Personality

John is very friendly to everyone. Tom is shy and quiet. Susan gets angry easily but then stops quickly. Joann rarely gets angry, but when she does, she stays mad a long time.

Sam likes to work with a team. But Teresa likes to work alone. Matt often looks worried and sounds worried. Kelly never looks bothered by anything and always says “It’ll work out just fine!”

It’s personality!

Do you like your personality? How would you describe your personality? One theory says there are 4 basic kinds of personalities – Detail Seeking, Results Seeking, Harmony Seeking and Excitement Seeking. Do you agree? If you agree, how would you classify yourself?

Do you think it’s possible to change your personality? If so, how? Have you ever tried to change your personality? Did you succeed? Why or why not?

Where does personality come from? From your genes? From your environment? Explain. Give examples.

Do you think it’s good to use drugs to change your personality? Why or why not? For example, if I have a pessimistic and sad personality, maybe I can change it by taking an anti-depressant medication. Do you think this is a good idea or a bad idea? Why or why not?

Do you recommend psychological counseling to people with the following conditions – depression, anxiety or worry, quick temper, violent, insensitive, selfish? Why or why not?

Does personality affect . . . what jobs you take? . . . . who you marry? . . . . how you raise your children? . . . .who are your friends? Give examples.

Do you get along with all personality types? What personality types are easiest for your to get along with? What types are hardest for you?

Jesus was traveling. A woman named Martha invited Jesus into her home. “She had a sister called Mary, who was listening to the Lord’s word, seated at his feet. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to him, and said, ’Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:39-42

Does this short story tell us more about the personalities or priorities of the two women? Explain.