Niklaus is a likeable character who breathes calm, tranquillity and harmony. He is conscientious and reliable, qualities that contribute to his comfortable, reassuring presence. He is driven by a desire to please and to be liked in return, often feeling personally responsible for others - especially where his family are concerned, towards whom he sometimes feels certain obligations or constraints (karmic 2). Nevertheless, he is a man of principles and is generally of scrupulous nature, although he can often be quite obsessive and pernickety. This could be expressed by his clearly defined tastes or a certain refinement, but also by an inclination for excessive rites and habits, such as an exacerbated preoccupation with cleanliness and order, or perhaps a tendency to be excessively meticulous. His emotional life is important to him and Niklaus is a tender and sensitive soul who has a profound understanding of the meaning of friendship. Helpful and obliging, he makes a wonderful shoulder to cry on and gives excellent advice. However, he is rather selective in his personal relationships and doesn't extend the hand of friendship to just anybody. While he is always there when he is most needed, he expects the same favour in return. Niklaus has trouble forgetting an insult or a betrayal, the memory of which remains present in his mind for a long time and can make him bitter and resentful. As a child, Niklaus is shy and very sensitive with a great need for tenderness and affection. He is well behaved, timorous, anxious and impressionable; and is often very attached to his family - especially his mother. A day-dreamer, he could often be described as a scatterbrain or having his head in the clouds. He is more likely to make an effort if he feels sufficiently loved and supported, and his school marks will be closely related to the amount of affinity that he feels with his teachers. He would benefit greatly from the practice of an artistic activity.