I ran across this in a recent Atlantic article:

The author was talking about why we are attracted to some people and not others.  One theory is that while in the womb we are dosed with different levels of hormones that impel us towards one of four basic personality types.

The Explorer (26% of us)…the libidinous creature who acts “on the spur of the moment”.  Operative neurochemical; dopamine.

The Builder (28.6% of us)…the much calmer person who has “traditional values”.  The builder also “would rather have loyal friends than interesting friends,” enjoys routines, and places a high priority on taking care of his or her possessions.  Operative neurotransmitter; serotonin.

The Director (16.3% of us)…the “analytical and logical” thinker who enjoys a good argument.  The Director wants to discover all the features of his or her new camera or computer.  Operative hormone; testosterone.

The Negotiator (29.1% of us)…the touchy-feely communicator who imagines “both wonderful and horrible things happening” to him- or herself.  Operative hormone; estrogen, then oxytocin.

They claim Explorers are attracted to Explorers, and Builders are attracted to Builders, but Directors are attracted to Negotiators, and vice versa.

So which personality type are you?  Which is your spouse/significant other?  Do you agree with these pairings?

I think I must be some sort of weird bastardized mutant.  I see myself as about 70% Builder and 30% Director.

Talk to me.

S

When you first meet a friend on the street, or answer the phone and hear the voice of an old friend, what do your first say?  Common are, “What’s up?”, or “What’s happening?”  Sometimes something innocent can turn into a marathon conversation without you having to say another word.

That was the case with my late grandmother.  We all called her “Mama”….just Mama.  So I would answer the phone and she’d say, “Scott……..” as if it were a question.  And out of habit I’d reply, “Hi, how are you, Mama?”  Oops!  As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I knew I’d screwed up. 

“Oh, not so good.  My hemorrhoids are botherin’ me again, and I haven’t slept in days.  Did I tell ya’ I was havin’ trouble with my bowels, too?”  (TMI Mama.) On and on and on and……….   Usually by the time she was finished telling me about all of her ailments she’d forgotten what she called for in the first place.

So what do you first say to someone you meet?  Do you have a friend or relative like my “Mama”?  Do you choose your words carefully?

S