day 251: birth order
Research shows that birth order has a direct effect on personality, but like many other researched topics, there is room for interpretation, especially because people are involved. And people often mess up the numbers.I am a first-born child, which should mean many things about me. In the area of compliance I am supposed to be nuturing, reliable, and cooperative, along with traits under aggression, which include being a natural leader, assertive, and a perfectionist. But a few traits are supposed to be common to both types of first-born personalities. I should be energetic, ambitious, and enterprising.
It's tough to analyze myself and to decide how close I am to fitting into this list. I know I can take perfectionist off the list. No doubt there. I am fine being less than perfect in many areas, and can even leave things partly done. Dishes, laundry, unanswered messages, etc. However, of the other 8 things listed I may be pretty close to the mark.
Some of the things that sound strictly positive have gotten me into hot water. Being a nurturing person can come at a price when it is unwanted on the other side. And ambition? Don't even get me started there.
My birthday was yesterday. I was reflective. I took an hour-long walk with my headphones on nice and tight as I listened to music and thought a bit about my life. I think birthdays are a good time for this. And then I came home, showered, and was off to make my fortune, like any other first-born.
Remember my musical recording for the week is in the sidebar. Ecoutez bien.
14 comments
Happy Belated Birthday! Interesting about the birth order. My oldest brother is the least ambitious, aggressive and assertive of us all. I love him that way, so super easy going and forgiving of his younger siblings. Those formulas don't always fit, and even the good qualities aren't pure blessings!
I so wish I could have met you last week so I could try to determine from a couple of hours being around you how much of each of the traits you listed you have. :) (I just read that last sentence over and it's extremely weird, but I think you know what I'm saying. Especially the part about I wish I could have met you! One of these days.)
Happy Belated Birthday! Interesting about the birth order. My oldest brother is the least ambitious, aggressive and assertive of us all. I love him that way, so super easy going and forgiving of his younger siblings. Those formulas don't always fit, and even the good qualities aren't pure blessings!
I so wish I could have met you last week so I could try to determine from a couple of hours being around you how much of each of the traits you listed you have. :) (I just read that last sentence over and it's extremely weird, but I think you know what I'm saying. Especially the part about I wish I could have met you! One of these days.)
Hope your birthday just continued to get better and better through out the day!
I'm first born of 5. I am not energetic, ambitious, or enterprising. Shame isn't it?
Happy late birthday. I am the oldest and fit about half the traits I'm "supposed" to. The ones I match, are uncanny. The ones I don't, are my complete opposite. Go figure.
natural-born leader, assertive...hmm, I am an oldest child and I just call myself bossy. My husband, kids, and dad agree...
Happy Belated Birthday from a spoiled youngest child who craves attention at all times!
I think birth order has certainly affected me but I'm number six so I guess there was nowhere else for me to go but in my assigned box. I'm working on getting out and staying out, these days. I love the idea of going for a long drive with headphones on. I'll have to remember that one for my birthday.
Happy late birthday!! I'm not so sure how well I fit the youngest child mold. I've heard them described as people who love attention, and I'm not so sure that's me. Supposedly I should be prone to substance abuse disorders but I'm good there...unless you count chocolate:)
Happy Birthday late, friend. I'm really glad you were born. I think about the birth order thing a lot. Tricky stuff, but generally true, I think. But what do I know :)
I have always found birth-order research to be fascinating. I do not fit most of the stereotypes. I am cooperative, assertive, a leader (much to my "followers'" delight), and energetic (when the arthritis isn't getting the better of me). I struggle to be nurturing b/c honestly I think I'm just selfish. I have issues with reliability. Definitely not a perfectionist except about a few things. I have ambition but often not the drive to follow through.
Interesting stuff. Happy birthday one day late, my friend! :)
Happy birthday!
I'm a first child of the Type A variety. And I envy your freedom from perfectionism. I let a lot of those things go too but it bugs me and I wish it didn't.
Have you read "The Birth Order Book" by Kevin Leman? So fun!
And we're twins, Kaz. I'm an oldest, turning "your age" in June. I wouldn't have it any other way (being the oldest) but you're right; it comes with hangups.
Once again, I find myself so happy I know you.
Happy belated Birthday!
I didn't know that about first-borns but self-reflection can be frustrating and nerve-wracking. *hugs*
It was so nice to meet you the other night, Kazzy. Thank you for being so warm and kind!
I missed sending you birthday wishes.
Frowny face.
HAPPY [very late] BIRTHDAY!!
I remember studying up about birth order. As you mentioned, the research is sketchy because it only scratches at the surface of an intensely complex relationship--that between siblings and their parents and each other. I sometimes wonder how much people use "birth order" as an excuse for why they are the way they are. If you know what I mean. : )
It was lovely to FINALLY meet you!
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