“A Character with Flaws”

Why are relationships hard to maintain? What is it about people that stifle relationships? I think I know answer. And that’s why I’m writing this document. It’s no mystery. The reason relationship in marriage, friendships, committees, groups, and so on fail is because someone important to relationship is sporting poor character. (I didn’t say this was going to be a popular topic.) It takes a well-developed, strong, mature, and steadfast character to maintain a healthy relationship.

I will now conclude with five through ten of character flaws that Dr. Tartaglia has recorded in his book, Flawless! The Ten Most Common Character Flaws and What You Can Do About Them.

“A Character with Flaws” (conclusion)

(5) “Intolerance” stinks. An attitude of superiority and disdain pervades air when this flaw is present. You can smell it. This attitude of rejection and intolerance is basis of bias and prejudice according to Dr. Tartaglia. Sometimes it is blatant, like racial prejudice or nationalism. Sometimes it is very subtle and presents itself as pity for poor unfortunates who aren’t as liberated, or enlightened, as we are. Nevertheless, it is still intolerance. This flaw of character could be eliminated if we’d stress personal responsibility, and value and sacredness of human life in our homes and schools. Seems we go to great lengths to teach kids skills that they will need to excel in a career, but we don’t take time to teach them respect for one another. No matter what your color, creed, or culture is your life is worthy of my respect.

(6) The “poor me” (martyr syndrome) character is found in people who need to be victimized. Don’t get me wrong. There are a number of victims out there who have truly suffered and don’t want to be victimized any more; however, I know some people, as you probably do also, who use their victimization in a way that disrupts relationships and creates chaos. These people embellish their victimization and set themselves up as victims by pity parties to make others feel sorry for them. Actually their status as perpetual victim becomes their strength. The louder they cry, more attention they get. You know type. These self-inflicted martyrs suffer pain so that someone will look at them and think they’re a saint for enduring such pain and affliction.

(7) “Self-regard run riot” is listed as number seven. It was Charles H. Parkhurst who said, “The man who lives by himself and for himself is likely to be corrupted by company he keeps.” The “self-regard run riot” flaw is easily identified. It’s hard to hide it when someone is self-absorbed. They give themselves away easily when every sentence out of their mouth begins with, “I.” You don’t have to regard them. They regard themselves, constantly.