Silver Boxes by Florence Littauer, an evangelical motivational speaker, is based on the premises that people should only say good things to each other, things which will be uplifting and boost the morale of the other person (Littauer, 1989). She bases her ideas on Ephesians 4:29, which says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Littauer admits that people are not always ready to receive compliments, and lists the reasons why: a) the compliments don't fit their personality type; b) they have been told since childhood that they are homely, dumb or dirty; c) they were abused as children; d) they are going through a difficult time at the moment; and e) they have been told that to accept praise is unspiritual. She then goes on to describe four main personality types to help people know what kinds of compliments others will be willing to accept.
The Sanguine type, is a popular person who likes to have fun and be the life of the party, and loves to talk (Littauer 1989). Sanguine types are easy to spot because they always make grand entrances, crave attention, attract people to them like a magnet, love to be told how great they love, how attractive they are, and dress in such a way as to attract such comments from everyone. They live for the externals and want you to notice the show they put on. Their silver boxes need to be big and flashy, and presented in front of a crowd.
The Choleric type, is a powerful person who to be in control of every situation, and likes to make decisions for others (Littauer, 1989). Choleric people love to work. They walk with authority and appear to be in charge of everything. They don't waste time on trivial activity, and don't talk to people who have nothing of consequence to say. They accomplish more than many others, and can quickly assess what needs to be done. They don't need ...