Are we better defined by what is interesting us or by what is annoying us?

Question

This is a part of a study regarding positive and negative definitions.

Answer 1

That is the trouble with definitions, having to put things in a list.

Answer 2

I feel that for the most part, our society today is defined by the annoying factors. Everyone wants to be pleased and lets us know when we are riding that annoying line. Humans, at least Americans, have a easier time expressing with;s wrong and disappointing than with is interesting and intriguing.

Answer 3

judging on my experiance as a pedagogist, I would definately say that we are better defined by what annoys us. but also, what annoys us often interests us too. think about it. people who bite their nails often annoy me very much, but i have been very interested in looking up and studying the causes of this behaviour. it's a difficult question.

Answer 4

I think what best defines a person is the level of enthusiasm he shows for what most interests him, and the maturity that he brings to dealing with life's annoyances. Together, these characteristics give us a picture of a person who is truly comfortable in his own skin, confident enough to handle what life throws at him, and energetic enough to give some of himself enthusiastically to aspects of life that capture his particular interest. I would call that, to use an old phrase, the image of a "well-rounded" individual.

Answer 5

I think I'm more defined by what annoys me, actually. I'm always trying to "fix" the things I think are wrong with the world, but I rarely take time to enjoy what interests me.

Answer 6

that's interesting. i imagine it would be easier to define a person's personality by his/her likes as people readily show, act and speak about what their likes and interests are; so there's no real question here.

i think we're better defined by personal annoyances and intolerances us because these are [sometimes] attitudes we try to keep hidden; we lie about how we feel. These are the things that tend to surprise our closest friends and family who thought they knew us very well, and ourselves. What can be even more surprising is whether or not we choose to act on our annoyances and in what manner.

Answer 7

I think what annoys us actually defines us more-for example you can find others with your same interests but, it is harder to find people who get annoyed by the same things as you.

Answer 8

Both are a direct reflection of our characters.