Over the years, testing companies have introduced personality assessment tests, ostensibly to help corporations/groups/organizations match individuals to departments, tasks or positions. Among the many types of tests, one categorizes individuals into animal-types. An example of such categorization would be The Golden Retriever.
The Golden Retriever seeks constantly to please and appease, sometimes sacrificing individuality for congeniality. There is probably a little bit of retriever in all of us, but, for some people, many retriever characteristics can be identified.
Golden Retriever personality-types are great people to be around. They are agreeable to the point of not wanting to disagree or disappoint those who have a position of importance or elevation in their lives.
However, there comes a time in all of our lives when we must, within societal constraints and those boundaries placed upon us by virtue of relationships we find ourselves in, begin to live for ourselves. The old 'saw' - To thine self be true - is most certainly appropos. 'To live with no regrets' doesn't mean to cast aside all moral, ethical and relational bonds and do whatever we please whenever we please. A human being needs to find the fine line of recognizing that we can care what others think, but if those 'others' do not agree with a decision we make, all is still well. Disapproving of a deed or action does not equate with disavowing love, affection or respect.
And, the Golden Retriever needs to remember the adage: If you think you won't like the answer, don't ask the question.
Important words to live by...........for The Golden Retriever in all of us!
Ancora imparo
