Love and Personality Types
Lissa Coffey
I’ve always been interested in the science of compatibility. I loved reading Linda Goodman’s books, and I loved researching and writing about Ayurveda and relationships for “What’s Your Dosha, Baby?” I recently came upon a new book written by Helen Fisher, an anthropologist and evolutionary biologist. It’s called “Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type.” Fisher used MRIs, studies, and molecular genetics to define four basic temperament types: Explorers, Builders, Directors and Negotiators. She writes that our primary type “steers us toward specific romantic partners. Our biological nature whispers constantly within us to influence who we love.”
-Explorers have high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, they take risks, are flexible and energetic,
spontaneous and easily bored. Explorers are drawn to other explorers.
-Builders have high levels of serotonin. They are calm, managerial, loyal, orderly, and conscientious. Builders are drawn to other builders.
-Directors have high levels of testosterone. They are competitive, self-disciplined, good with systems, and focused. They are drawn to negotiators.
-Negotiators have high levels of estrogen and oxytocin. They are people-people, trusting, broad-minded, empathic, and idealistic. They are drawn to directors.