Myth #5 friendly, outgoing people thrive
This widely held assumption is a little flawed. Americans tend to view extroversion as desireable.....we worry if children are shy. But research indicates that sociable children did not, for the most part, live any longer than their more introverted classmates. Why doesn't sociability necessarily set one on a path to long life? After all, outgoing children grow up to have better social relations, and that's normally a sign of good health, right? Although they tend to have stable jobs and long-lasting marriages, and they may be leaders in their businesses, but because of their enthusiasm and charm, they're also more likely to go along with social pressures to drink or smoke. A 'people person' may often join in the dangers of the moment and that affects longevity. Similarly, we often hear that optimism is the secret to a healthy, long life but the data suggests that not to be the case. The reason being that although we want to be happy and optimist, these characteristics may have a downside.......'no-worry folks' as they are often called may underestimate or ignore real threats and thereby fail to take precautions or follow medical advice. We need to be realistice as well.
I agree that social and talkative people may not thrive better than taciturn people. Social people may sometimes talk too much, leading to trouble and misunderstanding. By being quiet, a person does more listening than talking. This gives them time to think about the situation before acting to avoid unnecessary problems.
ReplyDeleteI agree. If people are more outgoing than others, they're more likely to have more peers. If your peers pressure you to do something, this will have a greater effect on you.
ReplyDeleteThis is true. "People pleasers" do sometimes fall under peer pressure. I find it hard to believe that being possitive has no effect on one's life span
ReplyDeleteThis makes total sense to me both about the “people people” taking risks in the spur of the moment and “no worry folks” underestimating actual dangers. Whenever anyone has ever asked me if I was optimistic, I always respond by saying that I am a realist.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with this also, these people may be influenced to go down the wrong path. But it also depends on the person and their personality and choices.
ReplyDeleteI concur, those who "get out" more are far more likely harm themselves or be harmed by others. But hey, that's the cost of living! As for optimism and pessimistic, they can certainly effect your mental health. And in my opinion "Pessimism" can just be another term for caution, which definitely helps you live longer.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Good Post, Mrs. D!
Social or shy there are 1000 other things more likely to kill you than peer pressure or avoiding the doctor.
ReplyDeletei agree. It is not right to put down a shy person because they just may be happy a different way and not need a lot of people around. It is really important to be yourself and do what you think would be healthy, not what everyone else does.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people who are more outgoing will probably care more about what other people think which is probably why they will give into this type of temptation, however this is not always the case. People who do not talk as much, however, are less likely to fall into this type of situation.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with this myth. It is very true because people with a positive and out going personality are usually very happy and carry less stress.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people who have a friendly positive attitude, tend to have a good social circle. This does seem to help with their mental health, which also impacts their physical health as well. I do feel that someone who may not be as outgoing, but shares their thoughts and ideas can also form good friendships. I believe this does help with the social pressures they may face.
ReplyDeleteI think that, if we are going with the heavy stereotype of "people person," then yes, this myth is true. The more "social butterflies" will tend to go with the group and partake not so healthy activities. But I think that this all depends on the person and their choices. To group an entire society of people into "social and unhealthy" and "shy and healthy" is a bit of a stretch, but for this myth, sure. You will be exposed to more dangerous activities if you talk to more people, but that's how we learn. Too much optimism is never a good thing. Having a healthy mix of realistic views is important to any person.
ReplyDeleteI agree that outgoing people may tend to get into trouble. Also, children who have started off shy (such as Einstein) have done great things for mankind.
ReplyDeleteHow social you are has nothing to do directly with your health in my opinion. Yes, someone who is more social might give into pressures of drinking and smoking. but a shy person will run into the same temptations along the line sometime.
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