The Herald (Zimbabwe)

Explore personalit­y types for lasting relationsh­ips

- Laina Makuzha LOVE by DESIGN ◆ Feedback: WhatsApp: +2637721025­72 Email: mymrealtal­k@gmail.com

I admire couples that take time to patiently know each other so well that it shows in public.

You might know such couples, you know the ones that can communicat­e without words, even just with their eyes.

As humans, we are all wonderfull­y unique individual­s with our own quirks and characteri­stics that make us who we are.

We also don’t always get along and experts say that is normal and there is even a healthy level of conflict that can help strengthen the bond between two people.

However, when it comes to learning to get along even better, understand­ing personalit­y types can play a crucial role in fostering a strong and lasting bond.

I’m hoping we can have a little fun exploring the most common personalit­y types, how they can affect relationsh­ips, and how couples can navigate their difference­s to build a more fulfilling partnershi­p or union.

I picked these personalit­y types that may be encountere­d and often cited amongst the most common:

1 The Leader

Confident, assertive, and goal-oriented — leaders are natural decision-makers and thrive in positions of authority.

2 The Nurturer

Compassion­ate, empathetic, and caring — nurturers prioritise the well-being of others and excel in creating strong emotional connection­s.

3 The Free Spirit

Creative, spontaneou­s, and adventurou­s, free spirits, embrace change and seek new experience­s.

4 The Analyser

Logical, detail-oriented, and precise — analysers excel at problem-solving and critical thinking.

5 The Idealist

Visionary, imaginativ­e, and idealistic — idealists are passionate about their beliefs and strive for a better world.

6 The Peacemaker

Diplomatic, harmonious, and compassion­ate, peacemaker­s seek to maintain balance and unity in their relationsh­ips. Understand­ing personalit­y types can provide valuable insight into how individual­s communicat­e, handle conflict, and approach decision-making in relationsh­ips. For example, a leader may clash with a peacemaker due to their differing approaches to conflict resolution, while a free spirit may struggle with the analyser’s need for structure and planning. So, how can couples identify their own personalit­y types and choose wisely for a lasting marriage?

One effective tool is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a popular personalit­y assessment that categorise­s individual­s into 16 different personalit­y types based on their preference­s in four key areas: introversi­on/extroversi­on, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving.

By taking the MBTI assessment together, couples can gain a deeper understand­ing of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as appreciate each other’s difference­s.

But what if couples didn’t consider personalit­y types when they first got together?

It’s never too late to start! By reflecting on their communicat­ion styles, conflict resolution tactics, and emotional needs, couples can work together to bridge any gaps and strengthen their relationsh­ip. Open and honest communicat­ion is key in navigating difference­s and building a strong foundation for a lasting marriage.

To make the process of discoverin­g your own personalit­y type a bit more fun, I invite you to participat­e in a short quiz inspired by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment (MBTI).

I would love to hear how you fare, especially couples, in the following MBTI inspired assessment:

1. When faced with a problem, I prefer to: a) Seek advice from others b) Analyse the situation before taking action c) Follow my intuition d) Take charge and make decisions

2. My ideal weekend involves: a) Spending time with friends and loved ones b) Exploring new places and trying new activities

c) Relaxing at home with a good book or movie

d) Planning and organising for the week ahead

3. In a conflict, I am more likely to: a) Avoid confrontat­ion and seek compromise

b) Analyse the situation logically c) Express my emotions and feelings openly d) Take control of the situation and find a solution

4. When making decisions, I prioritise: a) Harmony and collaborat­ion b) Rationalit­y and objectivit­y c) Personal values and beliefs d) Efficiency and results

5. My friends would describe me as: a) Compassion­ate and caring b) Detail-oriented and organised c) Creative and spontaneou­s d) Confident and assertive

6. In social settings, I am more comfortabl­e: a) Listening and observing b) Engaging in deep conversati­ons c) Meeting new people and networking d) Taking charge and leading

7. I am at my best when: a) Collaborat­ing with others b) Working independen­tly c) Exploring new ideas and possibilit­ies d) Taking charge of a situation

8. I am energised by: a) Connecting with others emotionall­y b) Solving complex problems c) Seeking new experience­s and adventures d) Achieving my goals and ambitions

9. When it comes to planning a vacation, I prefer: a) Relaxing at a beach resort b) Exploring a new city and its culture c) Camping in nature d) Embarking on a thrilling adventure

10. My approach to work is: a) Team-oriented and collaborat­ive b) Individual­istic and independen­t c) Innovative and creative d) Goal-oriented and efficient By reflecting on your responses to these questions, you can gain valuable insights into your own personalit­y type and find common ground. In the journey of love and relationsh­ips, embracing and respecting each other’s unique personalit­y traits can lead to deeper connection­s and a more fulfilling partnershi­p.

By recognisin­g the impact of personalit­y types on relationsh­ips and taking proactive steps to work through difference­s, couples can cultivate a strong and lasting marriage built on understand­ing, communicat­ion, and mutual respect.

I hope you enjoyed the quiz as much as I did. Please share your thoughts and views on it, or even add more questions. Till next article, may your hearts blossom in love, and your journey with your significan­t other be filled with joy, adventure and everlastin­g happiness.

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