The Eeyore Syndrome

Posted on by Mike Senczyszak in The Kitchen Sink

eeyore_self_deprecationSelf-deprecation is a personal trait I hold in high regard.

I’m not talking ‘Eeyore level’ self-deprecation, that perpetual deluge of negative commentary that borders on the psychotic. I’m referring to some old-fashioned unpretentious self-criticism, a few good-natured ribs; in other words, some genuine, unadulterated, anti-extroverted behavior. I find the attribute an admirable quality in others, an attractive idiosyncrasy that exudes sincerity and draws me in like a magnet.

self_deprecatingDespite society’s infatuation with self-assured confidence peddlers, self-deprecation—in metered doses, emits an aura of genuineness. It becomes a calling card of modesty, denoting an individual grounded in reality, unobtrusive and approachable. Self-deprecators, like insatiable introverts, prefer the solitude of shadow, avoiding the spotlight, until the stars align and the time is right. Then step back, and watch the magic unravel.

When it’s time to arrange the seating list, sit me at the table with the introverts and self-deprecators—away from the power socialites and narcissists. I’ll be right at home.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t disapprove of extroverts, or even braggarts on occasion, in fact I envy their confidence. The fun part is deducing whether their personalities and mannerisms come from genuine self-assurance, or some deep-seeded insecurity, cloaked beneath a veil of deception. Think of it as a game of sorts—an impromptu behavioral analysis. Regardless of the underlying factors however, to the inattentive, the mask is always invisible, perception and reality merging as one.

I won’t be fooled again.

While I have friends on both sides of the tracks, I’ve come to realize that there’s a time to revel and a time for humility.

A time for peace,

And a time for Ee-yore.

See you at the nerd table.

 

21 thoughts on “The Eeyore Syndrome”

  2. A good way to lay it on the line. It’s funny after I posted my blog this am, it hit me that my next blog needs to be about relatability….seems like the weather is creating a hive mind! HA – Oh wait that could be an interesting idea for a book. Well as you can see I’m off on a tangent today, I’m gonna go before this gets worse.

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    1. This topic just kind of flew in at the 9th hour, otherwise I was looking at a reblog to start 2018. It changed so much in the rewrite, I’d forgotten what my point was. Cheers Theresa, always appreciated!

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  4. I fully understand. Mild and genuine self-deprecation is the distinguishing trait of anyone with a realistic view of themselves and the world. It stands out vividly from the general hideous attitude of self-importance and self-delusion

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  5. One of my favorite Eeyore reasonings –

    “Good morning, Pooh Bear,” said Eeyore gloomily. “If it is a good morning,” he said. “Which I doubt,” said he.
    “Why, what’s the matter?”
    “Nothing, Pooh Bear, nothing. We can’t all, and some of us don’t. That’s all there is to it.”
    “Can’t all what?” said Pooh, rubbing his nose.
    “Gaiety. Song-and-dance. Here we go round the mulberry bush.”

    Sometimes as an introvert I post something lively and think that perhaps it was a mistake. Then I get rave responses and think hey, I did pretty good and it is always like that but I would rather wait for the praise than to push any of my work on anyone. Like Eeyore I write, I create poetry and I am always going round the mulberry bush!

    Let’s hope this will be a banner year for all of us bloggers!

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  8. I’m going to be my narcissistic self and say that I am pretty good at being humble and displaying my self-deprecating skill. 😃 I find I have the fake confidence shining bright when more insecure and I am quick to point out my flaws when complimented in times of high self-esteem.

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