Pride or self-respect - what's the difference?

[BookStop]

What is the difference between pride and self-respect? What is the difference between arrogance/haughtiness and self-confidence?

It hink these 2 go hand-in-hand. A person full of pride and arrogance will 'brag' about whatever subject comes up. they will be the authority on all things. Oftentimes this is the person who has trouble arguing with others as they can't admit to themselves, mush less others, that they may be worng or misinformed. A person with self confidene willist thier accomplishments when asked , might also have alot of knowledge on a particular subject, but won't stoop to anger defending thier point-of-view. It is much easier for a confident person to let others shine int hier presence.

What is the difference between aloof and shy?

Every example folks have given are right on. A shy person doesn't hold eye contact, they won't give info unless asked, they definitely won't offer more conversationt han is aked of them, and they might fidget when confronted. I am very shy, but tend to fake it around others. I smile, offer insights, etc, but only for the briefest amount of time I can get away with. I tend to use my animals or children as a distraction when I can to get away. I might also, in my exuberance to appear outgoing, take on a little arrogance, which can lead casual aquaintences to think I'm an arse. I have a child who is soooo shy, she speaks very softly and will blink excessively. I have a friend who really only speaks when directly asked a question. Another who's cheek gather allt he blood that should otherwise be flowing through her whole face. Makes her look nervous and shy which only makes it worse. I think if she was prolonged to conversations with new people, she might eventually pass out.

What is the (outward) difference between laziness and listlessness caused by depression?

I think a lazy person will still show a zest for life eventif they can't be bothered to partake in it. They may be willing to discuss the lastest news, even of they didn't go out to get the paper themselves. they may laugh at a sitcom on tv, whether or not they can reach the remote to change the channel when it's over. A listless, depressed person, won't show joy; they might sleep too much; they might suddenly become over-eaters; they might become busy-bees instead, staying too busy to allow for reflection; they could try and talk about it; or they could clam up and become suddenly quiet...depression can be a hard one to pin down as it manifests itself so differently in defferent people. However, I think it will show itself in a change from the norm. SOmething that perhaps only those close to the depressed would recognize.

[HareBrain]

This being a writers' forum, it perhaps isn't surprising that many of us seem to be shy to some degree. And yet many of us (even if we know it's unrealistic) dream of a level of success that would mean publishers would stick us out in front of audiences of hundreds to give readings, or ask us to meet scores of strangers to sign their copies of our books, or want us to give live local radio interviews with thousands listening.

I merely offer this as a subject for nightmare.

[Nik]

Perhaps mis-quoting / mis-translating an old aphorism...

Pride goes before a fall, but self-respect stands you up again.

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Um, thanks, HareBrain-- Now I really gotta worry about accidentally writing a best-seller...

ps: Thanks again for beta-reading that chunk of SoM !!

[Precision Grace]

Thanks again for your continued support with this project (especially Kith, your accounts are going to feature heavily in the construction of my fictional character - I hope you are ok with that!)

Peter, Bookstop, HB and Nick, I really appreciate you taking the time to think about this and to contribute. I have copied everyone's answers into a Word document and saved them on my laptop (no server wobble is going to get the better of me again!)
It's back to the drawing and thinking board with this; I now hopefully have enough material to think about and mull over and start making a believable character.

Once again, my heartfelt thanks for your help and for making this board the joy and wonder that it is. (- so what does this sound like?..hehe just kidding)

[Kith]

Originally Posted by Precision Grace

(especially Kith, your accounts are going to feature heavily in the construction of my fictional character - I hope you are ok with that!)

No problem. Good luck with the story.

[Boneman]

by HB
This being a writers' forum, it perhaps isn't surprising that many of us seem to be shy to some degree. And yet many of us (even if we know it's unrealistic) dream of a level of success that would mean publishers would stick us out in front of audiences of hundreds to give readings, or ask us to meet scores of strangers to sign their copies of our books, or want us to give live local radio interviews with thousands listening.

I merely offer this as a subject for nightmare.

It's the sort of nightmare I never want to wake up from.......... What was the line in Fiddler on the Roof?
"Money is a curse."
"May I be stricken with it, and never recover!"

Summat like that......

Sorry, hijacking thread...... I'm only really shy in the areas that I lack confidence - I'd love to play my guitar in front of an audience, but there's no way I will...... even though I've been playing for years.......