Stubborn Temperament
#1: Phlegmatics Love Routine
Phlegmatics love routine and consistency. Whether it’s their work schedule or daily habits, they want things to stay the same. Change naturally makes them a bit anxious. For instance, a phlegmatic who’s used to working at the same desk every day may not want to move to a new workspace, even if it’s for a better reason.
#2: Avoidance of Conflict
Phlegmatics are peacemakers at heart. They hate arguments like cats hate baths. They’ll do almost anything to keep the peace. Basically, their stubbornness isn’t about aggressively proving a point. They stick to their beliefs and avoid as much drama as possible. If they think a decision might stir up tension, they won’t bring it up.
#3: Fear of the Unknown
One of the strongest drivers of their stubbornness is their fear of the unknown. Phlegmatics don’t like stepping out of their comfort zones. New ideas, new people, or new situations make them unsure. This can make them resist trying new things, regardless if there’s potential for improvement.
#4: Dependable Nature
Phlegmatics are known for being dependable, which is a great quality. But here’s the twist: that same dependability makes them incredibly stubborn. Once a phlegmatic has made up their mind, it’s like they’ve planted a flag and built a fortress around it. It’s not that they’re intentionally trying to be difficult. They just genuinely believe in standing by what they’ve decided, come what may.
#5: Low Need for Novelty
Unlike the more spontaneous temperaments like sanguines, phlegmatics don’t seek out new experiences. This low need for novelty can make them stubborn because they often don’t see the point in changing something that already works. To them, sticking with the tried-and-true is the smarter choice.
The Good Side of Phlegmatics’ Stubbornness
Oh yes, there are good sides to stubbornness. Phlegmatics might be the most stubborn temperament but that’s exactly what makes them so dependable. It goes hand-in-hand. Their stubbornness often means they are reliable. Once a phlegmatic commits to something, they follow through with patience. This is why Phlegs are the most recommended people to handle long-term projects.
They also tend to be thoughtful and reflective, taking their time to make sure they are doing what is best. So while their stubbornness may seem frustrating, it can also be seen as a form of steadfastness. You can count on them to keep their word because they hold onto their decisions and beliefs.
Their stubbornness shows up as patience, resilience, and an almost magical ability to weather any chaos around them. And honestly, isn’t that kind of stubbornness something the world could use more of?
The Bad Side of Phlegmatics’ Stubbornness
Of course, being the most stubborn temperament comes with its challenges. For starters, phlegmatics can be resistant to innovation. A phlegmatic who’s been doing the same job for years might refuse to learn new skills or change their approach.
At work, their stubbornness can cause problems for team members. Imagine trying to get a team project off the ground and every time you suggest a new idea, a phleg shut it down without saying why. Frustrating, right? This slows down productivity and everyone ends up scrambling to make up for the delay.
It can be worse in close relationships. The other person ends up carrying most of the emotional load. When someone’s so focused on avoiding conflict that they won’t even have a simple conversation about an issue, it only builds up tension.
Lastly, even though phlegs don’t shout, their passive-aggressive stubbornness can feel like manipulation. This is because it puts everyone else in a position where they need to either give in or totally ignore the Phleg.
How to Relate Better with the Most Stubborn Temperament
If you want to relate better with a phleg, it’s important to approach them with understanding of their passive stubbornness. Here are a few tips:
#1: Be Patient
Phlegmatics don’t change their minds easily, so trying to rush them or force a decision is counterproductive. Give them time to think things over.
#2: Respect Their Love for Routines
Instead of pushing them to try something new right away, suggest gradual changes that don’t completely disrupt their comfort.
#3: Communicate Gently
They respond better to calm, friendly conversations rather than heated debates or ultimatums. Be clear about your points but keep the tone light and non-confrontational.
#4: Highlight the Benefits
If you’re trying to convince them of something, show them how it benefits them directly. Phlegmatics are more likely to consider a change if they truly understand how it fits into their current lifestyle.
#5: Reassure Them
Since phlegmatics value stability, they often need reassurance that changes won’t lead to chaos. When necessary, assure them that they will be okay with the effect of the change.
Also read: What To Know About The Quiet Introvert Parent
Conclusion
The phlegmatic temperament, typically considered the most stubborn temperament, has unique qualities that define them. It is easier to work with their stubbornness once you understand it. They love routine and stability, which can sometimes make them seem inflexible. But with a little patience and understanding, you can find common ground and connect with them effectively.
Patience, respect, and gentle encouragement can help them feel more at ease with change. And don’t forget, their consistency and dependability are important strengths. So, next time you’re interacting with a phlegmatic, keep these tips in mind to make things go more smoothly.
