This prompt is like in job interviews when they ask you your biggest flaw and you have to come up with something that sounds legit, but isn’t bad enough that they wouldn’t want to hire you, and if possible, can also be twisted to be a good thing. (I suspect pretty much everyone says that they are too much of a perfectionist. In my case it happens to be true, but it does sound like a kiss butt answer.) Except this is worse because I don’t take compliments well, and have a hard time thinking of things I like about myself. I guess I need to work on that.
I think my biggest strength is that I have a lot of empathy. I think this comes partly from reading so much, partly just how I am, partly how I was raised and partly having grown up with a parent who was dealing with trauma, so reading moods became a necessary survival skill to help me navigate her more intense days. But it’s something I think has shaped how I view the world, my interest in what life is like for people who are very different for me, and my ability to try and step into other people’s shoes (as much as that is possible). It’s made me a more fair-minded person, it’s made it easier for me to forgive and to see multiple sides in situations that have them (i.e. NOT opinions and ideas that are based on hate or prejudice – they’re just plain wrong). It makes me love deeply and lastingly, it makes me loyal and honest, and it makes me a better parent because I think I do a good job of trying to understand what is going on rather than reacting just to behaviour. Not that I always do that perfectly, but I am aware of it and try my best.
It has down sides, of course. It’s hard for me to stand up for myself or feel like I’m “right” because I can usually see the other side’s viewpoint. Which would be a good thing, but when the person on the other side is digging in to their own perspective without being able to see mine, my ability to see their side as well as my own usually weakens my position. But overall, I’d still rather have it than not. I think it makes me a better person, and I think it drives my desire to read diversely and want to learn as much as I can about other people.
What about you guys? What one thing stands out to you as a positive trait you have? Could be something you’re proud of or something others have pointed out to you. Or, if you struggle like I do with talking about your positive attributes, what’s something you aspire to?
Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge is a blog hop hosted every Wednesday by Long and Short Reviews. The weekly prompts range widely, including both book-related and non-book-related topics. The idea is to get bloggers to interact, share a bit about their lives and connect with other bloggers. Visit here to join in the fun!
Empathy is a great thing, but I can see its downside.
Yes, but I feel like everything in life has an up side and a down side, and navigating that is our challenge! Worth it, I think.
Empathy is certainly something most of us have to learn. I’m glad you have it.
Yes, but luckily for all of us here, reading is a great way to build it! One of the wonderful side effects of being a lifelong book nerd! 😉
Empathy is a super power in these challenging times. All strengths have downsides. I find sometimes our strengths get us into more trouble than our weaknesses because we over rely on them, especially when things get hard.
I agree – everything has a down side. But then again, that means that everything also has an up side, and I guess the biggest challenge is learning how to focus on the good part and work on the bad!
I definitely have trouble seeing my strengths.. next week will be easy-peasy! My post is here if you want to stop by!
Haha! Yeah, I’m actually finding it equally hard because, while I am definitely super aware of my faults, I don’t particularly ENJOY discussing them! Thanks for stopping by!
Empathy is a two-edged sword (you mention a little when you talk about learning to read moods), but it can be a real blessing, too. It sounds like you appreciate it very much! Thanks for joining in today! I’m here if you’d like to visit: http://www.mariannearkins.com/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-my-greatest-strength/
I definitely feel both edges to it, but that’s everything in life, right? 🙂
Empathy is a good thing! It can be hard to stand up for yourself, though. I have that problem, too. 🙂
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-my-greatest-strength/
Yes, particularly as I also really dislike conflict and would rather avoid it when possible!