People Aren't Snowflakes

Impossible to truly measure, but they say that no two snowflakes are alike. I’m sure we’d all like to think that humans are just as unique. However, there are many different ways in which human personalities are classified into categories. Surprisingly it has taken me some time to post on one such a categorization with which I am obsessed – that is, the Myers-Briggs Personality Test (that leads to a description, you can take the test for free here, here, or here, or wherever else you find it).

According this test, people fit into either of 16 different personality types, which is determined by 4 ways in which we interact and observe the world and other humans. I have taken this test countless times, adjusting my answers and in different moods and it always comes back with the same result.  

Not only do I find the results accurate according to my actions and innermost thoughts, but also a good fit for the family and friends upon whom I have subjected my obsession and requested them to take the test as well.

The test is used in counseling, advising people on career paths, and even by certain companies for hiring purposes. Of course there are those who feel the test is not an accurate depiction of the human population. Others argue that while it has some merit we should not use the test to determine whether or not we can pursue a relationship with someone.

Personally, unless more detailed facts are provided proving otherwise - I will stand a firm proponent of the test. I do not plan on using it as a guide for whether or not I let someone into my life, but that seems to be occurring organically anyway. I have changed all the names for their privacy, but check out what I discovered about how all my friendships are distributed:

Beth – INFP (Gemini)
Deena – INFP (Gemini)
Ken – INFP (Taurus)
Ben – INFP (Capricorn)
Adam – ENFP (Cancer)
Will- ENFP (Aries)

Chris – INTP (Aries)
Beatrice – ENTP (Aquarius)

There are some other clusters with people whom I do consider friends, but we often clash:

Sally – ENFJ (Pisces)
Krishna – ESFJ (Aries)
Lilah – ISFJ (Gemini)

Notice I have also cross compared these with the zodiac, another popular, albeit less scientific way of viewing people. I haven’t noticed much of a pattern there with the exception that I seem to have no interaction with certain signs. 

With a few anomalies, I seem to gravitate towards who are “NFP.” Coincidence? I think not.

For anyone who is curious, I usually test as INTJ, with the few times I tested as INTP. According to my recent readings, the ideal combination for INTJs are ENFPs and ENTPs, for any type of relationship (Also, female INTJs only make up 2% of the population, so if you have thought I’m a bit weird - you’re right).

Whatever you feel about this, the test is fun and gets you thinking about how you see the world and interact with others in ways you may not have before, and helps you to realize that a person isn’t “wrong” about how they’re viewing things, just different - so go ahead and give it a whirl.

The Dark Humor of Life

This poem speaks for itself - for the experience and all the emotions of wonder, frustration, anger, and simultaneous disappointment and hope.

Ships That Pass in the Night

By: Paul Laurence Dunbar

 Out in the sky the great dark clouds are massing;

   I look far out into the pregnant night,

Where I can hear a solemn booming gun

   And catch the gleaming of a random light,

That tells me that the ship I seek is passing, passing.

My tearful eyes my soul’s deep hurt are glassing;

   For I would hail and check that ship of ships.

I stretch my hands imploring, cry aloud,

   My voice falls dead a foot from mine own lips,

And but its ghost doth reach that vessel, passing, passing.

O Earth, O Sky, O Ocean, both surpassing,

   O heart of mine, O soul that dreads the dark!

Is there no hope for me? Is there no way

   That I may sight and check that speeding bark

Which out of sight and sound is passing, passing?

Wipe Your Paws

I practice wiping my dogs’ paws and private areas every time they come back from outside. Time consuming I know. 

There are two sides to every coin. Dog germs are good for you. Dog germs are bad for you. On one hand, dogs bring in particles of grass, mud, allergens, feces, and goodness knows what else. These can strengthen our immune system and that of any young children, but they can also make us sick.

Either way, everything is good moderation. I wipe them down because it lessens some of the bacteria coming in, and because it can help deter fleas or allergens from sticking to their fur or paws. Less dirt between their toes means less dirt they are licking up and then licking onto me (if you have a dog you know they lick, lick, lick, and lick…).

You can use baby wipes, but since baby wipes are made with their own set of icky preservatives or potentially irritating fragrances - I make my own. You can tear up paper towel pieces (I’ve seen some people sawing in half a roll of paper towel too) or use reusable cloth. You can store the pieces in an old container (perhaps one that held baby wipes) with the liquid to keep them wet, or simply spray the liquid onto the material when ready to use.

There are many recipes online, but what I find that I like is:

1 cup distilled water, 1 cup aloe vera gel or liquid, and a few drops (4-5 of each) of safe essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender. I also added a few drops of wild orange essential oil for a pleasant citrus scent.

The aloe acts as a moisturizer for their paws and the essential oils are the disinfectants and also flea and tick deterrents. You can also add in some vinegar, but while that would add more germ fighting power, it may burn private areas or the corner of their eyes.

My one dog likes the smell of this so much he tried to lick it up! Weirdo.