Jealousy is an emotion we all feel from time to time. It can be as simple as feeling left out when friends make plans without you. It can also be as intense as worrying someone might take your spot at work. But did you know that your temperament can influence how jealous you feel? Some people are more likely to feel jealous because of their temperament.
Today, we’ll see which temperament is the most jealous. Let’s go!
Overview of the Four Main Temperaments
The temperament theory has been around for years and is still used to understand personalities today. The idea is simple: we all have different temperaments which basically shape the way we live. They are grouped into four main temperaments: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic.
- Melancholic: The quiet deep thinkers. They can sometimes be overly critical or pessimistic.
- Sanguine: The social and lively ones who love being around people. They are optimistic and friendly but also easily distracted.
- Choleric: The ambitious leaders who are strong-willed, confident, and driven.
- Phlegmatic: The calm and easygoing ones. They are usually the peacemakers.
The Connection Between Temperament and Jealousy
This is an interesting topic. People’s temperaments shape how they experience and express emotions, including jealousy.
A research work published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that individuals with high neuroticism and low agreeableness and openness are more likely to be jealous. High neuroticism means the tendency to feel negative emotions more often than others. Low agreeableness implies less concern for others’ feelings. Low openness suggests a preference for the familiar over the new.
Also, temperaments with a stronger competitive nature are more likely to feel jealous. Judging by their mix of traits, the choleric temperament is the most jealous.
How Each Temperament Handles Jealousy
Each temperament has its strengths and weaknesses and reacts differently to things. Let’s take a look at how they handle jealousy.
Sanguine: The Social Butterfly
Sanguines don’t have a problem with jealousy because they’re naturally outgoing and command attention. If they do feel jealous, it tends to be brief. It doesn’t usually get in the way. Their jealousy is often more about wanting to be in the spotlight than anything deeply personal.
Melancholic: The Thoughtful Observer
Melancholics are sensitive and deep thinkers. They may feel jealous in situations where everyone else is appreciated but them. But they may not even show their jealousy outwardly. Their jealousy is connected to their fear of losing important relationships or falling short of their high standards.
Phlegmatic: The Peaceful Mediator
Phlegmatics are the least jealous. They never let jealousy control them one bit. If they feel jealous, they will work through it in their own time. Phlegms are more likely to focus on harmony rather than acting out of jealousy.
Choleric: The Competitive Leader
Cholerics, on the other hand, have the strongest link to jealousy. Why? They’re very competitive and driven by a need to be in control. They hate losing, whether it’s in a game or in life. This makes them the most jealous temperament. If a Choleric feels someone is threatening their position—whether at work or in a relationship—they can become possessive, defensive, and sometimes aggressive.
Why Choleric Temperament is the Most Jealous Temperament
Out of all four temperaments, it’s clear that the Choleric temperament is the most jealous. Their strong competitive nature makes jealousy a common reaction when they feel threatened. Cholerics are known for many traits that make them more jealous than other temperament types.
Let’s break down these traits and how they contribute to their jealous nature.
#1: Their High Ambition
Cholerics have a strong desire to be successful. They set high goals for themselves and work so hard to reach them. This drive can make them extra sensitive to any potential threats to their position or success. For example, imagine a choleric manager who has worked hard to become the team leader. If a new colleague starts getting positive attention from the boss, the choleric might feel jealous and worried that their position is at risk.
#2: Their Assertiveness
Cholerics are bold and confident. They don’t shy away from speaking their mind and taking charge of situations. This trait makes them excellent leaders. But if they feel that someone else‘s opinions overshadow theirs, jealousy can set in. Their assertive nature can easily come off as possessive.
#3: Their Competitiveness
One of the defining traits of a choleric is their competitive nature. They are always aiming to be the best and want to come out on top in any situation. This drive is great for pushing them toward success; but can easily turn into jealousy when someone starts to outperform them. They might react negatively to the success of others.
#4: Their Need for Control
Cholerics like to be in charge. They feel most comfortable when they are the ones calling the shots. This need for control can make them wary of anyone who tries to change the direction of things. For instance, if a choleric sees a colleague who handles things independently, they may feel jealous that this person has no need of their input.
#5: Their Low Tolerance for Failure
Cholerics are not fond of failure and in fact, take it very personally. They always want to prove themselves and be recognized for their hard work. If there’s even a hint that their importance might be reduced, jealousy can quickly surface. For example, if a choleric’s partner is praised for their achievements, the choleric might feel like they’re being overshadowed.
Tips to Relate Better with a Jealous Choleric
To improve your relationship with a jealous Choleric, try the following:
#1: Acknowledge their achievements
Taking the time to recognize their hard work can mean a lot. This simple act makes them feel valued and respected. Encourage them. A simple “I believe in you” or expressing admiration for their drive will reinforce their sense of security.
#2: Understand their need for control
Cholerics like to lead, so give them the space to do so whenever the need arises. It keeps their confidence high. This way, they don’t feel threatened.
#3: Show empathy when they open up
Chop/Mels hardly express their emotions. But if they eventually do, it’s important to show empathy. It encourages them to share more. You don’t need to have all the answers. Simply acknowledging their feelings can make a big difference..
#4: Include them in everything you can
Cholerics don’t like being left out. Ensure they are included in conversations and activities. It’ll also keep them from feeling jealous of others.
#5: Practice open communication
Avoid mixed signals. Practicing open communication is key when dealing with a jealous choleric. It reduces misunderstandings and builds trust. Try using simple and direct language in your communication. Listen actively to their concerns and explain your actions when necessary.!
Conclusion
Jealousy is an emotion that we all deal with, but how we handle it depends on our temperament. Choleric temperament is the most jealous, thanks to their competitive and ambitious spirit. Understanding this helps everyone—Cholerics and others—better handle jealousy.
As a choleric, the most important thing is self-awareness. When you know what triggers your jealousy, you can learn to manage it better. Take time to understand why you’re feeling jealous. Is it based on real threats, or is it just fear? Work on trusting the people around you. And instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on growth.
