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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Health
Elle Hunt

I’m disagreeable – and it’s backed by science. Can I change my personality?

woman
Addressing blindspots or imbalances can help us achieve our goals, and feel happier and more fulfilled. At the very least, the attempt can make us more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Illustration: Rita Liu/The Guardian

The other day, a friend decided to playfully name our individual roles within the group: planner, emotional support, and so on. I was the fault-finder – or, as she put it, “the grumpy teenager” – who points out problems, but doesn’t suggest alternatives.

She was only kidding around, but she struck at an insecurity I have: that I’m unacceptably, intolerably negative.

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