Major remodelling in my house - four tradesmen arrive at once. Three are friendly and talkative, one is not. The latter reminds me of an icon from my childhood - not necessarily a role model, but one I still remember vividly: The Marlboro Man. He rides lonely on his horse through the prairie, his hat pulled low over his face. So he sets to work for me, albeit without a horse, while I ask the others: Do you remember the Marlboro Man? The answer comes quickly: Isn't that the one whose horse died of cancer? A laugh for everyone, except for the one craftsman, the 'Marlboro Man', himself.
The schizoid personality can't take a joke
That confirms my assessment. Just like the advertising figure, he can't take a joke. That would also be bad, because he wants to have as little to do with his fellow human beings as possible. He prefers to withdraw, remaining alone with a cigarette in the corner of his mouth. What's interesting is that he doesn't seem lost, but rather as if he's completely at peace with himself.
As a psychologist, I know of course that the causes of his - note, the word sounds more dramatic than it often is - schizoid personality must have a lot to do with his past. At some point, our Marlboro Man learnt that he can only rely on himself. Out of pure self-protection, he reveals very little about himself and therefore sometimes has problems entering into close relationships.
A particularly brilliant character
Our cowboy's strengths lie precisely in his independence. He can work very well on his own and is difficult to upset. Those with a schizoid character often appear unapproachable to their colleagues. On the other hand, they shine with thoroughness and originality. And they can also feel at home in a team - if they experience acceptance and understanding.