Traveling with Friends: Are You Compatible?
Ten million British holiday-makers have lost a good friendship because of not testing their holiday compatibility before setting off on a week or two week break together, according to a new report published by hotel chain Travelodge. The most common causes of conflict are personality clashes, differing likes and dislikes concerning food and activities, annoying personal habits, money and holiday romances or jealousy.
Anjula Mutanda, Psychologist and Life Coach says: "It's a very common issue - friendships breaking up on holiday. The idea of going away with someone you know and trust sounds good in theory but it's so easy for it to go wrong. Never underestimate just because you're good friends, going away together for a one or two weeks break will be easy. It's a big risk holidaying with someone for the first time; this is when you will discover what they are really like.
She adds: “Before committing to a friend's holiday, first go for a trial run such as a weekend break to access your compatibility. This will be beneficial for both parties and will not just save you money and heartache but most importantly your friendship."
Ask the important questions: What is your budget? Do you prefer organized tours or would you rather wander round absorbing the atmosphere and discovering places for yourself? How many of you are planning to travel together?
At these times you'll need to feel comfortable enough with your travel companion to have a moan, sit in silence or go for a walk on your own without it causing an argument. If you've checked that you're travel compatible then you'll hopefully have a happy holiday and you should be able to cope with whatever the world throws at you.
1. Is travelling with company better than travelling alone? Why or why not? What do you think are the biggest advantages of traveling with a friend?
2. Do you prefer traveling with a small or large group of friends? Is it better to stick together at all times or do you prefer going your separate ways? Do you have a favorite traveling companion?
3. Is it important to make sure you and your traveling companions are compatible? Why? How can you measure your compatibility? What impact could this have on your behavior and mood during your vacation?
4. When traveling with a friend and something is bothering you, is it better to address the problem right away or to just let it slide? Why
The Effect of Birth Order on Personality
First-borns, especially first-born sons, like to be described as successful, conscientious and tough-minded.
They are natural leaders who tend to gravitate toward jobs where these qualities are useful: bishop, general, dean, chief executive officer, supervisor, king.
First-borns like any kind of job where the word first, head, senior or chief is part of the title.
An inordinate number of prime ministers, presidents and dictators are first-born sons.
Is it any surprise in a world owned and operated by eldest boys that we don"t hear much about the flip side of the first-born:
little adjectives like controlling, conventional, vengeful?
Some people would say that first-borns are not much given to ever admitting mistakes or trying new things.
Neither do we hear a lot about the many attributes of middle or youngest children.
Middle children, given short shrift by elder siblings as lacking ambition, are adept at mediation and innovation.
They often hold families together socially or emotionally. They possess a gift for empathy.
This is no wonder since they get lots of practice at being boss and being bossed.
Later children score higher on measures of creativity, and are more popular with other kids.
And youngest siblings, while maligned for being indulged, have an aptitude for carving out a comfy niche for themselves
in the family.
In that niche, little sisters form a cozily subversive subset. Little sisters must be as persistent as mosquitoes.
Little sisters don"t usually get to steer the boat, sit up front, get the top bunk or be a sixer in Brownies.
Being a little sister of a big sister is a special kind of torment. My own sister was almost a teenager when I was born and, therefore, was serene and secure in her superiority.
As to my brother, who"s two years older, I have come to understand that he was only trying to teach me courage
when he pushed me down the hill on the bike with no brakes.
Q)
1. What is your birth order in your family and are you satisfied in your birth order? Do you think it affects your personality ?
2. Do you think the first-born son should take care of his parents ?
(Let"s discuss about the obligations about the first-born sons.)
3. Are you going to consider about the birth order when you choose your spouse?
(There are some youngsters who are reluctant to marry a first-born son or a first-born daughter, especially first-born son.)
4. Do your parents advise you not to marry a first-born son, or a girl?
(Tell us about you and your parent"s prejudice about the birth order.
Parents sometimes may show their favoritism to a certain child)
5. Do you know, or did you hear any cases around you that the first-born son or a daughter became famous or
rich since they are the eldest ?