Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses

I know a man named “Sam.” Sam is in his fifties, and he’s probably been described as “popular” his entire life. He’s gregarious, he’s full of life, and everyone is always smiling around him. And what a sense of humor! He’s always cracking jokes, and they’re usually actually funny. He’s never had trouble making friends, and until recently he’s never had trouble meeting women. However, if you met him through the Internet, you might never know any of this.

You see, Sam grew up without having to express himself through the written word very often. When it comes to putting his thoughts down on paper (or an online profile, as it were), he comes across as much more stilted. And then there’s the technical aspect - he’s quite slow in actually typing, and sometimes capitalization and punctuation fall by the wayside. Despite his limitations he wants to include online dating in his life, because he just doesn’t meet many single people his age in his day-to-day life.

The good news is, Sam is well aware of those limitations, and takes them all in stride with his trademark sense of humor. He wants to make a good first impression with his profile, so he not only spends time on it, he enlists the editing skills of his family and friends. Every email is thoughtfully composed, and he’s not afraid to suggest a phone call or video chat over a conversation in an instant messenger. He’s honest with himself, and not afraid to take steps to compensate for his weak areas.

This is probably the best thing anyone can do for themselves, no matter where they’re strong or weak. Perhaps they’re shy and clam up in person - so they might make sure their profile reflects the sparkle that one usually only sees after to getting to know them. It’s easy to get frustrated when something doesn’t come easily, but it’s important to remember that everyone has their own limitations. And your success can sometimes depend on how honestly you see them or address them.

So as you step into the world of dating, consider your own weaknesses - and strengths! Knowing how to play up your strengths can be equally important. And as for your limitations, don’t take them personally; they’re just one facet of what makes up your unique personality. Don’t be afraid to ask for outside opinions or help; you know yourself best, but sometimes the challenge is just getting out of your own way. With honesty and help when you need it, others will hopefully get to know the real you.