A few nights ago I had a conversation with a close friend. She told me something:
That I have assessed myself wrong in the personality system I support.
Say what?!
I hear this quite frequently.
I have found that in this system there's a plethora of people that will ask others to assess them. Or they'll talk about the assessment of others. It's a staple to the start of our conversations. We could be talking about each other, our best friends, even celebrities--all about their personality. Sometimes we agree with each other, sometimes we kindly give our (the correct) opinion.
Now I'm one who likes to "figure" people out, like the next person in these groups, especially when I consider you a true puzzle.
Or, as I call you, a "conundrum".
You know who you are. ;)
But I have come to find that in this group, even if you haven't asked what others would assess you as, they will tell you anyway.
I have repented. I was guilty of doing this until I made a Blog, Instagram, and Youtube account and have found that a good chunk of my followers love this same personality system...
...and will comment:
"Hey Ladee, what's your personality assessment?"
To which I'll answer.
You can ask me anything, really. I actually like when people ask me questions about my personality. Because I went through hell and back to know exactly what makes me "me".
But the comments that irk me ever so slightly that I first overlook until they slowly bore within me are:
"Are you sure you're not this personality?"
Interpreted, as someone with my personality would, as: "Did you know you're totally wrong in your belief of who you are?"
Or, let's go back to my friend and the conversation I mentioned above. I know this friend knows my personality assessment. Like, I KNOW SHE KNOWS. She starts our conversation with the common question of what my assessment is. I respond. She responds back with, "Well, my friend said that your personality is this. And she's really good at this personality system and at knowing other people's personality."
The imperfect me interprets this as: "Hey Ladee, I know you say what your assessment is, but I know someone who just might know better."
I take a breath. I have learned that saying the exact thing that comes to my mind when irritated is better left behind pursed lips.
Especially when I could very well be wrongly judging the nature of the comment given.
"Oh, is she a professional?" I ask.
"No. But she had me and my husband pegged. And all of our friends."
"Oh, so what personality is she?"
"Well, she's not sure what her personality is...."
*CRICKETS*
The filter that was damming my thoughts from being spit out of my mouth broke, "How can she give me an assessment if she can't even assess herself?!"
I realized once I said this, that it was wrong of me. I should know that we are our hardest critics, that sometimes we don't truly know ourselves, that some of us went through a hard life that left us very uncertain as to who this person is looking back at us in the mirror.
That doesn't mean that you can't be knowledgeable in this system.
For that, I apologize. Profusely.
I'm going to answer the common questions or comments that are given to me where people state that I'm wrong in my personality assessment.
1. Facial Profiling: In this system you use facial features to find your personality, including skin color and texture.
Commenters (my most common comment): You have facial symmetry, porcelain skin, and can pull off winged eyeliner.
My Response: It's all makeup tricks. Only a handful of people online have seen a picture of me without makeup on. But my face isn't symmetrical, my skin is sadly the opposite of porcelain, I thank my foundation, powder, and highlighter. And winged eyeliner doesn't look the greatest on me but I like the look so I own it.
2. Energy Levels: This system uses the energy you give off to help find your personality. For instance, the stereotypical teenage cheerleader has a higher energy than Sean Connery. One is more light and bright, the other more secure, subdued, and bold.
Commenter: You seem perfecting. You seem like you can wear a pair of heels and not worry about comfort.
My Response: I wear my Chucks with everything, except at church because it doesn't match my dresses. And then I only wear my most comfortable heels and boots. The perfecting nature in me is no different than anyone else with my personality, I think. And by golly, I have a very unstructured life so what I'm passionate in, I'm a little bit of a perfectionist! ;)
Commenter: You have a really high energy.
My Response: Thanks. I guess it's been a good day.
Commenter: You're so random. You never stick to one thing.
My Response: For the most part, you're right. I blame the undiagnosed ADHD. LOL.
3. Colors: In this system it uses different shades, tones, and hues of each color on the color wheel to help you find your personality.
Commenter: You can wear black.
My Response: Actually, I can wear anything I want. But I don't look very good in black. Brown is a much more pleasing color on me but I get rebellious, like in these blog pics today. ;)
Commenter: I bet you look great in light pastels.
My Response: Thanks! But I really don't. They enhance my chiseled features and make them look more masculine. Autumn colors work best for me!
All in all, I honestly believe that those who comment about my personality are doing it with the best intentions. I get frustrated at myself for making any wrong assumptions though. Even if my assumptions are correct, I shouldn't let it bother me. I know who I am. I spent quite some time in the deepest realms of myself, all by myself, and came out with a better understanding of who I am than I ever had.
But I can be a rebel. I don't always follow this personality system's exact guidelines. I could give a few excuses as to why...like, "I'm an adult and I'm tired of following the rules" or "It's just a system and sometimes I wanna dress my mood and dang it, that black striped shirt is looking pretty good today" or "Does it matter what kind of personality I have as long as I'm a good person?"
But most importantly, I appreciate that we have these many personality systems. Though I follow one more than others, I still love them all and love knowing more about them. And while not all personality systems will have the correct assessment of you, it does make understanding others and loving them for who they are much easier.
And you can't beat that.
This is kind of funny since the program you are referring to is NOT a personality typing program. Personality can be influences by life's experiences and is not something we are born with and the creator of the program insists upon that.
ReplyDeleteEnergy profiling and facial profiling is NOT personality profiling.
I love ya though Ladee
Thank you!! You make some VERY valid points!
DeleteI love ya too!
This is one of my biggest pet peeves--when someone, especially random strangers on the Internet, feel the need to tell someone else that they have assessed themselves wrong in whatever system. Maybe it's because I'm also a Type 3 :) I know it, I have convinced myself, don't need someone to tell me that because I'm blonde I'm a summer or spring or whatever.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Vanessa! We should be supportive of the assessment others have made of themselves!
DeleteThank you! :)