December 8, 2012

• Geography and Personality: A Greek Quiz

  I found an interesting article showing that personality traits tend to group by region in the USA:
  For example, New Yorkers tend to be more creative, imaginative, and intellectual, while Louisiana folk tend to be friendly but stressed. The article, plus some blogs by @SpAnKyLiCiOuS ,made me wonder further: to what extent is my personality shaped by having Greek parents? This is the part where I tell you that this is a very self-focused blog, and feel free to exit now before you fall asleep.

  The Greek Quiz, via Marrying a Greek , This is My Happy Place, and the classic business book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Count how many "Yes" answers you have.
  1) Greeks are open to discussing nearly anything but find it difficult to change positions.
  2) Greeks process information subjectively.
  3) Interpersonal relationships have a big impact on decisions.
  4) Reject objective facts if they interfere with subjective feelings or ideologies.
  5) Friendships are deep and carry obligations.
  6) Greeks prefer to avoid uncertainty and embed themselves in social structures.
  7) Greeks are both hardworking and laidback, thus much activity but slow progress.
  8) Failures are often blamed on outside forces.
  9) Machismo is very strong.
  10) Greek people tend to be gesture often not only with hands and heads but eyes and lips.
  11) Greeks often fidget or foot-tap, but this does not necessarily indicate boredom.
  12) Anger is sometimes expressed by a smile.
  13) Greeks are very generous.
  14) Greeks interpret things dramatically. "When things are good, the drama and enthusiasm he displays are infectious and enjoyable. However, when things do not go well in his life, everything is exaggerated and he seems to have little ability to control his mood or see things logically."
  15) When things improve, Greeks forget the bad times quickly.
  16) Greek men never truly leave their mothers.
  17) Greek are spontaneous and take risks.
  18) Greeks can talk about ancient events as if they just occurred: very historical and nostalgic.
  19) Greeks use abstract, poetic speech.
  20) Greeks love arguments.
  21) Greeks can seem aloof.
  22) Greeks tend to be very uncomfortable around the frigidity of northern/western Europeans and some Americans.
  23) Greeks are night owls.
  24) Greeks are very curious and want to know everything.
  25) Greeks are bad tippers.
  26) Greeks are competitive despite their laid-back appearance.
  27) Greeks care a lot about their personal reputation and honor.
  28) Greeks can be self-critical and easily engage in self-mockery.
  29) Greeks love to mock politicians and the failures of society.
  30) Greeks are distrustful.
  31) Greeks want to know everything about you in every area.
  32) Greeks are outgoing, extroverted and even communal in lifestyle.
  33) The bad side of Greeks is their deviousness, obstinance, and selfishness.
  34) The good side of Greeks is their nobility, courage, and creativity.
  35) Greeks like being well-dressed and having a lot of color and/or makeup in their personal style. Individualized style is important.
  36) If you ignore a Greek person's advice or comment, they will be hurt, but will not necessarily confront on the spot. They will remember, though, and snub you when you want something from them.
  37) Physical affection and warmth, demonstrated publicly, is a Greek style, as is anger in public. Greek men and women will often hold their same-gender friends' hand in the street.
  38) Loyalty is critical.
  39) Hospitality is important.
  40) Food is important to the Greek, as is cooking.
  *) Greeks are people of contradictions, yet this does not seem to bother them, and they appreciate the tension.

  My Greek score is quite high. I find it fascinating how much of my personality seems to be tied directly to my nationality even though I have never lived in Greece. What's your score? Do you fit the stereotypes for your nationality? I also wonder to what extent my close friends fit those traits, or if I tend to befriend those who are different than myself.

  • 6:28 pm
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