Existence

[samy]

While linking on from Wikipedia's existential crisis article, I chanced upon this webpage:

Existential depression in gifted individualswhich had some interesting things to say. I wouldn't consider myself "gifted" [in fact considering my scholastic success I'm probably below average (although one could always take the argumentative route that

Comments

[jeditigger]

Wow. I am going to reread this this afternoon or at home tonight. That's DEEP stuff.

[belanis]

Hmmmmm. Frankly, I think this article is a mash-up of a) the effects of being on the autistic spectrum, which is what Asperger people are for example; and b) the effects of a mismatch between a person and their environment, due to the person being in some way different or divergent from the average. I say this because I have many of the same issues and I know I'm not particularly gifted or even bright - just isolated and weird.

So no, I actually don't think this is an issue specific to gifted people. Sorry, Samy ;) It has other causes entirely.

[samy]

You don't have to apologize since I prefaced the whole post by pointing out that I'm not gifted and I think the same symptoms can be found in the normal population too. ;)

[belanis]

Yeah, but 'fess up, you were hoping we'd say different ;D

[samy]

Actually I was hoping people wouldn't because it always makes me uncomfortable when people flatter me because I don't believe in what they're saying and it feels like empty compliments. :)

[airforcebrat]

I will say that of all the things in this article (many of which are so grossly generalized as to be absolutely useless), it did pop onto my radar the 'breaking through isolation by touch.' My husband's family is not much for regular touching, whereas my family was very very big on the touching just at random for no reason. And one of the things that has been the biggest challenge in my long-term relationship/marriage is letting my husband know that I value when he walks up behind me and just touches me for no reason -- it doesn't have to go anywhere for me, it's merely a physical expression of 'I realize you're here and am glad for it.' And as a parent, I share this sense of touch and physicality with my children, showing them by example how very important that sense is in the world. Your comment on how Finnish society is a bit more standoffish definitely resonated and reminded me once more of //why// I do the things I do with my kids and to be grateful that my parents are both touchy-feely sorts when it comes to affection.