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Open to change and new ideas, or prefer the status quo? What's your default position?

(13 Posts)
whenim64 Wed 09-Jan-13 12:50:11

Do you welcome new brooms coming along and sweeping away your carefully arranged lifestyle and views, or do you wake up each day wondering what you might learn or do?

I like curious people asking 'why do you do that?' and I also like to learn what others think about all kinds of issues, so I'm open to changing my habits or having a haphazard day. One of my daughters hates transitions, likes to keep all her old friends and not make new ones. She acknowledges she would make one of those stereotypical villagers who sees locals as people who have lived there for three generations!

We're all different here on Gransnet, whether we are members who joined nearly two years ago, or who have just arrived and have lots to share and comment on.

How would you describe yourself? smile

Movedalot Wed 09-Jan-13 12:59:47

I'm definitely open to new ideas and having my views challenged but suspect that I would not change ideas about my 'specialist subjects' (not many). I'm always ready to change my plans if I get a better offer and frequently do things on impulse but like to feel that if I have made a commitment I will stick to it. I don't think I am a creature of habit.

I prefer to look forward rather than back but also have fond memories.

My family would tell you I am 'different' but others might say I am 'predicatble'. When I say I will become eccentric in my old age my family ask what I mean by 'become' grin

Barrow Wed 09-Jan-13 13:03:48

I like to think I am open to new ideas. I never stick to a rigid time table (perhaps that is one of the reasons I don't get things done!), I had enough of that when I was working.

cheelu Wed 09-Jan-13 14:03:07

Hi whenim64 brilliant thread, thank you!---Me I am very old school,,hang on to the past like my life depended on it,,, makes me sad because I can not bring back people or places so not a good thing to do at all,,

I am a bit of a Gypsy at heart and can not stick at the same job for very long and have moved loads of times because I love it,, but like your daughter, my son is very different and hates any kind of change,

I think it is debilitating to be like that and I am certain that it is a type of fear, which I did have when I was younger, however as I grew into my 20's it disappeared,, so it may have something to do with confidence....

nanaej Wed 09-Jan-13 14:46:32

Just lost a whole post! Boo! I will start again..

I love change! Think it is because the family moved around a lot when I was young ( attended 6 schools by the time I was 13) so feel a bit anxious to be in one place too long! I like to try out new foods/activities/ places/events/holiday destinations etc and to meet new people. Regularly move furniture about!

I like to have my ideals and values challenged (as on GN) but there are some that I guess I will hold forever no matter what arguments are made!

I have mellowed since my idealistic youth and know I can have a good times & friendship with people who do not think exactly the same as me. i have learned to agree to disagree!

My DH finds change difficult. Lived in the same road ( 2 different flats) for 23 years then has moved 6 times in the last 42 yrs! he finds it hard when i re-organise a kitchen cupboard or move an ornament fto a new spot in the house..keeps putting it back!! Also not as mellow as me re people who he thinks do not share his particular perspective on the word! Partly because he is shy (sometimes covered by over loud behaviour when meeting new people!) but he has not yet faced his prejudices!

On balance think I am open to new ideas!

Grannyknot Wed 09-Jan-13 15:07:03

My default position is: change? bring it on!

grannyactivist Wed 09-Jan-13 15:07:58

I think if my family were being kind they would describe me as a 'responsive' person. No two days the same, never know what's going to crop up - but if I do make plans I tend stick to them unless an emergency prevents me. As for thoughts and ideas; I have a worldview which is constantly evolving and often deliberately expose myself to differing or opposing views. I am fortunate in that my husband is of like mind, so we often are learning about things which challenge one or both of us and give us great topics to discuss. Interestingly we just tried to change something which involved other people and it is the younger ones in the group who have resisted the change.
However - ask me to sleep on the 'wrong' side of the bed and there's no chance of that happening; shock so yes, in some things I am definitely a creature of habit. grin

janthea Wed 09-Jan-13 15:29:49

I love doing something different and experiencing new things. I love meeting new people and making new friends. I love to learn something new.

I'm always willing to drop my plans if something else comes up.

I am still employed and at work my days are very different.

I do love a good debate or discussion, but dislike it when it becomes personal. After all one is debating or discussing an idea, not the person. smile

jeni Wed 09-Jan-13 16:11:47

I don't know! Depends what sort of change! I like seeing new places and used to annoy my DH by changing the furniture around frequently. He never knew where is chair was going to be when he got home.
But I don't think I've changed my furniture about for about three years now.
Wouldn't mind a new neighbour instead of old git, but only if I could keep angelsmile

Greatnan Wed 09-Jan-13 16:45:51

I am a gypsy at heart - if I could I would be permanently on the move. I have lived in six departments of France, in Monaco, Brussels, Wales and several areas of England. I like having my little flat as my permanent base, but I manage to spend about three or four months a year on various trips. I dread the day when I may not be able to travel independently.
Having been married to the wrong man for twenty years, I had a horror of being tied down again - I think the term is 'commitment-phobe'.
My grandson has Aspergers (undiagnosed but obvious) and he cannot stand any deviation from his plans. Oddly enough, when I am home I do like order and routine - it saves time as I don't lose things.
I would like to think I am open to new ideas, but I fear that after a lifetime of reading, talking and study I am pretty certain of my basic beliefs and unlikely to be convinced that they are wrong.
My daughter has made me read modern literature, which has been wonderful - left to myself, I would have gone on re-reading the great 18th and 19th century novels.

Butty Wed 09-Jan-13 17:06:03

I love a safe, secure, peaceful and comfortable home. A simple place to contemplate life. That's my base line. If I have that (which I do) then I can happily step out and embrace much of what the world has to offer...........for a while........and then a thankful return to recharge my batteries. smile

I like a balance in my life.

whenim64 Wed 09-Jan-13 17:30:47

You've just reminded me Butty. A groupwork co-worker once said to me 'I've worked out why we complement each other when we work together - you like structure to depart from, and I like structure to work within.' Yes, sanctuary and safety at home and anything goes beyond that for me, as long as I know all is well with those I care about.

Ariadne Wed 09-Jan-13 17:44:03

when you said it for me! However, after the upheaval of selling up and moving, I'd rather like new challenges to come in small doses, as they seem to be doing at the moment.