Personal reserve style

Key features of this personality style include an apprehension about and a dislike of people getting too close at an emotional or personal level. People with this personality characteristic tend to pull away from closeness or intimacy and to hide their true feelings from others. They may also feel uneasy when others disclose their feelings or attempt to confide in them for emotional support. People with features of this personality style may derive pleasure from more superficial or casual social interactions and it is possible for them to have a wide circle of casual acquaintances with whom they interact on a regular basis. Such individuals, who are usually self-sufficient, resourceful and independent, often deny the need for more intense friendships or intimate attachments.

Key features of the Personal Reserve Personality Style (derived from our Temperament and Personality Questionnaire):

• Dislikes people getting too close at an emotional level.

• Withdraws from people when they get too close.

• Dislikes disclosing true feelings to others.

• Feels uncomfortable about others disclosing their feelings.

• Prefers to keep feelings to themselves.

• Does not seek advice from others.

Although such individuals normally engage in solitary activities, when stressed or upset they may completely withdraw from any social interaction and their tenuous friendships or fragile relationships may become strained with the risk of losing their already flimsy social support networks.