Saturday, March 30, 2013

Character Versus Personality

By Corolla Smithson


Because it is so easy to confuse personality and character it is important to explore what is meant by personality. Personality is the process you choose in how you govern your feelings, attitudes and preferences. Personality is made up of behavioral traits that are unique to each individual. It is the basis by which you choose to interact with others. For example, when you first meet someone, you notice if they smile when they say hello. You may also notice if they are humorous, serious, outgoing or shy.

Other aspects of your personality include such things as your preference for foods, colors and hobbies. Do you eat things for taste only or do you choose foods that are healthy? Do you like loud, bright colors or do you like quiet, softer colors? Do you choose hobbies for fun only or do you choose them for exercise or education?

Most people choose their friends based upon compatible personalities. In other words, during the course of a casual conversation two people discover that they both have the same goals. These shared likes will usually motivate them to get to know each other better.

It is important to distinguish between an appealing personality and a positive character. Keep in mind that personality is what we notice right away when we meet someone. It is how we present ourselves to others. In fact, if we meet someone who appeals to us, after only one conversation we think to ourselves, "Oh, he or she seems like a nice person."

It is not as easy to recognize a person's character as it is to recognize their personality. Many times, true character is hidden behind a fictitious personality. Character is what helps you to determine what is right and wrong. Character defines the way you treat yourself and the way you treat others. It dictates your moral and ethical beliefs.

Take the time to learn about a person's character regardless of their personality. For example, two people may have opposite personalities and have very similar character traits. Or they might appear to have similar personality traits but have very different character traits. True friendships should be based not only on compatible personalities, but more so on positive moral character. So, be aware of not only the personality of someone you associate with, but his or her character as well.




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