Don't change your personality -- for anyone

As much as I would love for Donald Trump to change his obstreperous demeanor, I'd never expect him to. He probably likes the way he is and wouldn't change his personality for anyone. For that, he should be commended, even though he'll have no choice but to bring it down a few notches if he wishes to appear even remotely presidential.

Just a few moments ago, I heard my boss and co-worker conversing about the times they did drugs when they were younger and sharing videos of people making fools of themselves. I'd love to tell them to change, but who am I to do so? They must like being that way.

But just as I'm respectful toward others, I expect the same treatment in return. I can't stand it when people question why I'm a certain way. "Why are you so quiet?" "Why are you so calm?" "Why are you so focused?"

The implication is that something should be changed or fixed. They're making "loud and talkative" out to be the right way to go, and "quiet and low-key" to be outside of the norm. This really irks me to no end.

People need to respect the fact that we're all different. Whether you're talkative or quiet, extroverted or introverted, aggressive or docile, you shouldn't have to change for anyone. We can all concede that different temperaments don't always click, but that doesn't behoove anyone to change the way they are.

Be proud of your true self. Embrace your strengths and weaknesses. There's no other person in the world just like you. Why should you try to be more like other people anyhow? Uniqueness is a beautiful thing. Let yours shine for all to see, and make it clear your personality is here to stay for good.

Comments

Unknown said…

I must say that sometimes young people feel pressure to conform to what is typically acceptable to "fit in" and be a part of their group. In my case, as a young woman I drank to become talkative and to socialize. Unless parents include their kids in conversation, many of these skills never develop. Since then I've become comfortable in my quiet, confident self...however, it took a very long time to let go of needing to feel popular.

January 7, 2017 at 10:45 PM

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