BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Self Development Do you think personality is innate?

I think the "base" of our personality is innate. After all, even an infant has a certain temperament. Then over the years people, circumstances, and events help to hone the personality. I don't think the core of us really ever changes, but we learn to act and react respectably and acceptably in society.

Hi Claire and Michelle, that innateness or core does seem to be quite crucial, with 'life experiences' adding to one's personality along the way. (JOY)

I agree that some parts can be changed and some cannot, but determining what part can be changed can be tricky. I think it is good to accept our personality the way it is. I am naturally very introverted. My mom, who is extroverted tried to encourage me to be more outgoing and sociable. It was very stressful. She loves to sit and just talk for hours at a time. Because she is extroverted it helps her feel energized. Because I am extroverted I feel worn out after a long talking session. People have said I can be more extroverted if I try. Well I have tried. It did not change my personality. I was only pretending to be someone I was not. I feel more comfortable when I am myself. (Like many introverted people, I am much more outgoing online. Some people in my online groups do not believe me when I say I am very introverted.) People sometimes confuse personality traits and psychological issues. Being cautious and careful is a personality trait, but being a compulsive worrier is a psychological issue. So being cautious and careful may not be something you can change, but worrying too much is.

Ilah, you touch on some interesting issues, especially introverts versus extroverts. I find it particularly fascinating how a singer or actor can transform from a timid person to a completely different personality in seconds. (JOY)

I think the key word is acting. They do not really become a different person, they are only pretending to be a different person. When you just do it once and a while, or you change you personality just for fun (like an actor) it usually works out okay. But when you do it long term because you think that another personality type is better than yours it can be a problem. I have had issues with this because some people think being introverted is a problem to be overcome and not a natural personality type.

I think it can be both innate and able to be changed.