I consider myself important; so are my friends, especially if they are in trouble. I have a tender heart, but I know how to establish and keep personal boundaries. I am empathetic and compassionate, but I also believe that it's best if people solve their own problems and learn to take care of themselves, if they are able. I am deeply moved by the needs of others, but I know that if I don't take good care of myself, I'll wind up being of no use to anyone (consider it thoughtful compassion). I strive to be fair and sensible, taking care of others while also taking care of myself. For those who are ruled by tender-hearted compassion, my more diplomatic response to problems might seem too cool, too focused on fairness and not filled enough with sympathy and selflessness. The more people get to know me, the more they will appreciate my thoughtful compassion for others and its compliment in the sensible ways I take good care of myself. I think like an artist. Or better, I SEE like an artist. While most people look at life's straight lines, its height and depth and width, I’m bending the lines with my imagination and turning black and white into shades of blue and yellow. I can, if I must, think in conventional ways. But left on my own, I'll usually opt for the eccentric or avant-garde; in fact I’m usually bored with what everyone else is comfortable with. I learn from reading, talking, watching people and other fauna and flora, and simply sitting in the soft chair of my mind and wondering how people would learn how to count if they could only use uneven numbers. I am out in front of conventional ideas, bravely originally defining true and false, right and wrong, the good, the bad and the ugly. I drive through life faster than the speed limit, and when I hit speed bumps, and I hit a lot of them with my mind distracted from the straight line ahead my wheels leave the ground. I think well, and even my wildest fancies have their roots in the deep soil of sound ideas and tested beliefs. So even if some people don't want to drive at high speed with me, they will respect me for my courage as an innovative and unconventional thinker. I lend color and imagination to what would otherwise be the straight black and white lines of their work world and social environments. I am an emotional person. In some ways, we are all emotional; we feel joy, anger, sadness and fear; some of us more powerfully than others - and I more powerfully than most. I am a cherished companion for those friends who can handle emotions well. They will appreciate the candor with which I express even difficult feelings like anger and fear. My openness will make intimate conversations even more intimate, and make the connections between us as friends deeper and stronger. Everybody knows they can count on me to do what I promise to do, be where I say I'll be "on time" and finish what I start. My personal life is also one of order and discipline. I am likely to have a pretty firm schedule, and to stick to it. I make time for your friends, but not at the expense of my work duties. I can be talkative and funny in social situations, but seldom out of control. I am a very sociable person, enjoy spending time with other people, and seek their company. I am uncomfortable with an empty calendar or an empty house. One more thing about me; When I am in these experiences of real communication with others, I really know how to let myself go. When I talk, when I play, when I participate in some activity, I am unrestrained. I give all that I've got to these moments, and because I like the experience so much, my warmth comes through. It is clear to whomever I’m with that I’m glad to be in just this situation. In these warm, wide-open moments, I am at my best.