Q: My wife and I need help getting on the same page. With each step in this marriage it feels like we are going in opposite directions. We live in constant frustration towards each other. Please help.

A: (Part 3 of 4)

We are taking an entire month to answer the above question. The goal of this time is for you to discover your spouse's personality type and learn many ways to understand and appreciate him or her. I want to encourage you to go back and review Parts 1 and 2 if you have not already done so.

This week we are looking at THE PARTY PERSONALITY (also called the Otter)

Ah, the best personality. Just kidding. This is my personality. The party personality is all about fun. We are going to have a ball. The Party Personality will cheer you on. If you think something is not such a good idea, just call a Party Personality. They'll tell you, "That's the most brilliant thing I have ever heard in my life!"

The Party Personality is always on the go. They're ready to try a new sport, jump out of a plane, or catch a concert—last minute. Along the way, they'll make sure the laughter is loud and everyone gets to hear some of their best stories.

Those with the Party Personality are often daydreamers. They're constantly imagining what could be as well as how much fun it could all be! They tend to come up with great ideas, and love to be spontaneous.

• Let's have fun with whatever we are doing
• Let's not to be too serious
• We must learn to laugh at ourselves

Unfortunately, as enjoyable as the Party Personality is to be around, they also have their blind spots—like doing the work needed to throw the party. Though they may love to be the center of attention at the party that doesn't mean they should be the ones to throw the party! Their organizational skills leave much to be desired. All their excitement can lead to an overbearing presence. While they have a lot to say when it comes to making a decision, they may be too busy having fun to actually be a part of following through on that decision.

The Precise Personality wants to get things done right. The Pleaser Personality wants to get things done together. The Party Personality wants to make sure that everyone is having fun.

Tips to Getting Along with the Party Personality: We could all stand to lighten up just a bit. The party personality reminds us to do just that. Avoid belittling this personality with constant words like, "Come on get serious!" or "Why don't you ever take things seriously?" If your spouse is a Party Personality then celebrate their motivation and visionary talents. Those are powerful factors of a great home. Don't stifle their creativity. Give them room to explore new ideas and projects.

Tips to Getting Along if you're the Party Personality: Learn to follow through on your ideas and especially your commitments. If you go to Lowe's and buy tools to do a project around the house —do the project. If you don't you'll drive the Precise Personality nuts and frustrate the Powerful Personality. Remember that just because the fun leaves the project, doesn't mean the project is over.

Next week we will look at THE POWERFUL PERSONALITY (also known as the Lion)

© Copyright 2008 Smalley Relationship Center

Print this page

E-mail this page

Bookmark this page

Back to top