The Sanguine Temperament:

Positive Potential

The individual with the sanguine temperament has enchanting possibilities. He tends to be artistic, cheerful, intelligent and sincere.

When deciding on discipline and guidance, take into consideration both the positive and negative tendencies. Following are suggestions to help the sanguine child over his weaknesses and develop his outgoing, creative ways:

• Develop a habit of reflection--In temporal affairs, the leaning to impulsive behavior and just skimming the surface needs to be tempered. He must also be guided to dispel over- confidence and over-optimism. Learning to views things from different angles and taking time to consider a situation, point-by-point, good and bad, will reduce spur-of-the-moment, risky behavior.

  Emphasize spiritual matters by encouraging reading, praying, examination of conscience, etc. Promote regular meditation. Quiet moments, which are difficult for one with the sanguine temperament, will allow him to slow down, deepen his thought and vision, and thus be very beneficial. Because he is so easily distracted, gently remind him keep on track and if his mind wanders, to return as soon as he's aware of it. (Superficial routine and just mouthing words are to be avoided. Active attention is the goal here.)

• Practice mortification of the senses--The person is acutely aware of his senses so he must be directed to refrain from overindulgence, especially concerning food, drink, sex and materialism. Guarding the eyes, ears, tongue, touch is important.

  He should mull over the importance of sacrifice and self-denial. Keep the lives of Jesus, Mary, saints and holy people before him. Point out that their difficulties and sufferings were necessary and resulted in eternal happiness and glory.

• Appreciate the truly beautiful--Use his natural inclination of the love of beauty to introduce him to fine art, music and a refined style of life. By studying and becoming familiar with classics, crass and vulgar art, music, dress, manners, activities, objects will be repugnant and lose much appeal.

• Allow only good influences--The sanguine is very susceptible to suggestion. He must be taught to avoid the occasion of sin. At all costs, he must stay away from temptation. Teach him to "cut it off at the pass." He can learn to be aware of magazines, books, shows, which might present a danger. Then he has to turn his attention elsewhere and religiously avoid them.

  Good companions are absolutely essential. Even with a very young child, elders must be careful with whom he plays. Because he can be so easily seduced, the sanguine youngster will pick up any and all bad habits in language, actions, attitude, and dress. Discreet but close supervision is necessary through the teen-age years .

• Check his work regularly--If it is not done properly and completely, he should re-do it until it is satisfactory. Insist on perseverance and order.

As Father Conrad Hock notes, "Leave him his cheerfulness and let him have his fun, only guard against overdoing it."

With the weaknesses checked, his sunny, compassionate and creative disposition should be encouraged and celebrated. One with a well-trained and disciplined sanguine temperament is a joy to all.

The Sanguine: Strengths

The Sanguine: Weaknesses

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