To Infinity and B.Han: People Person

Obviously, there are several different types of people. Even a simple problem can determine a lot about someone.

Example:

Sally had 836 cookies. She ate half of them. What does Sally now have?

Reactions:

Person 1: “Well, Sally now has 413 cookies remaining. Simple answer. There. This is dumb. I just wasted my time.”

Immediately, the person seeks to answer the question mathematically. They disregard the fact that the notion of eating that many cookies is completely ridiculous. The question is theoretical, therefore, the impossible situation does not affect the impulse to solve the equation at hand. These are typically perfectionists in life. If they have the chance, they’ll overanalyze even the smallest details.

Person 2: “Diabetes. Sally now has diabetes. (hehehe)”

This is the type of person who gets distracted by details that are not essential to the solution. Even though the number that is given is not a huge number, they don’t bother doing the math in their head. Why should they? They’re reading this for entertainment. They are quick to react, but not in the way that the problem demands. They are the laid-back type, typically. When they get frustrated, however, you better watch out. Not to fret, though. Their temper won’t last long.

Person 3: “…..What does this have to do with anything?”

This type of individual questions the question. They ignore the fact that a question expects an answer. They’re indifferent. Unattached. It’s not like they know who “Susie” is. Why should they care how many cookies she eats? She’s grown. She can do whatever she wants. Although these individuals might come across as “uncaring”, that isn’t necessarily the case. Their self-reliance and independence often gets mistaken for apathy. Or maybe it is apathy after all. Does it really matter?

Person 4: “_________________.”

This group has no response. Well, technically, they do. They respond… by not responding. No reaction. They just keep reading. They allow themselves to be molded as they keep reading about the different types of people. By the time they read this, they’ve already forgotten about the original problem that was mentioned.

People, whether they fit into those four categories perfectly or not, have subconsciously sorted themselves into one of the four groups by the time they read this. Maybe they even fit in more than one type. It is human nature to make themselves belong to something, isn’t it? Maybe I’m totally wrong. But this is how I think. I think it’s fun to be like this, no? So, tell me. Which type are you?

…Have you decided which person you are? Of course you have. Are you sure that you placed yourself correctly? Of course you are.

This is the fun part. For me, anyways. I set up things within the text. Just for this moment. Ahem. Allow me to explain:

1. If you truly are Person 1, you would have noticed that the correct answer was 418 cookies.

2. If you really are Person 3, you wouldn’t have noticed the fact that when I described your reaction, within the quote, I said “Susie” instead of “Sally.”

3. If you are indeed Person 2, you wouldn’t have noticed that I didn’t list the persons in order just now. Notice how 3 came after 1 instead of two. … You’re right, it really doesn’t matter to you.

4. If you truly are Person 1, you would have scrolled up to double check that I’m not just pulling your leg. The answer really is 418. Even if you were super sure of yourself… you probably checked. You know, just to make sure you were right all along. Or maybe I’m lying to you. Who knows? Oh wait, you do.

5. If you really are Person 3, you are probably annoyed with all of these “mind tricks” by now. IT DOESN’T MATTER TO YOU, OKAY?

6. You’re Person 4? Then you probably haven’t noticed that I’m already at point 6… and just now finally mentioned you for the first time.

7. Person 2: …Hehehe Sally has diabetes. That's not funny. hehehehe...

This is what I do when I think. I’m not sure what to call it. It’s amusing to say the least – to me, that is.

Even with the kids in the nursery at my church, you can see the different personalities. This past Sunday, we did an activity where we used straws to blow air in order to paint.

Like this:

Briefly, these are the types of kids:

1. The one kid who actually does the activity right. Like all the way until the end. As in keeps blowing until he/she starts to get so dizzy that he/she almost passes out.

2. The kid who tries to eat the paint. Then will argue that he/she did not do such a thing... as he/she is struggling to get the paint off of his/her lips.

3. The kid who gets mad that the straw "doesn't work" and proceeds to use it as a paint brush by dragging it across the paper instead.

4. The kid who just chooses to put down the straw and paint with his/her hands. (Not to get confused with kid #3.)

5. The kid who refuses to paint.

6. The kid who chooses to paint... on another kid.

7. The 17-year-old kid who gets paint in her hair from helping the little kids paint. And also ends up with stickers on her face. And 4 little boys begging her to pick them up and play with them... all at the same time.