Becoming More Restrained or More Expressive: Should you, and how?

Some of expressiveness or restraint may be genetic and cultural and resistant to dramatic change but doubtless, some volition remains. So, in the service of your considering whether to become more or less expressive, my PsychologyToday.com article today lists restraint’s and expressiveness’s advantages and then tips for how you might go about changing.

Is Assertiveness Overrated?

Not so long ago, the ideal deportment was seen as restrained, modest, not pushy. But recent decades have seen increased lauding of, indeed training of, assertiveness. We’re even seeing encouragement of rude aggressiveness, exemplified by such slogans as “I’m loud and I’m proud!”

From where I sit, neither of the extremes: “the meek shall inherit the earth” nor “I’m loud and I’m proud” are defensible. The question is, “Where in that broad middle should you aim for?” It probably depends in part on your predisposition: Some people seem hard-wired for assertiveness, others for compliance, eagerness to please. But some of our level of assertiveness would seem under our control.

Most people exhibit their level of assertiveness unconsciously. Per some of my previous articles, for example,Work More? and Give More to The Neediest or to The Higher Potential?, I believe it wise that we make such decisions consciously, after due deliberation. 

To that end, my PsychologyToday.com article today offers a debate between an advocate for moderate assertiveness and an advocate for moderate restraint. Perhaps it will help you get clearer on where you'd like to aim for on that continuum.

The Decline of Duty: A Cause of America's Decline...and You?

For time immemorial, discipline, responsibility (duty,) and impulse control have been key to improving humankind.

Today, alas, they often are deemed less important than creativity, celebrating difference, and questioning authority.

In my PsychologyToday.com article today, I argue that's reason for lament. 

What I'm Learning About Being Tactful and Acquiring More Emotional Intelligence

My PsychologyToday.com article today is on what I'm learning about how to be tactful, acquiring more emotional intelligence.

Finding the Will to Be Good

We all harbor less-than-benevolent thoughts.

Alas, we don't always have the discipline to restrain ourselves. Oh, for a little more impulse control. 

My PsychologyToday.com may offer some help. HERE is the link.