What is wrong with being aloof?

[coloradodem2005]

What is your perspective on it. Sometimes it seems appropriate for me.

[jpgray]

1. The pundits have decided voters don't like it

Get back within the bounds of conventional wisdom, citizen.

[WyLoochka]

2. From right wing Dartmouth

an article titled: "Abraham Kerry" compares Kerry to Lincoln and mentions "aloofness" "intelligence" and "seriousness" as characteristics they both share.

http://www.thedartmouth.com/article.php?aid=2004060102010

From the article

"We're in serious times and a president with strength of character and intelligence is more compelling than, as one former congressman describes, a "frat boy."

<snip>

"To compare Lincoln and Kerry, some may say, is tenuous at best. But both men demonstrated courage when it wasn't popular. And both share unmeasured political brilliance. Teddy Roosevelt said: "Americanism is a question of … character. It is not a matter of birthplace or creed or line of descent." Notice he didn't include "popularity." The "distant" and "aloof" Lincoln was president (sic) serious times. The "distant" and "aloof" Kerry could be the right fit."

Dartmouth was largely taken over by radical righters some time ago. Perhaps the tide is, indeed, turning?

[Fenris]

3. "Aloof" is what "conventional wisdom" said about FDR

Conventional wisdom, in my honest opinion, is stagnant and utterly counterprogressive. I'd prefer to hand over power to someone who was more aloof rather than someone "conventional wisdom" told me I'd like to have a beer with.

And for the record, I'd rather have a beer with Kerry. At least he could provide intelligent conversation. And at least he'd be able to actually have a beer with me, not a Diet Coke.

[supernova]

4. As part of the "aloof" contingent myself, I hear ya

It's really annoying that whole "aloof" business.

Yes, I'd much rather talk to an intellectual, with or without beer.

Frankly people who go around the room imposing themselves on others like giant puppies make me want to run from said room.

[flamingyouth]

20. Except Kerry would be contributing to the delinquency of a minor

But we'll never tell.;)

[Fenris]

21. That makes two of you.

;)

[Brian Morans]

5. I wouldn't deign to answer. n/t

[JVS]

6. Nothing, but don't expect people to like you

[supernova]

8. Typical extrovert bias

:eyes:

[JVS]

9. Hey, I am usually quite introverted

But sitting in the corner reading my book isn't going to charm the pants off of anyone.

[supernova]

10. Actually I can be quite charming

but I do dislike the inherent belief that somehow extroverts are better people.

I simply have conditions under which I perform better than others.

[JVS]

11. I don't dislike introverts

but they are harder to get to know. So they tend to remain in the neutral accquaintance category for much longer.

[supernova]

14. There's an easy way around that

I find that if I invite one or two people out to dinner, coffee, luch or whatever, I have a much better time.

Constant roomsful of people just don't do it for me. There's no way I feel I can get to know someone in a substantive way in those situations because they just are a little overwhelming. Too much stimulation and I can't concentrate.

[Wapsie B]

7. The extroverts are running the asylum.

Anyone who doesn't automatically schmooze everyone in sight gets looked at as if they're an oddball. God forbid if they get labeled as "different."

[Mara Steele]

12. Hey, I treat everyone equal...

I mean, I schmooze with extroverts AND introverts... They're all good...

Am all for honoring diversity...

[Wapsie B]

13. That's good.

I try to as well. It's just that sometimes it takes me a little bit to warm up to people. And in business situations and job interviews that can be the kiss of death.

[Mara Steele]

15. I can understand that...

I try to do my best to make people comfortable & not to overwhelm them... Actually I am an extrovert who seems to make the most friends among introverts... It's that "opposites attract" thing...

Here's to the introverts... :toast: :yourock: Thoughtful, excellent folks...

[supernova]

16. Same here

I've developed a game face for business to appear more extroverted. I feel a need to decompress afterwards with a museum, movie, or music usally.

[coloradodem2005]

18. That last part really pisses me off.

Everyone tells you that you have to sell yourself. It irritates me that I am who I am and it is a huge handicap for me.

[SarahB]

17. Nothing.

Absolutely nothing. Some of us need time to warm up, only warm up in certain situations, or need space sometimes. It's just who we are. :hi:

[TrogL]

19. I'm aloof - get over it.