The melancholy temperament is deeply thoughtful and sensitive.  They are usually a quieter individual and like to watch, look and listen before participating.  They love to analyze things and often enjoy graphs and charts.  Many teachers, poets, artists, songwriters and musicians have melancholy temperaments. They are artistic and appreciative of beauty.  They are sensitive to the needs of others and are often self-sacrificing. They are usually very gifted, creative and talented.

They have a more serious nature than the Sanguine temperament.  However, the Sanguine can lighten the disposition of a Sanguine -- or drive them crazy.  A Melancholy has the ability to help the Sanguine focus and work tasks to completion. The melancholy iis an excellent problem solver. They are faithful friends and good advisers.

As a parent, they set high standards for their children.  They like to keep everything in excellent order and do not tolerate messy surroundings very well.  They like everything orderly and organized.  They will sacrifice their own will for others and will never cut in front of another in a line!  They encourage scholarship and talent.  They like structure. They are schedule oriented with high standards.

They are task oriented and are driven to complete a task once they start. Their perfectionism makes them detail conscious, persistent and thorough.  They are able to see through problems and work through creative solutions.

They make friends cautiously.  You know you have a melancholy temperament child if they are a little resistant to change.  They make friends slowly. They will usually stand back and only venture out once they scope out the situation thoroughly. They will seek out one playmate that is a little reserved as well and cautiously approach that child.  They adapt a little slower to surroundings, but once they are comfortable, they excel to their usual perfection.

A melancholy person is content to stay in the background.  They are not comfortable with being in the spotlight and they do not appreciate being put on the spot if they are not prepared.  They are faithful and devoted friends and mates.  They are excellent listeners and will listen to others with patience and compassion to the point of tears.

They can be a little moody and negative. They can enjoy being the martyr if indulged in that capacity.  They can place goals beyond their reach and become discouraged if they cannot meet them to the highest standard. They can be very critical of themselves as well as critical of others. They can spend too much time planning and be hesitant to start a project.  They can be difficult to please because of such high standards, unforgiving at times, and they do not accept compliments very well. Flattery will not get you anywhere unless it is truly sincere.

When working with a melancholy temperament in conflict, please remember that they are very sensitive and that they become hurt very easily.  Realize that they can be pessimistic, but appreciate their ability to be excellent critical thinkers and problem-solvers.  You can trust them to do almost anything to the very best of their ability if given the chance to do so and they do not feel intimidated or judged.

Encourage them to express their feelings.  Once they trust you enough to express them, do not undermine their feelings.  Compliment them sincerely and in caring ways.  Accept that they like it quiet sometimes.  Help them not to become slaves to the family and become overly sacrificing to the point where their needs are taking too low of a priority in the household.  Appreciate that they love beauty and the gentle things in life and just enjoy who they are!