Do you prefer a fast-paced life or a slow, calmer one?

I may be in the minority here, but I aim to live as tranquil and simple a life as I possibly can.

I remember reading about transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson in school, both of whom stressed that true happiness lies only in simplicity and solitude.

As I grew older, this resonated with me. While others around me have seemed perfectly fine living life on the fast lane, I've always been one to relish a slower-paced life -- one in which I can contemplate, absorb, and relish the moment.

When it comes to reading, writing, and learning, I immerse myself in those subjects about which I am most passionate, including psychology and human behavior. If I feel as though I'm being rushed to absorb the material, I can become rather irascible.

I realize that the world as we know it today does not exactly cater to people who favor a slower pace. Blue- and white-collar workers feel more pressed than ever to meet stringent deadlines. With all the responsibilities that raising a household involves -- from raising children to cooking and cleaning -- there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything on our ever-mushrooming To-Do lists.

I'm living proof of this. I recently got married and moved into a condo with my wife. We find ourselves increasingly stretched for time these days; if it isn't the fridge that needs to be repaired, we need to run an errand or attend a social function nearly an hour away. We're driving more and sleeping less.

Many people are taken aback when I tell them I'm still not sure whether I want to have kids, but this is precisely one reason for my ambivalence. As a self-admitted introvert -- meaning that I draw energy inward rather than outward -- I need time for myself in order to function properly in the world. Throw a kid into the equation and suddenly my already-scant "me" time dissolves into nothingness.

People might say I'm selfish with my time and live in my head too much. Fair point, but that's how I have always been. It doesn't mean I'm oblivious to the rest of the world. I'm a caring friend, husband, brother, son, and uncle. I am passionate about the welfare of animals and am committed to helping the less fortunate.

I've always been calm, relaxed, and highly self-aware. I feel that far too many people do things in life -- whether it's to get married, have kids, or aim to be president of their company -- without really thinking through the implications. I always take my time and weigh my options carefully before making any life-altering decisions, as should everyone else.

I understand that certain situations in life call for knee-jerk decisions, but I find that many people still make them when it isn't necessary.

Life is short and awfully complicated. I'm of the belief that we should dial it down whenever we can and try to enjoy those simple things we often take for granted: reading a good book in the library, taking a leisurely stroll around the park, connecting with nature.

If people consider me boring because of my preference for a more sedate pace, so be it. Everyone has their own concept of what truly makes for a fulfilling life. I respect others who enjoy a more frenetic lifestyle, but I will continue to take it "nice and slow."

Do you prefer a fast-paced, energetic life, or a slower one in which you can take your time to savor life's little pleasures?

Women vs. Men: Who likes to backstab more?

Whether it's on TV or in the workplace, the general consensus seems to be that women gossip, backstab, and stir up more conflict than men do. But, as with every other topic, I thought it only fair to put this so-called stereotype under the microscope. If you watch reality shows like Celebrity Apprentice, you'll notice it's the women who spend far more time bickering. While the men do at times become embroiled in tit for tat, it's the women who are portrayed as meaner and more hostile. In the workplace, I have noticed that women seem to gossip far more than their male counterparts. I haven't really seen any cases where a person blatantly backstabs the other, but I have caught both men and women in little white lies. If it is true that women are generally more into backstabbing and gossiping than men, why is this the case? I believe that it isn't fair to make a blanket statement like "all women play these games while all men keep to themselves and pre...

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...

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How to Read People

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