Just to give some examples...
- Yes, I do like parties. If with friends, people I actually like, that is. I have a negative association with parties because I can't relate with most people who 'party'. It's for example not so much about the drinking and more about the talking and sharing (ideas, experiences) for me. So I usually answer no, because I am not sure wheather they mean a party in the traditional sense or my interpretation of one.
- Yes, I easily empathise with people. However, usually I don't really feel anything when I empathise. I can imagine, cognitively, that they must be going through some rough shit, but it doesn't emotionally bother me usually (except with family in certain cases).
- Yes, I am more interested in a general idea than in the details, but I do find the details important, because in the end you want to achieve something. You can't stay with abstractions, they are essentially useless.
- Do I trust reason rather than feeling? Well, it depends. I think reason is more important, but when I feel shit in a certain situation I don't care about the reasons. The real 'reason' is: I feel shit, and I want to leave. Still, though it's also cognitive, it's based on emotion.
- Am I somewhat reserved and distant? I'm not sure. What I know is that I don't like chit chat and casual speak, but if we can keep it somewhat professional and serious I'm all ears. You could also view not wanting to socialize in a more shallow way as kind of impersonal, because many people feel my way of talking is very analytical and 'too serious' (ergo cold).
- Do I frequently express emotions and talk about them? Eh.. I guess I actually do. Not just with anyone, but I have no problem (even if it means crying) talking about what or how I feel with family or close friends.
- Do I prefer a book over a party? It depends. What kind of party? What kind of book? It's kind of 50/50 for me, assuming both are 'nice' in my view.
- In problem solving, do I take a familiar approach or come up with a new one? Guess what, it depends. I do like to try new ideas, but it also depends on the stakes. If it's for my boss, I usually stick to the old and safe, for example. I do like to try new things, different approaches, when reasonable to try.
- Is it easy for me to communicate in social situations? With friends, yes, with strangers I'm usually quite awkward and don't know what to say.
I can keep going on like this. It's full of contradictions.
