All revellers fall into one of eight different personality types which are given away by their drinking techniques, a leading psychologist has concluded. Dr Glenn Wilson, a consultant psychologist at King’s College, London, observed over 500 drinkers in bars. He analysed drinkers’ body language and then advised on their openness to being approached. He has categorised them as the ‘Flirt’, ‘Gossip’, ‘Fun-Lover’, ‘Wallflower’, ‘Ice Queen’, ‘Playboy’, ‘Jack the Lad’ and ‘Browbeater’.
Dr Wilson said, “The simple act of holding a drink displays a lot more about us than we realise — or might want to divulge.”
The Flirt: Usually a woman, who holds her glass with dainty, splayed fingers and uses it in a provocative way. She may position it over her cleavage so as to draw attention to her attributes or peer over the rim to make eye contact when taking a sip. She may ‘tease’ the rim of the glass with her finger, perhaps dipping it into the drink and sucking it dry. Assuming her agenda is appealing, the best way to approach is with reciprocal flirtatious gestures.
The Gossip: This (mainly female) drinker tends to cluster in all-female groups talking about other people, and can be critical. She holds a wine glass by the bowl and uses it to gesticulate and make points in conversation. She is inclined to lean over her drink, in towards others so as to speak confidentially.
The Fun-lover: This type of drinker may be a man or a woman, who drinks to be sociable and values togetherness. A convivial individual, s/he enjoys being with their friends, and likes a laugh. Swigs taken from bottled drinks are short, so they don’t miss out on chipping in with the conversation. The bottle is held loosely at its shoulder for ease. This type of person is always happy to extend their social circle.
The Wallflower: This is a shy, submissive individual who holds the glass protectively, not letting go, as though afraid somebody will take it away. Palms are kept hidden and the glass is used as a social crutch — the drink is never quite finished, with a mouthful left in case of emergency. This individual needs to be approached in a gentle, sensitive way, with perhaps a few understated compliments to build self-confidence.
The Ice-queen: This is a mainly female type whose natural style is cold and defensive. She drinks from a wine glass, or a short glass, which is held firmly in a barrier position across the body so as to deter intimate approaches. It is usually a waste of time approaching this woman.
The Playboy: This man is the active, self-confident, Don Juan-type seducer. He uses his glass or bottle as a phallic prop, playing with it suggestively. He is inclined to be possessive, and can be tactile with his female companions.
The Jack the Lad: This ‘peacock’ is conscious of his image and will drink a bottled beer, or cider. Inclined to be confident and arrogant, he can be territorial in his gestures, spreading himself over as much space as possible, for example, pushing the glass well away from himself and leaning back in his chair. If he’s drinking with his mates, he would be unlikely to welcome approaches from outside the group, unless sycophantic and ego-enhancing.
The Browbeater: This rather pugnacious type is again mostly male. He prefers large glasses, or bottles, which he uses as symbolic weapons, firmly grasped, and gesticulating in a threatening, ‘in the face’ kind of way.
Something of a know-it-all, he comes across as slightly hostile, even if only through verbal argument, or jokes targeted at others. He should be approached with great care, or not at all. — Agencies
