I have similar reactions as everyone here. The article seems to imply that anyone who doesn't embody these traits isn't as healthy; I say, screw that. The bigger problem I feel is when people feel less than adequate because they don't "measure up" -- articles like this feed into that. Particularly in regards to neuroticism. Also, the traits seem pretty generalized -- everyone has varying degrees, it's not all black and white.

@citronella READ THIS please. ....that's me direct not coy ....romantic not neurotic .....assertive not depressed .....VISIONARY not compartmentalizing empathic not insensitive .....trusting not suspicious ....giving not rapacious. ...rational NOT A BELIEVER. ...Atheist not agnostic

And then there's this.

[bigperspectives.com]

I am open to feelings, embrace positive emotions and am straightforward. But I have anxiety after being raped.

"Neuroticism is one of the higher-order personality traits in the study of psychology. Individuals who score high on neuroticism are more likely than average to be moody and to experience such feelings as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, frustration, envy, jealousy, guilt, depressed mood, and loneliness."

By that definition most of those peopple who are mentallly/developmentally disabled qualify. I agree.

That was only two.

Only Three?

I agree with the authors, and feel like the changes in my life are quite representative of choosing those qualities just because they seem to work. Seems like I tried everything else under the sun first.

Sounds like me...

I admire George Costanza's (read Larry David's) neuroticism, although I am not neurotic myself.

I will just settle for who I am. No labels. No borders.