It takes common sense to recognize that what can be learned in text can be applied, and it takes common sense to actually apply it in a beneficial way, so I'd give common sense higher rating than autonomous "Book Learning".

I know plenty of lofty minded and highly educated folks who would have to struggle in circumstances that are outside of their normal parameters. In other words, they may be quite adept at figuring the exact orbit of a stellar object, yet quite inept at boiling an egg.

I believe that we choose what we believe.

To me, a very basic concept...

There's a saying, goes like this;

"What I believe determines what I feel.

What I feel influences my attitudes.

My attitudes dictate my actions.

My actions control my destiny."

Perception is subjective. I see this reality in my work as a scuba instructor on a common basis. Often I work with folks who's anxieties and fears override their ability to relax enough to assimilate information.
I can't count the times that I've helped stressed out students to change their beliefs/perceptions enough to help them realize that they can trust their equipment and training.

I guess this is all elementary, but when I first began to realize that I'm in control of my perceptions, I began to really focus on what it is exactly that's causing this anxiety I'm feeling.

I actually became less reactive and more proactive in most every aspect of my life...

This is true... It just took sleeping on it to reconfirm it. Funny how things become clearer in the light of day.

face to face, eye to eye and heart to heart...

thinking about whether or not I want to see/date someone again after they've shown passive/aggressive behavior every other time I've seen them... (ugh)

So true...

Any number of things can scare me off, or rather I should say put me off...

Having a penchant for drama, (life is NOT a movie)

stating that they're excessively busy, (why bother then?)

having elaborate shopping lists, (get real!)

being needy, (sooo draining)

unrealistic expectations,( again, get real!)

being overly ridged and set in their ways,( big problem!)

poor self image or low self esteem, (seek counseling, not a relationship)

materialistic to a fault,( can you take it with you?)

unwillingness to compromise, (more common than you might think)

addiction, (no explanation required)

inability to see the big picture, ("there's more to heaven and earth")

skewed perceptions of what's important in life,(really now...How important is keeping up with the neighbors or your landscaping?)

major issues with their children or ex's,(big red flag)

Motorcycle mama's,(loud, proud & don't care who knows it)

never having a LTR,( unless you're under the age of 25 or so, where have you been?)

co-dependent tendencies,(been there and I aint goin back!)

overly religious or atheistic, ( moderation is a good thing, no?)

tendency to sweat the small stuff, ( Oh no! you say they stopped making your favorite hair coloring???)

overly independent, (sharing is a good thing)

conceitedness, ( I know you're gorgeous and a brainiac, but sheesh already...)

control freak,( I'll choose my own wardrobe, thank you very much)

intimacy issues, ( I'm sorry about your evil ex's but that wasn't me babe)
and on and on...

It would be easier to list what doesn't scare me off...

I only date locally and have yet to date anyone I've met online.
There's no point in dating anyone that lives far away anyways...

If we can't casually just hang out together on short notice, there's no point. imo

Although I have talked to plenty of lovely ladies online that I'd be happy to meet in person, LDR's are not something that interest me.

howdy

There's nothing wrong with generosity or tolerance. These are virtues, not aberrations.

There's a lot wrong with spewing hate in any form.

G'night miss Ruth & sweetdreams...

I see the pic (thanks for that )

BINGO!!! I think we have a winner!!!

I'll remember you said that when it's your throat that's in certain peril...
I'll remember it, and I'll still feel compassion for you anyways...

I was having this really primo dream concerning a winning lotto ticket, a younger version of Nicole Kidman and my boss getting drafted but then BANG!!!


It happens every time...

This is only off handed advice from a single guy but the saying goes "the one that cares least in a relationship holds the most power" Not sure how true it is... I just heard it somewhere...

Good luck

Well, is there still a chance at bff's if I promise not to take you camping with the kiddies?

Dang... I always shoot myself in the foot just before it's time to finally stroll up the path to Shangra la...

Gosh... I thought this was going to be another slam on my gender thread but actually, I'm beginning to feel pretty good about my dang'd self

Yeah... You should be glad you're not part of this family or else you'd end up being (anty woofie)