Of course, people don’t fit neatly and uniformly into such categories. Most individuals inevitably display an array of the three dimensions. They may be somewhat reserved in one area of their life and indulgent in another for example. But it is probably fair to say that most of us lean one way or another. So the next time you need to assess someone’s personality, such as a prospective employee or romantic partner, take them out for a meal. Notice if they order a salad and a diet soda, the rack of lamb with a bottle of Bordeaux, or the chicken breast with one glass of white.

As for me, Billy Joel summed it up best: “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints; the sinners are much more fun.”