thehotelambush questionnaire
Tell me about yourself.
I'm currently in college and I play drums and guitar in my free time. I typically hang out with my friends on the weekend, and I'm working a couple of jobs. I'm a Marketing intern and I help my dad with his start-up when I have free time. He's pretty lenient with my work/school schedule. I'm a son and a brother to a younger sister and younger brother. I meditate ~30 minutes a day because it helps with anxiety and over-thinking. I started this around two years ago because of Sam Harris' book "Spirituality Without Religion". I've never been interested in religion for it's group purposes, however I do like researching about the concepts behind them. If I did have a religion to follow, it would most likely be Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautama's 'success' story is inspiring and I've found a lot of his teachings, or 'words of wisdom' to ring true for me.
What do you study or do for a living? How did you come to do that? What do you like or dislike about it?
I study Marketing and I do a bunch of different things. I write blog posts, create newsletters, keep up to date with the company's social media websites, attend meetings and seminars, and a whole bunch of other stuff. I really enjoy it! I would like to move more into the psychology realm of Marketing, but I can still apply psychology related things to what I'm doing as a profession. I enjoy helping people, and like getting to the core of what makes a person tick. However, I wouldn't say I'm pushy and would like to think I'm not intrusive.
What are your values, and why?
Don't steal, don't kill, don't put another person in danger, things like that. I value my friends and family, as well as my education. I know every decision I make comes back around at some point, or affects another person. The first couple of things I've listed have become 'common sense' for me because my mom made sure I knew these things. The last few things are things that I have learned throughout life.
What else do you do on a daily basis? What are your interests and hobbies? Why do you do them?
I study, play guitar, and do what needs to be done. I enjoy listening to music, as it's been present throughout my life. I like working out, as it gives me a sense of maintaining my health.
Describe your relations with family and friends. What do you like and dislike about them?
My relationship with my dad is really good. I would say out of everyone in my family he has been the main man. He provides me with a sense of grounding and knows how to carve out the path in front of me. I'm close with my mom as well, however I've kind of grown apart from her as I grow up. I'm not too close with my brother or sister though. My relationships with my friends are great as well. I've had a couple of long-time friends but a lot of acquaintances from class/other life activities that come and go.
What do you look for in friends? In romantic relationships?
I look for people who share common interests and people I know will be in my life going forward. In romantic relationships, I look for someone who inspires me. I also like people who think differently and can challenge me in changing my point of view on life. Sort of in a 'friendly debate' way.
What conflicts have you encountered recently with other people? Why did they happen? Which kinds seem to happen on a regular basis?
I don't think I've been in conflict, or at least I can't remember a time that I've had major conflict.
How would your friends describe you?
They would describe me as silly, calm & collected, but a bit 'out-there' in my imagination. Some people enjoy it and others don't, but that's okay.
What do people generally see as your strengths? What do you like about yourself?
I've been told that I'm patient and accepting, but a little too accepting at times. I like that I'm adaptive and I feel I genuinely care about everyone I talk to.
What are your weaknesses? What criticism do you often face from others? What do you dislike about yourself?
Two of the biggest complaints I've gotten from people, both with friends and in romantic relationships, have been that I don't take control and I'm inefficient. I'd agree with these people, as these are the two areas I feel most uncertain in. I don't like that I'm too accepting of others because I've been pushed around and taken advantage of. I've learned how to 'pick and choose my battles', meaning I know when people can tell me or not tell me to do something.
In what areas of life can you manage well on your own? In what areas of your life would you like help?
I can manage doing things on time, although I do have a tendency to procrastinate. For example, we're heading to Las Vegas tomorrow and I still haven't packed yet... I think I need help with organizing, as well as just general decision making. My friends rag on me for not being able to make decisions but at the same time they make fun of me for being indecisive. I've pointed this out and we had a little bit of an argument. Making sure that I'm on the right track to where I want to be would be a plus as well.
What things do you find to be a chore? What things do you enjoy more than others?
Organizing, making plans, being proactive/productive. I like making and listening to music, as well as visualizing scenarios that have happened in my life, or scenarios that go along to music or during meditation. Mental imagery has come easy to me, as my mind has a tendency to 'fall down the rabbit hole'. This is also a reason for my meditation practices; staying present and grounded have not come easy to me. I've been described as a 'head in the clouds' kind of guy, but I'm working on it the best I can.
What goals, aspirations, or plans do you have for the future? How did you come to have them?
I want to figure out myself and my purpose in life. I would like to have a well-paying job that I, at least, somewhat enjoy. I want to make enough money so I can provide myself and my family. I want to have two kids, but of course that's a decision that lies in the hands of my future wife. One thing is for certain, I want to live in one place until my kids have graduated high school. I moved with my family at a crucial moment in growing up that had a big impact on me, for better or worse. I want my kids to grow up with their childhood friends and not have to deal with moving to a different place and going through the same experience I did.
If you had enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life without working, what would you do with your time?
I would travel to different areas of the world with friends and/or family. I think it would be fun to explore and make the most out of my life. I would also donate and be apart of a charity I care about.
What traits do you find endearing that others might dislike? What traits are considered positive/neutral by others but tend to annoy you?
I like people who can think for themselves and not succumb to authority; rebellious, in a way. I like people with strength and the self-confidence to stand on their own. I dislike people who only care about themselves and don't get along with others.
What kinds of things do you do to manage and/or beautify your environment (your room, your house, etc.)? What do you think of daily chores?
I don't really pay attention to this sort of thing. I think the most I do to enhance my environment is have a couple of decorations in my room, as well as playing music that I like. I don't like chores and I can stand living in a messy room for days without cleaning up until I've had enough. My shoes, shirts, etc. can be found lying on the floor all the time. I just don't care for cleaning up until I have the free time and more important matters are taken care of.
How do you behave around strangers?
I like to think I'm friendly and engaging. I don't normally initiate conversations but I love when people initiate conversations with me. At this point, I can be quite talkative and curious about them but I need someone to take the first step.
How do you react to conflict? What do you do if somebody insults or attacks you?
I can fight back and be quipy with them. I normally don't take it personally, and I have a hard time reacting on the spot. I would end up saying something stupid, so I tend to just keep my mouth shut or talk through the issue.
What is one common misconception that people have? Explain why it is wrong.
That I'm unintelligent. I think I'm very smart, but it's not 'book-smart'. I'm really not that good at school but I can talk for days about philosophy, life, and all the funny quirks that the universe has. I think I'm dumb in the regular sense of intelligence but I can be quite smart in a whole 'nother way.
What did you do last Friday?
I want out to a restaurant and bar with a few friends to get some food and drinks.
Additional questions are welcome!