  I have been doing a lot of introspective thinking and soul searching this week.&nbsp; I started to wonder what the hell was wrong with me, not in a pity party way, far from it, that type of behaviour just irritates me immensely.&nbsp; But more in a ..."OK enough of this,&nbsp; am I going about this all wrong or do&nbsp;I have a major character flaw that&nbsp;I can address?? For gosh sake tell me! " &nbsp; I took an online personality survey and was brutally honest, I mean "I would never even admit this to my priest on my death-bed" honest - and&nbsp;I am not even&nbsp;Catholic, but you get the idea. No holds barred, warts and all, just tell me how the land lies.&nbsp; How accurate it is I don't know, but here are the results.&nbsp; Nothing leaps out at me, other than I talk to much. &nbsp; The survey claims it is " not intended as an in-depth analysis of your complete being, but as a tool to aid in self-discovery. " (In other words don't take our word for it, but you may actually be nuts... ) &nbsp; The results : (I have tossed in a&nbsp; few comments along the way...) You have a strong sense of humor.
You usually know when to lighten a difficult situation, amuse and entertain people. (OK, I'll accept that). You have a strong feeling of optimism, considered favorably by most people around you. Your perception is that the bottle is half-full rather than half-empty. (This one surprised me, one of my girlfriends described me as "optimistic" the other night too.&nbsp; I have never thought of myself as that, but on reflection I am not a pessimist either. Is there not a middle ground?
) You have to be with people. This extends into the need to gain popularity, achieve social recognition and influence those people around you. The "bottom-line" is a strong people orientation. (This one I didn't agree with, I actually prefer my own company to that of a lot of people I could name. I certainly don't "have to be" with people,&nbsp; and I don't seek out companionship and friendship "just for the sake" of not being lonely. If we are friends and spend time together it's for not for something as shallow as "better than nothing".&nbsp;&nbsp;This&nbsp;answer makes me sound social climbing.&nbsp; Oh my god, don't tell me I am a Hyacinth Bucket in the making!
) &nbsp; The following statements offer a look at the natural behavior you bring to an interpersonal relationship. You show sympathy to the feelings and needs of others. Your natural empathy style may draw others to you. (OK, if you say so...is that a nice way of saying I am a loser magnet? ) You have a natural, outgoing style that some have labeled as the "natural salesperson. " You are generally likeable, talkative and socially assertive.
Your primary intent is convincing or persuading people. (Sounds more like I am bossy and controlling) You are a natural communicator. You love to talk, offer jokes and make sure that everyone is having a good time. This trait is especially evident at functions and outings.&nbsp; (Life and soul of the party? Doubt it. ) You can generate enthusiasm in yourself and in other people.
Your enthusiasm, often contagious, involves many people in a social activity who might not ordinarily become involved.&nbsp; (Yay team! ) One of your great strengths is your ability to communicate and talk readily. Since all strengths may be overused at times, you may sometimes talk too much. (*Indignant breath in* But...but.... *Rapid exhale* sigh) What I need from others: Plan sufficient time to talk and listen. Talk about expectations. Share specific ideas to carry out an action.
Offer immediate rewards for accomplishments. Be sincere and use a tone of voice that shows sincerity. Leave plenty of time for socializing and relating. Offer opinions and ideas that are stimulating. Ask for opinions and ideas. Support ideas for change with facts, figures and logic.
Be stimulating, fun-loving, and fast-moving. Take time to be certain that you reach an agreement. (All sounds a little to huggy-liberal-hippy minded to me but if you say so ...) Following are some of the specific strengths and/or personal characteristics that you bring. These may form the foundations of many of your friendships and dealings with other people. Some will seem obvious, but you may be surprised by others. Take a moment to reflect on each and consider what role it may have played in your past successes, and even failures.&nbsp; (Ahh finally the part that will tell me where I screwed up....the failures section).
You like to gather facts and think things over before offering a strong opinion. (Indecisive decision maker and procrastinator? I will agree with that) You are socially poised and people-oriented.&nbsp; (Do they mean Social climber? ) You are excellent at listening to your partner. (They think you are listening provided you don't snore outloud or start to drool). You have an excellent sense of humor and tend to see humor in events spontaneously.&nbsp; (Maybe my humour is too dark, warped, sarcastic it offends some).
You are optimistic and tend to make others feel good about themselves. (Again with the optimism! I am just gonna have to rename myself Susie Sunshine). You tend to enjoy life and share that enjoyment with others. (uh huh) You are very respectful of the needs and wants of other people. (uh huh) You are skilled at finding "win-win" solutions when conflicts arise.
(ummmm...) You are usually enthusiastic about activities and planning. (Sure if it's something I wanna do, cos I have tried and I can't get enthusiastic about laundry and housework. ) You are generally good at cooling down tense situations in a relationship. (Yeah I will go with that...forever the peacemaker). You tend to bring feelings of security and stability to a relationship. (Read: Boring boring boring ...check me for a pulse).
You may want: Detailed information about major decisions with complete instructions. (most of the time, doesn't everyone? ) Time and opportunity to weigh pros and cons of decisions. (Yep, I hate being rushed into making a decision, gimme time to mull it over. ) Sound relationships which form naturally, and are not contriving or scheming. (Doesn't everyone?
) A predictable environment with few surprises that are not "planned. " (Oh my god I am boring). An environment free from conflict or hostility.&nbsp; (Doesn't everyone? ) Protection or insulation from aggression or confrontation.&nbsp; (Doesn't everyone? Is there an echo in here? ) Peace and harmony.
( I sound like a bloody Christmas card! ) Fewer changes, if many changes have occurred recently. (wha? ) Time to adjust to change.&nbsp; (hmmm) Time to react to new ideas and sudden change. (hmmm) Security and safety procedures around the house: fire safety, smoke detectors, electronic security systems, etc.&nbsp; (? - huh?
where did that come from? ) Yanno I still don't feel any more self aware than I was at the beginning of this process. My journey of self discovery is that I am&nbsp;funny,&nbsp;(in a boring predictable safe kinda way)&nbsp;...and I talk too much.&nbsp;(and I am addicted to round brackets) Egads. &nbsp; It's shower time ...Thank God it's&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp; I wouldn't have wished this week on anyone.&nbsp; But in the same breath, I don't regret a single thing in the events that lead up to this week... &nbsp; Given the chance, I would do it all and say it all again in a heartbeat.&nbsp; Life is too short to hide your emotions; and living without loving isn't truly living at all. It's&nbsp;just going thru the motions.&nbsp; &nbsp; Life is not a dress rehearsal. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
