Thursday, 12 January 2012

Powerplay

I don't know about you but I like to harp on quite a lot about strengths and weaknesses.
When meeting somebody new, or going to an interview, or writing a CV (resume), or a website or just talking about myself, I like to be asked what my strengths are. I'm happiest when this is quickly followed up with an opportunity to name any weaknesses that I have. They have to be juicy by the way. Not I work too hard, I'm too nice, I try to save too many animals. Your inquisitor can't get their rocks off with that now, can they? It helps if you spice it up a bit with a bit of genuinely performed self-doubt. If you're into Am Dram you're halfway there.
To the right person, really layering it on will do no end of good.
You'll come over great.

If you're short of weaknesses of course you may have to lie. For god's sake don't count that as a weakness otherwise you end up in a never-ending loop which could implode on its own futility.
I think I like this S&W approach partly because it's a referential twist on S&M. But mostly because it's a great way of communicating significant information, and I'm always surprised about how normal it feels.

So if you are meeting somebody new for the first time why not introduce yourself and ask the person what are their strengths? At the very least it is bound to lead to a terrific conversation and you will go up massively in their estimation. If you have the time to continue the conversation and you're able to take their weaknesses this gives you lots of opportunity to share your strengths. Then you can see if these counteract their weaknesses or indeed see if their weaknesses will in some way complement your strengths.
Or just humiliating them could be great fun too and you can repackage the information as anecdotes to entertain other people with.
If they are fat, it is a real bonus. It really is win-win.

Why not think about starting your own Internet dating agency where you can also go further with lists of Things You Like which will further define your uniquely lovable character.
Then at long last we can get rid of normal abstract communication altogether.

And we will all be a damn sight better off for it.

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