A: “We used to laugh at our small selves, saying that I was a bad girl trying to be good and that he was a good boy trying to be bad. Through the years these roles would reverse, then reverse again, until we came to accept our dual natures. We contained opposing principles, light and dark.” —Patti Smith, Just Kids (2010)

A: I can be sentimental. I’ve a shoe box filled with old letters, birthday cards, and ticket stubs.

A: I’ve discovered the joy of wearing outfits. I want it all to work together.

A: I try to take notes. I aim to remember and, as always, send flowers.

A: I love to read, mostly non-fiction. But each summer, I select a classic novel to carry with me. I’ve always been enamoured with the 19th Century; I keep returning to it. The novelists arrange words in ways you just don’t come across today; there’s a tenderness missing.

A: Agreeableness. Loyalty. Kindness. Couth.

A: Homebody, indeed. Travels are few, but always an occasion, always meaningful. A friend’s wedding, a rare solar eclipse, etc.

A: Enthusiastic omnivore. I gravitate toward colorful, whole foods that support an active lifestyle. I appreciate the culinary arts, the wise pairings, the plates. Gym regular, not a rat.

A: “A person with the Goal of Flow prefers for things to run smoothly: neither starting nor stopping, increasing or decreasing, amalgamating or proliferating. . . . He shies away from all extremes, and pursues moderation in everything.” —The Michael Teachings

A: Sunglasses. Fragrance. Coffee. Books. Laughter.

A: I value my phlegmatic temperament. It certainly has afforded me an even keel; I am bothered by very little.