Are You the Mistress of the Situation?

When two persons meet to walk together in the procession of life, one of them is bound to show a stronger personality than his companion and take hold of the reins of the situation, conducting himself in a reasonable manner. When a wife criticizes her husband or shows discontent with his conduct, she is the holder of authority at that moment; and if the husband plays that role, he becomes the master of the situation. There is no doubt that one of the two parties must be either ruler or ruled, leader or led. Knowing where you stand on both sides helps you understand the possibilities of your psychological and intellectual personality, and it also raises up some of your points of weakness, so that you may walk with guidance and confidence. So answer what I ask you with "yes" or "no":

1 - Do you talk more than you listen? "Yes" "No"

2 - Do you enjoy plunging into a discussion or debate?

3 - Do you protest if some people annoy you by crowding around you?

4 - Are you fond of contests of mind or body?

5 - Do you insist on keeping your own particular seat in any place?

6 - Do you try to correct the mistakes of others?

7 - Do you drive your car yourself?

8 - Does your inclination toward politics exceed your pleasure in scientific inquiries?

9 - Do you lose your enthusiasm and gaiety if you are not the mistress of the situation?

10 - Are you confident that no one exploits your capacities?

11 - Is it easy for you to "bluff" others in order to gain your end?

12 - Do you step ahead of others without hesitation in social matters?

13 - Do you proceed in your affairs without consulting anyone?

14 - Are you a believer in the realistic order of things?

15 - Are you hasty in soliciting a loan or a favor?

16 - Do you grumble if a merchant cheats you in goods you have bought?

17 - Do you laugh and talk in a loud voice to stir up a commotion around you?

Every "yes" answer counts on the dominant side, and the negative answer is reckoned on the submissive side. If you have accumulated twelve "yeses" or more, then you are the dominant one. No doubt we do not all possess this strength, but we can profit from the negative side as well, by repairing its flaws and strengthening its weakness, so that we may move quickly and easily along the branching paths of life!