Organized Planners vs. Flexible Free Spirits

Most of the time, I feel like a fun-sucking wiener. Yeah, that's right, a fun-sucking kosher hotdog. The reason I feel this way, is because I am usually surrounded by whimsical people who think planning and organization is overrated and a waste of time. If I had a nickle for every time the phrase "Just go with the flow" was said to me, I'd be rich.

I have always been fascinated with personality tests. In college I took the Myers Briggs (I am ISFJ) and Strengths Finder test. As a young bride, I took the Love Languages test. (Click on the test names to take the tests yourselves! There is not one for Strengths Finder as you need to pay for the access code, but you could buy the book to get one.) I know that I am an organized, empathetic person who appreciates order and planning. I show I care through acts of service and truly believe that it is the thought that counts.

The problem occurs when there is a clash of personalities. Generally organized planners tend to take everyone into consideration while flexible, on-the-go folks think about the here and now and what would be fun. Flexible free spirits think that organized planners are merely workhorses who trade in fun for schedules. Organized planners think that flexible free spirits are . . . well . . . rude. However, both groups of people are important and help each other be more well rounded.

I do appreciate those free spirits friends who gently try to introduce me to their crazy, whimsical world. All while getting teased about me not having a plan. There was an episode of Friends where Phoebe is asked if she has a plan and she replies that she doesn't even have a "pl-." Sometimes it is okay to not even have a "pl-" . . . like once a year.