The Godsend . The Performer . The Joker . The Martyr . The Sherpa . The Ligger . The Trojan . The Shirker . What's your type?
To help you form the perfect party and get a balance of personalities, we've drawn up a list of holiday archetypes. We've defined people by what they do or don't do. You may cringe at one or two and say hey, that's me. But secretly, we'd all like to know who and what we are. Don't worry, we're not about to subject you to Jungian psychoanalysis. For one, we're not qualified, and two, it's a bit deep for holidays. So, we promise to keep it light and have some fun. And if we strike a nerve, let's hope it's the funny bone.
The Martyr
It's the name nobody particularly wants. Try calling them 'Tomartyr' instead. At least it'll make them laugh and they need to laugh at themselves. Here's why. The Martyr does what someone else should do, or what doesn't need doing, like ironing the dishcloth or carrying the heaviest bag. They mutter under their breath, but when you say 'sorry, what was that?' they will usually reply 'oh, nothing'. You love them to bits but wish they'd lighten up and when they do they can turn out to be funny or talented. This will freak them out a little so you should coax them into their new character and reassure them that nobody actually needs to be The Martyr. It's the most expendable role.
