What’s Your Relationship Style?
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann


Got personality? You bet you do! In fact, all those little traits that make you well... you? They help define your interactions with the outside world, and everyone in it. And yes that includes your intimate relationships!

According to Helen Fisher, PhD, a renowned anthropologist at Rutgers University and author of Why We Love, every person on this planet has his or her own unique personality which is a blend of traits learned growing up and inherited traits. In fact, Fisher has developed a theory, based on extensive research, about temperament. She's found four key types: Explorer, Builder, Negotiator, Director. Most people's temperament is predominantly a blend of two of these categories. And your personality will determine which kind of relationship works best for you.

Curious to discover your personality type and who you'll click with? Take our mini quiz, developed with Dr. Fisher, and learn how your unique profile determines your dating and relating life!

Take the Personality Profile Quiz
Circle your answer next to each question using the following key:
SD=Strongly Disagree; D=Disagree; A=Agree; SA=Strongly Agree
Don't worry about the scoring just yet. We'll help you figure it out when you're done taking the quiz.

Section 1:

1. I do things on the spur of the moment. SD D A SA
2. I have a very wide range of interests. SD D A SA
3. I am more enthusiastic than most people. SD D A SA
4. I am willing to take risks to do what I want to do. SD D A SA
 
Total
_____    

Section 2:

1. In general, I think it is important to follow rules. SD D A SA
2. My friends and family would say I have traditional values. SD D A SA
3. It is important to respect authority. SD D A SA
4. I like to work in a straightforward path toward completing a task. SD D A SA
 
Total
_____    

Section 3:

1. I like to get to know my friends' deepest needs and feelings. SD D A SA
2. After watching an emotional film I often still feel moved by it several hours later. SD D A SA
3. I vividly imagine both wonderful and horrible things happening to me. SD D A SA
4. When reading, I enjoy it when the writer takes a sidetrack to say something beautiful or meaningful. SD D A SA
 
Total
_____    

Section 4:

1. I am more analytical and logical than most people. SD D A SA
2. I am able to solve problems without letting emotion get in the way. SD D A SA
3. I like to figure out how things work. SD D A SA
4. Debating is a good way to match my wits with others. SD D A SA
 
Total
_____    

TO SCORE: For each of your answers, assign the following points:
Strongly Disagree (SD) = 0 pts; Disagree (D) = 1 pt; Agree (A) = 2 pts; Strongly Agree (SA) = 3 pts.
Add up the number of points in each of the sections, recording the total. Do not add the points of each section together.
If your highest score is in:
Section 1 - You're predominately an Explorer
Section 2 - You're predominately a Builder
Section 3 - You're predominately a Negotiator
Section 4 - You're predominately a Director

Disposition Decoder
Now that you know which traits rule in your personality sector, it's time to find out what they mean (and which kinds of people you click best with). Though some matches may be more ideal than others, Fisher adamantly stresses that any matchup CAN work. Will it? Well, that's up to you because in reality, the world is made up of odd couples, perfect couples and everything in between. That said, here's some info on these different personality types and how they are likely to interact.

Section 1: The Explorer
Traits: Explorers love a challenge. They want to learn, travel and immerse themselves in new experiences, often on the spur of the moment. They are risk-takers who never want a dull moment, thus avoiding routine when possible. They tend to be uncritical, optimistic, flexible and less self-consciousness. People like explorers immediately, for their curiosity, their creativity, their impulsive generosity and their joy of life. But these men and women are also highly independent, sometimes irreverent and sometimes hedonistic. They have a tendency to play the field and to seek as much freedom and variety as possible.
Dating suggestions: Don't be too wary of people more traditional than you. They may actually adore your spontaneous spirit and, with a little encouragement, be open to joining you on your adventures. Because you crave new experiences, it may be tough for you to stick to one partner. So, when you find someone you really like, don't blow it by multi-dating. Put your focus wholly on them and give it a real shot.

Section 2: The Builder
Traits: Builders shine at all sorts of executive and managerial skills. They are good leaders and gain the respect and admiration of others. They tend to be affable, calm and outgoing, as well as conscientious and loyal. They do well with routine, schedules and rules, and they are hard-working, patient and cautious. They like bringing people together and though they are sometimes stoical, their dependable, cooperative spirit and charming demeanor can make them the pillars of their communities.
Dating suggestions: Builders are not casual in their courtship, sexuality or desire to start a family. Think your new date might be too impulsive for you? Give that risk-taker another chance. Why? You will bring stability to the relationship while they help infuse your life with spontaneity, energy and imagination. Also, don't let your need for plans and schedules get in the way of trying new things that you and your date might truly enjoy.

Section 3: The Negotiator
Traits: Negotiators excel at people handling. They instinctively know how others are feeling and can express themselves with graciousness, sensitivity and clarity. They are curious about their own inner motives as well as other people's. They nurture their social world and when they form a friendship or relationship they like to focus on the forces that stabilize (and undermine) the partnership. They look at all sides before making decisions and are team players. Their idealism, imagination and lack of prejudice make them the perfect soul mate, particularly for the Director.
Dating suggestions: Because you're so good at keeping the peace, you run the risk of being too diplomatic with your dates (so they won't get a sense of who you really are!). Therefore, don't be afraid to be honest and direct once in a while. On that same note, make sure you let your partner know your needs and hopes. Also, try not to over-think or overreact to minor setbacks, changes in plans, etc. It's good to go with the flow sometimes.

Section 4: The Director
Traits: Directors tend to be less socially gregarious. At times, they can be geniuses. They are highly inventive, and their intense determination, competitive spirit and lack of respect for convention heighten their potential for making major discoveries. They prefer to work alone and eschew rules. Logical, clear-headed, skeptical, efficient, quick to make decisions and self-disciplined, they can become frustrated with people and situations that appear tedious or simple-minded. However, once they are captivated by those who share their interests, they are loyal, honest, fair, protective and uncomplaining.
Dating suggestions: Remember that the whole world is not as direct and focused as you. So, when out on a date, give your partner a chance to warm up and then express him- or herself. You may be surprised at the person's depth if you don't get impatient for your companion to get to the point. It might also be good to let your competitive spirit take a breather when you're dating... it's easier to enjoy your time together if you're not always trying to win.

Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a New York City-based dating and relationship writer whose work has appeared in such publications as Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Marie Claire, and Women's Health. She is an Explorer/Negotiator.


 
 
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