Most of us don't think of ourselves as persecutors who run over people. But there are many abusive people out there. Are you one of them?
Take the following test. Check off each item that applies to you.You're always in a rush, cutting in and out of traffic.
You borrow money and books and never think to return them.
You tell someone you'll call them back or send them something, but fail to do it.
You hold back and don't give credit to others, pretending that an idea is all yours.
You cancel appointments 10 minutes before you are to be there or fail to show up.
You're almost always late for appointments and social gatherings.
You gossip and tell secrets that you've promised not to tell.
You have a negative attitude about everything and constantly express your pessimism.
You talk on and on about yourself and never think to ask questions about others.
You embarrass and put down others under the guise of humor.
You make promises you don't keep.
You use your size, job or verbal ability to intimidate others.
You allow your children to constantly cry while in church or a restaurant.
You lecture your children for 20 or 30 minutes at a time.
You call your mate, your children and your friends names when you get mad.
When you get a wrong number, you hang up on the person without saying anything.
You usually make your car pool wait.
You use your chain saw or mow your yard early in the morning.
You don't extend yourself to neighbors or friends who are ill.
You keep others waiting by not making decisions or by not doing your part.
You don't volunteer your time or contribute financially to any church or organization.
You walk your dog and let it relieve itself on your neighbor's lawn.
You drive in the passing lane and refuse to move over when someone comes up behind you.
Scoring:
If you have no checks, you are a responsible, concerned and caring person. Give yourself a gold star.
If you have one to three checks, you sometimes cause problems for others, but mostly you are aware of others and treat them with respect. Give yourself a silver star.
Four or five checks imply that you're careless with other people's feelings and you're too focused on yourself. Write on your paper: "Much improvement needed."
If you have checked more than five items, you are egocentric and acting as if you are the only one who counts. You are not concerned enough with others. On the top of your paper write: "Shape up! Get a life. Others count, too."
Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service