“Type A” individuals can take up a lot of oxygen for their drive, go-get-’em attitude and perpetual sense of urgency. However, psychologists want people who identify with a “Type B” personality to know they have value too.
So, what’s a Type B person like, exactly?
“Someone who is relaxed, easygoing and comfortable moving at their own pace,” explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind.
Sound familiar? These habits and tendencies might as well. After all, Type B individuals often do these 13 things, according to psychologists.
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What Is a Type B Personality?
“These individuals are not driven by a constant need to compete or prove themselves, and they don’t tend to feel defined by deadlines or high-pressure goals,” Dr. Hafeez tells Parade.
That doesn’t mean a Type B person is lazy or reserved, but they’re motivated by something different than many of their Type A counterparts.
“Their drive comes from personal fulfillment rather than outside validation,” Dr. Hafeez says. “Type B personalities are more apt to deal with stress in a calm and steady manner, both in the workplace and in their personal life…They value process over pressure and tend to find joy in connection, creativity and meaningful experiences.”
Related: Do You Refer To Yourself As ‘Super Type A’ or ‘Pretty Type B?’—Here’s What It Actually Means When You Say That
13 Habits of ‘Type B’ Individuals, According to Psychologists
1. You lose track of time
Type As frequently act like they’re on a deadline (often a self-imposed one) and have their eyes on the clock. Type Bs? Not so much.
“Type Bs are more inclined to go where the wind blows them instead of obsessing about a schedule or timeline,” points out Dr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and visionary behind Balanced Awakening, P.C. “They are more likely to follow a desire or an intuitive hunch and allow themselves to respond to that. They are also less likely to put pressure on themselves to get certain things done by a certain time.”
2. You take time to smell the flowers
Since Type Bs aren’t always on a timeline, they’re more inclined to notice life’s micro-joys, like fresh-cut roses.
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3. You take time for decisions
Knee-jerk decisions aren’t a Type B person’s jam.
“Type Bs typically weigh their options instead of jumping to conclusions or rushing toward closure,” explains Dr. Thomas McDonagh, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and owner of Good Therapy San Francisco. “There tends to be more comfort with uncertainty. The goal is to make thoughtful choices, even if it means not responding right away.”
However, don’t mistake “intentional decision-making” for a lack of confidence.
“Type Bs…have an innate confidence that everything will turn out the way it should,” Dr. Hafeez says.
4. You make space for creativity
Type Bs crave opportunities to use the right sides of their brains.
“If they aren’t already working in a creative field, they are more likely to make time for creative hobbies and endeavors,” Dr. Yang says. “Passion projects and things that simply feel good…the way [Type Bs] move throughout the day will reflect more space for creativity in any form.”
5. You leave messages unanswered for a while
Type Bs haven’t conformed to the idea of “instant messaging,” even if they, too, have text messaging capabilities plus platforms like Slack, Teams and WhatsApp on their phones.
“Type Bs may receive a text message or an email and just naturally give it space before responding,” Dr. Yang explains. “They may wait until their schedule is clear or they have the headspace to write a thoughtful response.”
She adds that Type Bs aren’t avoiding a response or trying to be mean—it’s quite the opposite.
“They just don’t have a sense of urgency and prefer to respond when the timing is best for them and for the best response,” Dr. Yang notes.
Related: These Are the 4 Most Unfriendly Myers-Briggs Personality Types, According to a Psychotherapist
6. You have a better grip on work-life balance
Type Bs more relaxed approach to life also seeps into their approach to work.
“Type Bs may understand that success is found in other areas besides work and checking off their to-do list,” reports Dr. Melanie English, Ph.D., MSW, a licensed clinical psychologist. “They may not feel tethered to the idea that success means demonstrating long hours at the office. Because of that, they’re comfortable leaving at the end of the day and feeling good about what was accomplished versus what wasn’t accomplished.”
7. You’re cool with RSVPing “no”
Your schedule has white space, and the margin brings pure peace.
“Type Bs are discerning about becoming over-scheduled or committing to too many activities, events and people,” Dr. Yang says. “Type Bs are more likely to prioritize space in their schedule for spontaneity. They may turn down an invitation if they sense it could leave them feeling overbooked and without as much creative time as they’d like.”
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8. You field tons of travel invites
Many of your invites may be of the vacation variety. Friends and family love Type Bs as the ultimate travel buddies.
“Travel can be the epitome of de-railed plans, unexpected obstacles and day-to-day events out of your control,” Dr. English says. “Type Bs can adapt easily, view situations positively and look at the greater good.”
These traits make you the type of person people want to hang with on a turbulent (or canceled) flight.
9. You connect with others for the sake of it
Type B individuals don’t have an agenda from the moment they say “hello.”
“Type Bs are more likely to value casual connections—saying hello to a neighbor, talking to a friend at a coffee shop just to talk—as opposed to connecting to network or build connection as part of a larger plan or idea,” Dr. Yang says. “Slow, meaningful conversations are allowed to deliciously unfold without a sense of urgency.”
10. You’re a fantastic active listener
Without a running to-do list or need to take charge, Type Bs genuinely hear what a person says, making them ideal confidants.
“With a less reactive temperament, Type B’s traits make it easier to listen to others without feeling the need to fix, control or interrupt,” Dr. McDonagh says.
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11. You avoid competition
You may not like games where only one person or team can win.
“Type Bs often focus on personal growth or collaboration,” Dr. McDonagh reveals. “They are likely to be more motivated by personal achievement as opposed to ‘besting’ others.”
12. You encourage others without feeling threatened
Chalk this one up to a strong preference for collaboration over competition.
“Whether in the workplace or in friendships, Type Bs genuinely want to see others do well,” Dr. Hafeez says. “They don’t view someone else’s win as their loss, which reflects a deep sense of security in who they are and what they bring to the table.”
13. You forgive easily
Type Bs have mastered the art of forgiveness.
“Forgiveness comes easier to them, not out of naivety, but because they prefer harmony over ongoing conflict,” Dr. Hafeez reports. “They’re less likely to stew or seek revenge and more likely to let things go in favor of peace and emotional clarity.”
Related: If You Have a ‘Blue Aura,’ You Likely Have These 5 Traits, According to a Psychologist
How To Live Your Best Type B Life
1. Embrace who you are
Type Bs aren’t “less than” because their personality letter comes second in the alphabet. Dr. Yang encourages Type B individuals to work with themselves rather than trying to fit into a Type A box.
“If you’ve identified that you’re a Type B, explore what specifically that means to you and how you can celebrate and embrace your innate preferences,” Dr. Yang says. “If you know you enjoy life the best when you’re not rushing, see if you can intentionally plan for a leisurely commute. Build your schedule out in a way that supports you.”
2. Set clear goals, even if the timeline is loose
Type Bs are creatives and not bound to timelines. Still, benchmarks have value.
“Type Bs have great ideas and naturally gifted creativity, but without an intended target, they tend to meander,” Dr. Hafeez shares. “Setting a deadline provides a destination while still allowing them to work at their own pace, preventing it from feeling oppressive.”
3. Prioritize and protect your free time
“Margin” isn’t a dirty word to you—it’s more of a love language. Ensure your schedule speaks to that.
“You’re going to do your best at work or with other responsibilities when you have the time you need to do whatever you want—unstructured, unplanned,” Dr. Yang says. “You already know or have a sense that you can get more done on your to-do list when you have enough leisure time wrapped around it.”
She explains that prioritizing free time is especially important during periods when you are under a deadline at work or in your personal life. Ensure you have space to refill your cup when you have to step outside of your comfort zone, which can be tiring.
Related: 9 Subtle Signs That You Might Be an Ambivert, According to Psychologists
4. Practice assertiveness
You’re known for being calm, cool and collected, but that doesn’t mean everyone gets to bulldoze your needs.
“It might also be easy to forget that you do actually have some preferences and a voice that can express those preferences,” Dr. Yang points out. “Notice if your autopilot is ‘I don’t care, it’s up to you’ and override that sometimes.”
She suggests taking a beat to ask yourself, “How do I feel right now?” and “What would I like in this moment?” Then, practice sharing your answers with family and friends.
Related: 12 Phrases That Make You Instantly More Assertive—Without Sounding Rude, Psychologists Say
5. Choose challenges on purpose
Type Bs often gravitate toward calm, familiar situations. However, Dr. Hafeez notes that growth usually requires discomfort.
“Whether it’s saying yes to a leadership role or signing up for something they’ve been quietly curious about, stepping outside that comfort zone, even occasionally, can bring out strengths they didn’t know they had without sacrificing their natural steadiness,” Dr. Hafeez says.
Up Next:
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Sources:
- Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind
- Dr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and visionary behind Balanced Awakening, P.C.
- Dr. Thomas McDonagh, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and owner of Good Therapy San Francisco
- Dr. Melanie English, Ph.D., MSW, a licensed clinical psychologist
