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Lady Gaga Snerd


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In Praise of Seriousness. Upbeat is overrated.
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In Praise of Seriousnes

Upbeat is overrated.
 
Posted Nov 24, 2015
 
Adhibat, CC 2.0
Source: Adhibat, CC 2.0

America likes upbeat people. Whether political candidates, workplace norms, or in social gatherings, cheery is rewarded, serious is denigrated: "Debbie Downer."

Much can be said in favor of being upbeat: Especially in challenging times, an optimistic view is usually welcome. And upbeat people make others and themselves feel good.

Who could argue against all that? I could.

 

Perky people tend to focus on what's good and so are less likely to look for problems. And identifying problems is the necessary first step toward making things better.

Also, while cheery folks attract friends more easily, at least in my experience, their conversations tend to be more superficial. Serious people appear to take others more, well, seriously thus making their conversation partners more likely to drop the mask and reveal what's really going on. And in nearly everyone, something is going on that's a lot more important than the sports score or the latest fashion. As the Chinese saying goes, "No family can hang a sign saying there are no problems here."

Serious people are not necessarily miserable or depressed. They simply walk the earth with a default position of soberness. Paradoxically, they may go through life with a greater sense of contentment and groundedness than do many perky people. They're not saddled with the unrealistic expectation that life and most of its activities should be fun. Not only are they thus less likely to be disappointed, they're more likely to be willing to do the unpleasant but necessary tasks needed for success and for contribution.

Chipper chaps, think three times before telling a serious person to cheer up. That can be perceived as invalidating their essence. And before you think less of people because they're serious, realize that a good case can be made for their approach to life.

Marty Nemko's bio

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-do-life/201511/in-praise-seriousness



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burns07


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agree for the most part--my lady and i don't suffer fools--we like genuine, real--one of the most important traits a human can possess is a sense of humour--we each have a rather dry, sarcastic sense of humour that goes right over the head of a lot of people--we've gotten used to it--" positive thinkers " tend to see our particular brand of humour as being negative because they lack the understanding for sarcasm or self-deprecating humour--their loss--we've laughed together when everyone else around us are going apeshyt--a valuable ability in situations when what you do in the next few moments can determine the outcome/life or death


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lilyofcourse


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There is a difference in being serious and never being in a good mood or being a downer all the time.


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Lindley


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lilyofcourse wrote:

There is a difference in being serious and never being in a good mood or being a downer all the time.

 Sure is. 



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Lady Gaga Snerd


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Not always. Serious people often get accused of being "no fun", etc. And, if you aren't a Happy Peppy Puppy Person, then you aren't being a team player, blah, blah.

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sweet tooth


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Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:

Not always. Serious people often get accused of being "no fun", etc. And, if you aren't a Happy Peppy Puppy Person, then you aren't being a team player, blah, blah.

 Exactly.



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