Member-only story
Self-Help for Rebels
When you want to be a better person, but you can’t handle being told what to do
Gretchen Rubin, in her book, The Four Tendencies, claims that everyone fits into one of four different categories. I don’t believe anyone’s personality can be reduced that simply. But, according to her framework, I’m a rebel and rebels don’t believe in tests like hers.
That’s the dilemma I’ve had my entire life. I love to learn, and I want to improve different aspects of my character. But, I can’t stand being told what to do.
I know I’m not the only one.
I had a difficult relationship with my father when he was alive. The fact that my instinct was to write “father”, instead of “dad” gives you a sense of our relationship.
But, the man did make the most accurate observation of my life philosophy of anyone who’s ever known me.
One night after my refusal to conform to something he wanted me to do, he said, “You know what your problem is? If you don’t think there’s a good reason for a rule, you…
