There are many continuum based descriptors of personality: independent/dependent, controller/pleaser, extravert/introvert; dominant/submissive, rigid/flexible, etc… Extremes generally are not healthy. Balance would be a reasonable goal. Let’s take a look at the rigid personality. The following personality inventory gives some insight as to how rigid you may be. See where you fit on this scale. After each question answer A (rarely); B (sometimes) or C (often).

1. It’s hard for me to quickly adapt to change, such as a new job, friend, or neighborhood.

2. It bugs me when my surroundings are not neat and orderly.

3. I like to make lists of things to do.

4. I tend to feel dissatisfied or upset when I don’t finish a task.

5. When on vacation, I get upset if things don’t go as planned.

6. When someone takes advantage of me, it bothers me for a long time.

7. I tend to store used or old things since they may be useful someday.

8. I become uncomfortable when people don’t replace things the way I left them.

9. I am strongly conscientious about fulfilling my obligation.

10. I am meticulous about caring for my possessions.

When finished, tally up your score giving yourself 1 point for each A, 2 points for each B, 3 points for each C response.

A score of 8-14 points. You are lax, laid-back, and a threat to no one.

A score of 14-19 points. You are generally easygoing, but you have moments of verve and pluck.

A score of 20-25. You stand your ground, but you also give in now and then for the sake of a smooth relationship with others.

A score of 26-30. You suffer from “hardening of the categories” once you’ve made up your mind, nothing can change it. Try to learn to relax, develop more empathy for others, and be more open to new ideas.

All personalities begin with a biological orientation that is somewhat malleable as it is shaped and developed by early caretakers, teen age experiences, and the impact of significant adults. It is important to understand the brain wiring that has been imbedded into your modus operandi.

The rigid personality is more common in men, but not exclusively. It is generally rooted in fear. Trust is usually an issue for rigid people. Rigid types tend to enjoy highly structured work that calls for strict standards — often in fields such as science, accounting, engineering, military and research.

Rigid personality types are not very flexible. They do not bend. Therefore they are more prone to “break” than those of a more flexible nature. The breakdown usually begins in the late 40s, early 50s. These rigid people then tend to get angrier and more controlling as their rigid personality constructs start breaking down. Often they tend to abuse alcohol and the people close to them.

Extreme personalities are not very healthy. If this inventory indicates you are quite rigid and/or significant people in your life have said that you are rigid, do something about it. Don’t worry, you won’t turn into an overly flexible wuss. But you may find more balance and a bit of bend so that you don’t break!

Dr. Stathas is a counseling psychologist, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in the Lake Oconee area. He is the founder of the Stathas Life Development Center. He can be reached at (706) 473-1780. E-mail: Stathas@plantationcable.net. Web site: drstathas.googlepages.com