When Personalities Meet the Polar Vortex

A polar vortex is sweeping its way across Canada; freezing eyelashes, and car doors shut. Dogs are staring outside, wondering why their humans aren’t turning up the outdoor heat. While even the toughest thermometers go into hiding, people are coping, or not coping, in their own unique ways. When you throw in a dash of personality, the cold weather becomes a lot more interesting. How you survive sub-zero temperatures might just say a lot about who you are.

Starting with Inquiring Greens, they are the people analyzing weather patterns and figuring out if it’s faster to walk to the corner store or wait for the bus that’s inevitably late. They’re curious problem-solvers, drawn to understanding how things work, whether it’s the mechanics of frostbite or why this polar vortex has shown up in the first place! While Inquiring Greens can overlook just how cold it is if it’s part of a challenge, they’re also the ones likely to brainstorm ways to improve winter gear or come up with a better snow-clearing technique. Their tendency to dive deep into ideas is inspiring, even on the coldest days. If an Inquiring Green disappears during a snowstorm, they’re probably sketching designs for the ultimate ice-proof boot while sipping a strategically rationed thermos of their favourite hot beverage.

Meanwhile, the Resourceful Oranges are outside. Yes, outside. Where else would they be? Resourceful Oranges don’t let a little thing like a polar vortex keep them indoors. They’re the ones that decided they wanted to take up skating after a 20-year hiatus, turning their backyard into a skating rink or grabbing a sled to make the most of an icy hill. Their sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring others to embrace the season instead of dreading it. Resourceful Oranges are quick thinkers, always ready to adapt, whether that means crafting a last-minute snow shelter or finding a creative way to enjoy the cold. If you hear about someone pulling off an impressive winter feat that turns a snowstorm into a story, it’s probably a Resourceful Orange.

The Authentic Blues, on the other hand, are busy lifting spirits and keeping the big picture in mind. Authentic Blues thrive on connection and self-improvement, and find ways to motivate themselves and others to make the most of even the harshest winter days. Cold weather gives them a chance to inspire positivity; they’re the ones organizing winter charity drives or rallying a group to shovel snow for a neighbour in need. They care deeply about people and can see beyond the immediate discomfort of the cold burning their face, to focus on the warmth of community. Authentic Blues aren’t just weathering the storm; they’re finding ways to make it meaningful for everyone around them.

For Organized Golds, winter isn’t just a season; it’s a time to step up and keep things running smoothly. They’ve had their snow tires on since October, their driveway is salted to perfection, and their parka is rated for Arctic expeditions because they’re all about being prepared for anything. Organized Golds thrive on a strong sense of duty, and their preparedness often saves the day when others are caught off guard. Their attention to detail means they notice the little things, like that patch of ice on the front step that no one else caught. When the world feels chaotic, like when it’s so cold the thermometer just reads “nope!”, it’s the Organized Golds who are there to share a steady hand, making sure everyone gets through it in one piece and maybe even with a sense of pride for having conquered the storm together.

Of course, not every part of the country handles cold weather equally. While people out west laugh in the face of -40°C, Toronto will literally grind to a halt when streetcars start to freeze to their tracks. Vancouver, famously unprepared for winter, declares a state of emergency if someone even mentions snow. Regardless of what’s normal for where you live, Inquiring Greens are still tackling the challenges the cold brings, Resourceful Oranges are seizing the day, even if their teeth are chattering, Authentic Blues are checking in on their neighbours, and Organized Golds are keeping people safe by being prepared.

It’s worth remembering that no one personality has it all figured out for “the best way to winter.” What makes personalities interesting is how they blend with each other; kind of like a plaid scarf. You might be a Resourceful Orange at your core, and dive into the snow to build a fort, but then your Inquiring Green side takes over as you analyze how to make the walls sturdier. Or maybe you’re an Authentic Blue, and want to have a board game night with friends by the fireplace, or your favourite space heater, but then your Organized Gold comes out to make sure everything is planned to perfection. It’s this unique mix that keeps things interesting and makes this polar vortex less about surviving and more about finding the warmth in the cold.

While the polar vortex might be the great equalizer in terms of cold toes and frozen car doors, how we navigate it is where individuality shines through. For the record, it is harder in Toronto, IYKYK. Some will ski; some will shovel; some will ask, “Why do I even live here?” and start browsing real estate listings in warmer climates. I usually find myself doing this at least once a year, then come to my senses when I realize that warmer climates have spiders that are bigger than raccoons. In the end, we’re all just trying to stay warm in our own way.