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April 22, 2005
Multiple Personalities as Social Tools
Lately, I've thought a lot about multiple personalities. I'm not talking about Multiple Personality Disorder, but the type of multiples that we use in everyday life, as a way of functioning in society. For instance, I know that I have two distinct personalities. One is the public persona in which I am confident, friendly and charismatic. This is the personality I use at work, and out in the world. The other is the quiet, introverted and antisocial person I am when I'm at home or alone.
My outgoing personality can handle any situation, solves any problem, and is seen as the go-to guy for any question or problem that others around me might have. This is the personality I use in politics, church functions, computer consulting and at the local Wal-Mart.
My introvert personality doesn't want to talk on the phone. He stares at a computer monitor for hours, reading, writing, playing games and strategizing. When interrupted, my inner introvert is momentarily very upset, mostly because it must be put aside and replaced with the extrovert for a while. This is the personality that doesn't want visitors, conversation or instant messages.
I know I'm not the only person who does this. I've recognized no less than three personalities in my wife. She has two that she switches between, depending on how smart the person she's talking to thinks she is. Both of these are bubbly and outgoing, and have made her very popular at church and in other circles we walk in. Her antisocial personality is far more antisocial than mine, though. I'm the only one who is aware of its existence.
I believe that these multiple personalities are an essential method of existence in this world. Many people have a personality that is designed for the specific task of overcoming a lack of confidence. Others turn on a personality to sell.
I can understand how, given an instance of major emotional truama, a person could take their own multiple personalities to an extreme, turning them into a disorder. For most people, however, they can be a useful tool. I know they are for me.
Posted by Lockjaw at April 22, 2005 12:57 PM
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