Friday Fun Facts you may not know

As my readers well know, even though this blog centers primarily on how people think, every now and then I like to throw in a tidbit or two concerning key figures and events in American History.

Not only is history my second biggest passion after psychology, but at the end of the day, both subjects are more entwined than most people realize.

Historians aim to understand the rationale behind the decisions that Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., and other figures have made, dissecting everything from their upbringing and social relationships to their innermost fears and aspirations.

And while historians delve into these men and women's personalities, psychologists -- for their part -- cannot paint a full picture of the individuals without essential historical facts like when they were born, the places they lived throughout their lives, etc.

The month of February has witnessed countless important events over the past 200 or so years, two of which occurred 37 years apart on the same day -- February 21.

1848 - The death of a former president

On February 21, 1848, John Quincy Adams -- former U.S. president-turned-Congressman -- suddenly collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage as he stood up from his desk in the House of Representatives to defend his no vote on a bill. House members carried him to a bed in the Speaker of the House's private chambers, where he later died.

Adams, the son of former President John Adams, served only one uneventful term as president. Arguably, his greatest contributions to the country came as secretary of state to President James Monroe. Not only did he help negotiate the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812, but Adams played a key role in the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine, which warned European nations that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further colonization.

Adams is remembered for going head-to-head with Andrew Jackson in the presidential elections of 1824 and 1828, emerging victorious only in the former. He was vehemently against slavery, promoted education, and pushed for a system of internal improvements ranging from roads to bridges.

1885 - Washington Monument dedicated

If you've been to Washington D.C., chances are you've seen the 555-foot-high marble obelisk built as a tribute to America's first president.

After Washington's death in 1799, plans for a memorial were discussed, but none were actually adopted until 1832, the centennial of his birth.

Though the cornerstone was laid in 1848, it wasn't until 1876 -- thanks in part to rancorous political bickering and the bloody Civil War -- that Congress passed legislation appropriating funds for completion of the moment.

The Washington Monument was formally dedicated in February 1885, and three years later it opened to the public. When completed, the monument was the tallest structure in the world; it remains today the tallest building in Washington, D.C.

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n...

Do you have Isolophilia? Find out...

You're probably asking yourself, "What in the world does Isolophilia mean?" It sounds like it would be something negative, doesn't it? After all, words that end in "philia" (e.g., pedophilia) tend to involve things we want nothing to do with. But Isolophilia isn't something all people deplore. In fact, introverts like me welcome it. Put simply, Isolophilia is defined as having a strong affinity for solitude. It describes a person who relishes being alone. While extroverts can only take so much solitude, we introverts find that it rejuvenates us. In order to recharge our batteries, we need to retreat to a quiet environment where we we're left alone to rest and/or gather our thoughts. Extroverts, on the other hand, become bored and drained when they're alone for a lengthy period of time. Social interaction is the fuel that drives them. So while an extrovert would probably do anything to avoid feelings of Isolophilia in most cases, an...

This will spell the end of your relationship

When asked to think about the most common culprits for a relationship's going south, most people will point to cheating, complacency, and taking one's partner for granted. While these are all valid -- and documented in various posts on this blog -- there are certain habits on the part of partners that may not kill the relationship right away, but cause it to erode more gradually. Among the most egregious of these is expecting your significant other to be perfect. They pick at your follies any chance they get. Nothing you do is ever good enough. In fact, you will never measure up to an ex, neighbor, or accomplished co-worker. Perhaps this all sounds a bit familiar. When you feel as though you're constantly being put under the microscope, it can inflict lasting damage on the relationship and your self-esteem. You're walking on eggshells all the time, praying you don't say or do something that's going to trigger your partner. This is no way to live, let alone ca...

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