# I believe my weaknesses are: **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 25, 2004, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180 "2004-06-25T14:22:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Small\_Clanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@Small\_Clanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Clanger)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/1 "2004-06-25T14:22:09Z")
As a twin to the ‘Things I suck at…’ thread. I am filling in a self assessment form for work, question 4 is ‘I believe my strengths are’ - well, no trouble filling that in, question 5 is the thread title. How on earth do they expect someone to respond? I am in the world of Dilbert. What should I write? What would you write? I believe my weaknesses are: ::deep breath:: No fashion sense - no time for stupid people - a short fuse - minimal people skills - unambitious - no interest in interior decorating - a whole load of other stuff that I sure as hell aren’t going to own up to here (but for those following other theads I _do not_ pee in the shower) OK maybe I won’t put that. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/2 "2004-06-25T14:48:17Z")
I was thinking “tall blonds with washboard abs,” but that’s just me. 😉 Serious answer: do the old job-interview switcheroo – a “negative” that’s actually a positive, like “I’m a perfectionist, so I have a hard time letting a project go when it’s only `good enough’ and not the best it can be.” ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/3 "2004-06-25T14:57:51Z")
I believe my weaknesses are: [ul] [li]Kryptonite[/li][li]Magic[/li][li]The rays of a Red Sun.[/li][li]The IRS.[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/4 "2004-06-25T15:09:53Z")
One of my weaknesses: Sometimes I become too concerned about other’s feelings that I have a hard time being frank when it comes to criticizing work. ---
**Author:** ![FordPrefect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@FordPrefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordPrefect)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/5 "2004-06-25T15:58:54Z")
How about: “Finishing stupid sentences”, or “completing useless paragraphs with complete bullshit because if I even had weaknesses, who the hell are you to know them, I don’t even know who the fuck the reader is!” ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/6 "2004-06-25T17:22:56Z")
Mine are the following:[ul] [li]Confrontational situations[/li][li]1920’s Style Death Rays (Hey… somone had to have them as a weakness, right? :D)[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![dwc1970](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a183cd/32.png) [@dwc1970](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwc1970)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/7 "2004-06-25T17:26:01Z")
I don’t handle criticism at all. If anyone calls attention to any work or characteristic of mine they think is poorly or badly done and is especially brutal about it I’ll fly into a fiery hateful rage against that person and turn into a monster. I’m extrmely sensitive when it comes to criticism, especially when such remarks are delivered unsolicited. ---
**Author:** ![photopat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e95f7d/32.png) [@photopat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/photopat)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/8 "2004-06-25T17:58:54Z")
For me it’s forgetfulness and impatience. … … … … What was this thread about again? Please tell me now! I can’t wait! ---
**Author:** ![Creaky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e68b1a/32.png) [@Creaky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Creaky)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/9 "2004-06-26T02:53:41Z")
- Laziness - Apathy - Vanity - Self-centeredness (Now, just because I recognize them doesn’t mean they’re going away anytime soon… ) ---
**Author:** ![gouda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c77e96/32.png) [@gouda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gouda)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/10 "2004-06-26T08:08:24Z")
Laziness has got be at the top of my list - not that I’ve ever write that on a form! Fine chocolate is next up - bitter and mint varieties only, please. However, I have been known to flip for the odd bag of m&ms every now and then… I’m very forgiving - people tend to take advantage of that. ---
**Author:** ![TheLoadedDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@TheLoadedDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLoadedDog)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/11 "2004-06-26T08:29:57Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > Serious answer: do the old job-interview switcheroo – a “negative” that’s actually a positive, like “I’m a perfectionist, so I have a hard time letting a project go when it’s only `good enough’ and not the best it can be.” Erm… yair, I’m not so sure about that. It’s become a real cliche, and I think all interviewers are wise to it. I forget if it was on these boards, or if it was a comedy routine, but I did hear a funny thing: when the interviewer asks, “What are your weaknesses?”, you look serious and give the “I’m a perfectionist” answer, then you break into a broad grin, slap the interviewer on the back rather too hard in a totally insincere and inappropriate manner, and grin “I bet you’ve never heard THAT one before!!”, and then laugh yourself silly before resuming your seat and your serious look. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/12 "2004-06-26T09:52:18Z")
> [@Creaky](#): > > - Laziness > > - Apathy > > - Vanity > > - Self-centeredness > > (Now, just because I recognize them doesn’t mean they’re going away anytime soon… ) That makes two of us. Your post describes me to a tee as well. ---
**Author:** ![gum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bbe5ce/32.png) [@gum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gum)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/13 "2004-06-26T21:06:07Z")
I’m lazy too. Not in the sense of not willing to work on a job, but in the ‘too easy going’ sense. I’m too lazy to work on _relationships_. Whether they concern partners, friends or family. I think it would have been better if I had just refused hard labor and sat on the couch all day. At least that wouldn’t make me feel so darn guilty. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/14 "2004-06-26T21:18:15Z")
Procrastination, but I’m going to begin working on that tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Clanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@Small\_Clanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Clanger)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2004, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/15 "2004-06-27T10:27:49Z")
> [@Dragwyr](#): > > Mine are the following:[ul] > [li]Confrontational situations[/li][li]1920’s Style Death Rays (Hey… somone had to have them as a weakness, right? :D)[/li][/ul] [ul] [li]Good gravy is there no escape?[/li][li]BTW I think it should be “Death Rays” with the quotes.[/li][li]Lists should have at least three items even if you have to make up the last one.[/li][/ul] > [@FordPrefect](#): > > How about\_: “Finishing stupid sentences” . . . Too freaking right. It feels like one of those competition things, in twenty words or less please complete this sentence: _Small Clanger is a tool and a buffoon because:_ ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2004, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/16 "2004-06-27T10:50:11Z")
1.)Low tollerance for _willfull_ stupidity. 2.)Alcohol 3.)Bar whores. 4.)Some would argue that I have a propensity to “telling like it is” with little regard for other peoples feelings. (personally, I think this is a strength, but the majority seems to think otherwise. go figure.) This atribute is especialy prominent when I encounter weakness number one. 5.) poor writing skills. but ya’ll already know that. ---
**Author:** ![flamingbananas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f4b2a3/32.png) [@flamingbananas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flamingbananas)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2004, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/17 "2004-06-28T01:04:52Z")
Rock stars. Wha? OH! Noticing when other’s feeling are hurt. I have gotten to a point where I really don’t care. Laziness. I have no self determination for anything to make me get active, because I see no real point, and fast result in it. Talking too little I have a light stutter, so I only like to talk when nessisary around people that I don’t really know, i.e. during class. People have classified me as a loner, but I just don’t want to talk. Also, I’m worried I will say something mean. Not that I will offened them (see above) but that I will get in trouble. ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2004, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/18 "2004-06-28T13:21:04Z")
> [@Small Clanger](#): > > [ul] > [li]Good gravy is there no escape?[/li][li]BTW I think it should be “Death Rays” with the quotes.[/li][li]Lists should have at least three items even if you have to make up the last one.[/li][/ul] Please allow me to correct my previous post… [ul] [li]Confrontational situations[/li][li]1920’s Style “Death Rays” (Happy now?)[/li][li] Hi, **Small Clanger!!!** [/li][/ul](You know, it just doesn’t have the same ring to it as, **“Hi, Opal”** , does it? Besides, why change a classic?) ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2004, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/19 "2004-06-28T15:45:37Z")
You might want to consider pointing out a gap in knowledge, rather than a character flaw. For example, a weakness could be “lack of experience with the budgeting process” or “limited experience teaming with colleagues purchasing.” Try to pick something that is a bit of a stretch from the confines of satisfactory completion of your duties, so they don’t have to mark you down for it. If you manufacture widgets, don’t say “lack of knowledge about widget making.” But maybe “lack of knowledge of how our new customers in the transportation industry use widgets.” If your manager is so inclined to address your weakness, maybe you read a book or take a class or participate on a team. Hopefully nothing too painful. With luck and skill, you can use this gambit to do something you consider more enjoyable than your regular work. ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Clanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@Small\_Clanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Clanger)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2004, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180/20 "2004-06-30T17:51:21Z")
> [@Harriet the Spry](#): > > . . .you can use this gambit to do something you consider more enjoyable than your regular work. Wow! That’s a good one, I really didn’t expect to get any useful replies to the OP (I was only really expecting sarky support/comiserations like **FordPrefect** ’s comments) And **Dragwyr** that’s _much_ better, ‘Hi, Opal’ is fine. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-my-weaknesses-are/252180.md?page=2)