Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

It has recently been brought to my attention, albeit from a questionable source, that I suffer from 3 specific conditions:

1. I need to be right about everything.
Now, I am all about looking at other people’s perspectives on this one. Be brutally honest with me why doncha.
If you know me in any personal capacity, I would appreciate feedback on this because if it is in fact a trait I possess, I would like to fix it on the ASAP.
Cuz there’s nothing more irritating than a know it all.

My view: I do not consciously put much effort into ramming my points down people’s throats. In fact I feel that I am rather cautious about discussing my personal opinions with other people, unless I feel that they are open to hearing my views or out right ask for my advice.
I am very much a thinker, and can often be found pondering all aspects of a situation instead of just my own so I can see all angles and come to a logical conclusion.
I do not think there is a finite right or wrong in most things in life…therefore I was kind of stunned to hear that I come across as one of “those people” that always has to be right, no matter what the cost.

But I could be wrong…gawd knows it’s happened before. I am open to anyone’s interpretation.

2. I am driven by my ego. (Latin derivative meaning “I”)
Wow.
Still shell shocked by this one.
Once again, I am all about looking at other people’s opinions on the matter.
I have never heard this term used in describing any of my character traits, but that’s not to say it hasn’t been discussed without my knowledge. Sometimes we really are the last to know things about ourselves.
I am willing to hear the straight goods on this one – I’ll admit it would be disheartening to hear/read. Because I have always believed people are people…no greater no less.
But if I am an egoist, I would like some hard truth from the outside world on this one, because quite frankly, I wouldn’t like myself very much if it turned out that I really was all about me.
I’d get to work on fixing it immediately.

My View: I cannot remember a time in my life when I felt better than anyone else.
I cannot remember a time when I condoned that behavior in other people either.
I have a deep rooted belief that we are all the same creature…material, wealth, power, IQ…is all external. None of it matters much in the end in my opinion – mind you none of it really matters in the present if you look at the big picture, but that’s just my view.
I try my best not to judge others too harshly for their life circumstances, because I have not walked a mile in their shoes, and therefore am no authority on the matters that I have never experienced myself.
Well these are MY thoughts…again; I could be way off base.

3. I am unrealistic.
Now this one in particular made me do a double take. Reason being, I have often been called too realistic for my own good.
Indeed, sometimes that has taken the wind out of some people’s sails throughout my life. Especially when they are excited about a plan that they have pinned their hopes on, but have not actually sat down to figure out the logistics of it.
I have usually been that person…the list maker, the pros and cons chart developer, the estimated time per task figure-outer, the financial planner, etc.
Yeah…that person.
I’m sure I have annoyed more than my fair share of people with this approach, I can admit that.

My View: I think I am very realistic.
Sometimes too much so for my own good.
Anyone that knows me will tell you that I am notorious for being unable to act spontaneously. I have a terrible habit of considering any plan/decision to the very last detail in order to decide if it is a wise choice.
I need to plan ahead to make sure the end result is worth it. I need to consider every avenue.
Is that the definition of realistic? Unrealistic? I am not sure.

I know it shouldn’t matter what other people think of me, and for the most part it generally doesn’t. I try to live the best way I know how in order to sustain happiness and peace.

I guess I am just concerned that I may be putting out these vibes without realizing it. And if so, I would like to correct it.
Because there’s nothing worse than striving to live your life by a certain set of values, and then being told you are having the opposite effect on others and the world in general.

Thanks for listening.