I think a distinction should be made between "personality types" defined as normal by such psychologists as Jung (and others) and disordered, abnormal "personality types" such as the narcissistic one you mentioned. It is very difficult to "diagnose" such personality disorders and isn't an armchair activity at all. Many people may appear to exhibit characteristics of such disorders now and then but that does not necessarily mean they can be classified as that type. Jung's work on personality has much more application to the general population and deals with such things as introversion and extroversion, thinking and feeling - how a person takes in the world and how he/she reacts to or interacts with that perceived world. There is an enormous range of variation in such "personality types", all on the normal side. I think - and it's just my opinion - that many people are a little quick to label someone as abnormal, disordered, or sick when confronted with behavior or attitudes that are very different from their own. That is more of a basis for assumptions than for understanding. It's easy to dismiss someone we consider as abnormal as impossible to get along with. In the same way, many people are too quick to consider themselves to be abnormal or disordered. And that can lead to excuses for bad behavior rather than personal responsibility for one's choices and actions. We've all heard people make excuses like, "that's just the way I am," or "I've always had this problem". Sweeby has said that her ex was diagnosed as narcissistic. I'm assuming that was after extensive examination by a qualified professional who had the experience and background to make such a judgement. If I, on the other hand, applied the label (or a couple of others I might think of) to my ex, I believe it would be wrong. I am not qualified to make that clinical judgement, regardless of the extent of unhappy experience I had with the man and my application of that label might very well be influenced by my personal experience and sense of hurt rather than actual clinical evidence.

Well I don't have soapstone in a kitchen yet. I do have it in my master bathroom with zero damage in about 8 months of use so far. I have had butcher block before and used it to cut on. I was totally fine with the patina from cutting. But the food coloring I spilled while making cookies and couldn't sand out (too deep) bothered me somewhat. My research is that soapstone doesn't stain or etch. It can chip or scratch. Scratches can be oiled or, if deep, sanded out. Given that I was fine with butcher block (and am fine with a wide variety of antiques and vintage furniture pieces with patina of varying kinds), I feel confident that I will be fine with the scratches and any chips on soapstone.

joann who can't decide whether she's 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 ... Not to worry - don't sweat the small stuff. o j

It's always nice to hear from a fellow HSP. It makes us feel like we are not alone. I am not only a HSP, but also an empath. I never knew the word for what I was feeling until I read J. Orloff's book and suddenly there was a word for what I was experiencing. Many have called me "too sensitive" over the years, meaning it as a put down and that's how I took it. I've since acknowledged that yes, I am more sensitive than others and accept it. Oakley, I know exactly what you mean when you talk about your grandson. The same thing happens to me. I instantly know. As an empath and HSP, I am susceptible to others feelings and have made it a point to daily ground myself and visualize a protective bubble in order not to absorb others emotions. A recent development for me is setting boundaries. Certain people will want to talk endlessly about their woes, troubles, etc. I can only do that for so long. I am also very in tune with energy. I have walked out of many a store, mainly antique or thrift stores, where I felt a not so nice energy. I really did not enjoy the French Quarter in New Orleans. It felt like it had a lot of dark energy. I could go on and on, but I'll stop here and just celebrate all you other HSP/empaths.