What Animal are You?
Recently I set out to determine what animal or object in life I share characteristics with and or embody the most. I can sit here with pen and paper each day and come up with never-ending lists of animals, objects, or things my characteristics, personality, or attributes resemble. However, I think by asking people around me who know me best this question, I can gain a better understanding and also get a look into different perspectives. I should preface this by saying when I asked this question, I asked people to not hold back and just give me the first thing that came to mind. The following are the responses I received.
My boyfriend said he saw me as being a chihuahua or some other equivalent to an “ankle biter,” that’s energetic, feisty, sometimes annoying but cute, and has a tendency to pick arguments with others that are much larger than it. One of my best friends explained he thought I would be a honey badger who is both fearless and resourceful. My mother described a lioness; as protective, not afraid to lead, and caring for my cat like a cub. My Aunt said a cat because my connection with them is so strong. And last but not least, my brother thinks that I would be a horse: majestic but clumsy, and nurturing but also might kick you. Based on this information, I am not sure whether to be happy or confused about the image I am portraying to those closest to me.
From this inquiry, I learned that people see me as multi-dimensional, or at least that’s what I will call it. I do think there are multiple sides to all of us. I think to some extent Goffman was right. Life is a series of performances in which we as actors are constantly engaged in “impression management.” In other words, we are constantly “putting on a face” to adapt to each situation we are in. There is some merit to this idea. I think most of us can agree that we act very differently around our parents than we do with our friends. It is just how we balance being an individual in a world that has rules and laws you must follow and conform to. But, also, I think human beings are complex. The multi-dimensional nature of human beings accounts for emotions, life, and the fluctuations that humans experience in all aspects of life. That said, I think these choices of animals correctly address that.
I don’t necessarily think that any of these associations are better than others. That said, I think it’s better to understand the commonalities and themes underlying all of them to gain the deeper understanding that I set out to achieve. They all in one way or another describe me as being someone who is dedicated, persistent, a talker, an animal enthusiast, and someone who can take the lead but also sit back and watch. This is the image I want to share with the world, regardless of the stage I’m on at any given moment. It goes to show that at least I’m consistent with acting how I wish to. Now, would I refer to myself as “feisty” or think I would tend to kick you? No. However, I do think that my determination and perseverance can be a little intense. On one day, I very much resemble a cactus, while on other days I am a much softer person that is better explained as an inanimate teddy bear. The point ultimately is that we can be any of the animals, things, and more at any given time. It’s just interesting to think about when you take the time and reflect on it. So I’ll ask you, what type of animals, things, objects are you today?
Image obtained from Squarespace
