Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Problematic Controlling Personalities and Cohousing

[Robyn Williams (zen]

While I generally agree with behaviour realisation and modification
strategies I do get tired of the bad press that certain
personalities/temperaments attract.  Some people who present a 'nice'
personality - mild mannered, softly spoken, non-reactive, reserved - can be
manipulative (controlling) and self-serving, working behind the scenes.  The
results can be provocative, even destructive, yet difficult or impossible to
pin.  In my experience there are many nice people who are happy to point the
finger and less inclined to look in the mirror.

As I become more patient and reasonable (hard work!) I am able to observe
that criticisms of my personality often fit the critic very well.  I believe
that our greatest abilities and strengths are the flip-side of our
liabilities and weaknesses.  The challenge is to find the balance through
self-awareness.

Yours from the pulpit
Robyn Williams
Pinakarri Community
Fremantle, Western Australia