8 Ways That I'm "Both-And" (And Maybe You Are Too)

I'm an odd person. And before all of my friends and family who are reading this burst out into laughter as they agree with me, let me clarify. 

By "odd," I mean that I don't fit into a "box" - regarding pretty much anything. In other words, lots of people clearly define themselves in one way or another. For example, some people CLEARLY have a "Type A / Perfectionist" personality. And some people CLEARLY have a "Type B / Laid Back" personality. Others are definite extroverts, and some are definite introverts. But I can't put myself in any clear category regarding many areas of my personality. 

So Iet me give you some examples and tell you 8 ways that I am "Both-And" ...

1. Extrovert - Introvert
I think I was more of an introvert as child. But as I have gotten older, I have become more extroverted. I have more friends and more social activity. And I love it. But I also need my alone time. I think about things in my head before they come out of my mouth (an introvert characteristic). But I feel fired up when I'm with people (extrovert) and drained when I'm alone too much (extrovert). I could go on an on. But even the Myers-Briggs Personality test confirms this. I call myself a "Middlevert." 

2. Feminine - Masculine
I look feminine. I wear make-up, have long hair, care about my clothes, and care deeply about my relationships. But psychologically, sometimes I'm very masculine. I am logical and rational. Sometimes I even ignore my intuition because I have analyzed too much. Anyway, I could go on. But I'm clearly androgynous (meaning, I have a balance of both).

3. Hard Worker - Lazy
I used to think I was more a lazy sort of person. I didn't try very hard in school. I just did enough to get by with good enough grades so that my mom wouldn't yell at me about them. But I've realized that when I am passionate about something, I turn into a workaholic. I'm like a freight train that can't be stopped (hard worker). But I still can't get my laundry done or clean my house as often as I should (lazy).

4. Opinionated - "I don't give a sh@#"
If you were to see me at a faculty meeting, you would think that I'm mute. I hardly say a word. UNLESS, I actually have a strong opinion. Ask my sisters - sometimes they get afraid of me because when I have an opinion, I must come across as if I'm angry or something. I don't do it on purpose. But I'm either like that (opinionated) or a mute (don't give a sh@#").

5. Structured - Disorganized
My friends call me a "clock eater" because I eat my meals at pretty much the same time every day. I also plan my life - my calendar is booked months in advance (structured). But if you ever come over to my house, please don't look inside my cupboards, in my laundry room, or some of my drawers. They are a disaster (disorganized).

6. High Maintenance - Low Maintenance
I like a comfy bed (no camping for me...high maintenance). I take a long time to get ready in the morning. I have high expectations of people's behavior who are close to me (high maintenance). But I also don't care if I don't talk to some of my friends for months - or even years. I don't care if they don't call me back after I call them. I don' take anything personally (low maintenance).

7. Picky - Don't Care
I have been single for many years after my divorce because I have very high standards for who I want to get into a relationship with. I know what I want, and I'm willing to wait forever if that's what it takes (picky). And I only like being around friends who lift me up instead of drain me (picky). But I don't judge other people in general. I'm pretty much a "live and let live" person. I don't care what you do - just be yourself (don't care). 

8. Optimist - Pessimist 
I generally think of myself as an optimist. I believe that good things happen, I am happy, and I always encourage others to believe in themselves and their dreams. I teach people to have a positive viewpoint on life. But sometimes when I get a headache, I fear I have a brain tumor or that I am having a stroke (pessimist / hypochondriac). 

This blog is not intended to be an opportunity to talk about myself. And it's not intended for you to get a rare glimpse into my complicated psyche. But it is intended for you to think about the "both-and" areas of yourself.

Honestly, I'm probably not that odd. Maybe a lot of you reading this were nodding your head in agreement when I was talking about my "both-ands." Keep in mind that it's okay to not fit into a "box." It's okay to have one foot in different boxes. In fact, it's not only okay, I think it makes you kind of interesting! #Iambiased #LOL

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