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Celebrating Birthdays with Two Sanguines

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Sanguine—People that have a lively, sociable, carefree, and talkative temperament. That perfectly describes my wife. She can talk to anyone with her outgoing, carefree personality. She draws energy from social events and being around people. And I love her lively, carefree approach to life.

Photo Credit: wishymom (Stephanie Wallace Photography) via Compfight cc
Photo Credit: wishymom (Stephanie Wallace Photography) via Compfight cc

I am what they call Phlegmatic. People with my temperament tend to be inward and private, thoughtful, reasonable, calm, patient, caring, and tolerant. Quite different from a person with a sanguine personality! As they say, “Opposites attract.”

Over 20 plus of years, we have learned to appreciate our vastly different personalities. I have learned to jump up and down when she shares something exciting with me. I also have learned to live life more carefree, and painfully at times, think out loud!

Danielle has learned that she can enjoy sitting in the same room with me quietly reading, or processing through some plans with me. Interestingly we have each moved toward the other’s personality style over the years. You do become like who you hang around.

Married to a woman with a sanguine personality can make birthdays stressful for a phlegmatic like me. Especially when it’s one of the big landmark birthdays—you know, 25th, 30th, 40th and so on. Yep you guessed right! This is one of Danielle’s landmark birthday years. I am not telling you which landmark Danielle hits this year. You will have to ask her.

Danielle enjoys celebrating Birthday Month or at least Birthday Week! Well today, October 17, is Danielle’s birthday!

In years past, we would have planned at the very least a long weekend away if not a 1-2 week trip, especially for this landmark birthday year. On top of that, Danielle likes to celebrate her birthday with as many friends as she can. Instead of getting everyone together for a huge party, she usually ends up setting up several different get-togethers easily stretching out the birthday celebration into a few weeks.

I on the other hand appreciate the birthday wishes, modest gifts and on occasion a small party. (I am not sure what got into me on my 40th birthday that blew up and over 100 people showed up at our house!)

Then, God graced our family with a little guy that has—a sanguine personality! If you know our now four-year-old son, I think you will agree that he is extremely lively, sociable and talkative.

And, my son’s birthday is—October 11.

NOOoo!!! Two sanguines with birthdays less than one week apart! How is a phlegmatic like me supposed to handle this predicament?

Really the question is how will these two sanguine personalities coexist in the same family with birthdays so close together?

One thing is for sure, October will never be a dull month in the Camp home for years to come.

You know what? As I inwardly think about this, I am reasonably calm about the entire situation. I can patiently tolerate their excitement and their need to be the life of the party. Besides I really do care about both of them!

Happy birthday month to my beautiful wife and incredible son!

About the Author

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I am a longtime Austinite. Married my beautiful wife over 35 years ago. Adopted our son September 2012.
As a small business and nonprofit coach/consultant, I have found my sweet spot. I lean on my varied background of corporate, small business ownership, writing, and pastoring as I work to help small business owners and nonprofit founders build the business they want to have.


  • Wishing both of them a happy and blessed birthday, and wishing you inner strength and peace! Blessings to you and your family.

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