The unique Type D personality.
Each personality type has their own unique approach to life. While some of these approaches may overlap, a Type C personality is not the same as a Type D personality or vice versa.
It’s important to be aware of the differences among personality types.
Likewise, we must find appreciation for each one’s strengths and weaknesses as they can teach us a lot about the people in our lives.
Even if we don’t agree with someone’s outlook, we should still come to understand it.
The four personality types of A, B, C, and D aim to give us a simplified overview of the possible personalities around us.
One of the hardest types to understand is the Type D personality.
Related: Understanding Type A Personality And Type B Personality
What is a Type D personality?
The ‘D’ in this case refers to ‘distressed’ behavior and thoughts.
This means that people with a Type D personality generally have a lot of worry and anxiety about the situations and people in their life. As a result, they dislike frequent change and strive for stability.
For the Type D personality, the most important feeling is that of security.
They desire longevity in their jobs and relationships, wanting things to stay the way they are if that’s what makes them comfortable.
Repetition is a big part of the Type D’s everyday life and they have no problem with it.
You probably won’t find a Type D that appreciates spontaneity or high risk. They always want to feel safe, in control, and without conflict.
The Type D personality is often considered to be a debbie downer because of their pessimistic view on life.
However, this is their way of protecting themselves from disappointments in life.
Whether it works or not, a Type D is heavily concerned with appearing to be strong.
Sometimes the Type D personality is prone to being used because of their desire to please everyone.
Nonetheless, they are serious about caring for others.
Related: The Four Temperaments Test: What Is Your Four Temperaments Personality Type?
Positive Type D Personality Traits
1. Dependability
Consider yourself to be very lucky if you have a Type D friend in your life. It’s safe to assume that you can always count on them, even at a moment’s notice.
They pride themselves on being good caregivers and will stop at nothing to make sure that you’re okay. Their reliability is a reflection of their desire for security — they will give to others what they expect for themselves.
2. Compassion
A Type D personality involves high levels of empathy and compassion. They find it easy to understand where other people are coming from and are non-judgmental of the experiences of others.
Their kind and caring nature is admired by many. No one has as much compassion as a Type D person and they are very trustworthy.
3. Good work ethic
Since the Type D personality does well with repetition, they are very good at jobs associated with consistent tasks. They won’t get bored of doing the same thing over and over, but rather prefer it this way.
They often want the approval of their boss and co-workers and while this can be unhealthy, it guarantees that they will give their best effort in whatever they do. https://5fe4b2c73fa66e09e90c1c1b5e550a71.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
4. Laid-back
Type D personalities are focused on keeping tensions low and relaxation high. They feel best in a calm environment that doesn’t ask too much of them.
That said, their self-care is usually a priority. This relaxed personality trait adds to their ability to actively listen to others and be a supportive person. If the chaos of the day-to-day ever becomes too much, they know how to get grounded.
Negative Type D Personality Traits
1. Fear of rejection
Due to their desire to make other people happy, a Type D personality is afraid of being judged or rejected. They want to help and care for others simply because they want to be accepted by them.
Any notion that they are not good enough could send a Type D into a tailspin. Being accepted by others gives them a sense of self-worth.
Related: What You See First Reveals Your Deepest Unconscious Fear: Visual Personality Test
2. Frequent feelings of sadness
As has already been mentioned, Type D personalities struggle with their emotions because of their worrying. Oftentimes known for being overthinkers, they will make things seem worse than they really are.
In addition, they choose to keep their emotions bottled up for fear of burdening the people around them. This only leads to more feelings of being overwhelmed.
3. Lack self-confidence
The Type D personality may sometimes struggle with self-confidence and love. They put unnecessary pressure on themselves to be there for everyone but neglect to do the same for themselves.
They tend to put their own needs to the side as a way to avoid dealing with what really needs to be worked on — them. Type D’s are also known for partaking in negative self-talk.
4. Inflexible
We can’t all welcome change like it doesn’t alter our lives, but this isn’t even a remote possibility for a Type D personality. If something comes along that messes up the stability they have created, they probably won’t handle it well.
Since our lives are constantly evolving, it’s necessary to become accustomed to the shifts but a Type D is not confident in their abilities to do so and may see it as the world is cruel to them.
Related: 7 Struggles of an INFJ Personality Type
Comparable Enneagram & Myers Briggs Personality Types
If you’re more familiar with the Enneagram personality types, a Type D personality might show itself as the investigator (5) or the peacemaker (9).
On the other hand, some Myers-Briggs types that might be a Type D personality are the ESTP, ESFP, ISTP, or the ISFP.
Originally appeared on: Your Tango
Republished with permission.
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