Blood Type Personality — Temperament by A, B, O, and AB
'What's your blood type?' is a friendly conversational way of gauging personality in East Asia. The blood type personality theory is not a scientifically proven one, but it has taken root as a long-standing cultural pastime that sorts people's temperaments into four branches.
Where Did the Blood Type Theory Come From?
The notion of dividing personality by blood type became popular in early twentieth-century Japan and spread to Korea and the rest of East Asia. It is not a theory with medical grounding but closer to a kind of cultural typology; even so, it has long been loved as a topic that eases conversation and a game for lightly understanding oneself and others. Blood type personality, then, is best enjoyed in the realm of fun and reference, like Saju or star signs.
Type A and Type B
Type A is commonly spoken of as delicate, diligent, and deeply considerate. Planful and strongly responsible, they are also said to mind others' eyes and, in chasing perfection, to tie themselves in knots. Type B is drawn as free-spirited, strongly individual, and full of curiosity. Honest and creative, they are said to be at their own pace and thus to come across at times as impulsive.
Type O and Type AB
Type O passes for bold, sociable, and possessed of leadership. Goal-oriented and warmhearted, they are also said to have a strong competitive streak and to risk missing details while focusing on the big picture. Type AB is drawn as a two-sided type, both rational and emotional. Reasonable and individual, they are also said to keep their inner selves hidden and so to come across as mysterious.
How Do You Read Compatibility?
In blood type personality theory, compatibility is seen in how well each other's tendencies in spending, love, and communication mesh. For example, a cautious Type A and a bold Type O are said to fill each other's empty spaces, while a free Type B and a rational Type AB are read as respecting each other's individuality and being at ease. But this is only a playful weaving of tendencies, so in an actual relationship the effort to understand each other matters far more than blood type.
The Wisdom of Enjoying It in Fun
The best attitude toward the blood type personality theory is to 'enjoy it in fun but not to pin people down with it.' Four types cannot contain all of human variety, and to define someone by blood type can become prejudice. Blood type talk is most enjoyable when used lightly, as a pleasant conversation opener and a thread for understanding temperaments different from your own.
Blood type personality is a fortune to enjoy with a light laugh, like a seasoning for conversation. If you are curious about your blood type's personality, its tendencies in love and work, and your compatibility with someone, check it below just for fun.