ARE YOU AN EXPLORER IN RELATONSHIPS

ARE YOU AN EXPLORER IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

from the article "What's Your Type?"

We're each a mix of these four relationship types, but one probably stands out the most. Do you recognize yourself or your mate?

By Helen Fisher
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the June 2007 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

The Explorer

Explorers have a very active dopamine system, a brain chemical associated with the tendency to seek novelty, among other qualities. An Explorer might look up from the newspaper on Sunday and say, "Want to go to Warsaw?"—and by Wednesday you're in Poland. Champions of "never a dull moment," these adventurers live to discover new people, places, things, or ideas, often on the spur of the moment. Friends, family, and colleagues frequently regard them as highly independent and autonomous.

Explorers have more energy than most people; they tend to be restless, sometimes fast-paced. And they are highly curious—"For always roaming with a hungry heart," as Tennyson put it. Constantly generating new ideas or creative insights, they easily shift their attention from one thing to another. Although the classic Explorer is a race-car driver, South Pole trekker, or bad-boy rocker who lives hard, taking drugs and having risky sex, I know many who exercise their passion for adventure by reading several hours a day; collecting stamps, coins, or antiques; or walking through the byways of a city.

People quickly like most Explorers. Generous and sunny, they tend to be playful, sensual, sometimes hedonistic, often unpredictable, and regularly amusing. But they can be difficult to take—especially in a marriage. They do not tolerate boredom well. So they are generally not interested in routine social or business events. In fact, Explorers try to avoid routine of almost any kind, and can trample on another person's cherished beliefs and habits—not to mention be impatient.

MY THOUGHTS

being with explorers would probably feel very exciting. in the beginning. it can be tiring to always be on the go. and it can be difficult to feel secured with someone who has the desire to find something new. or maybe i'm taking this the wrong way.