I use this word a lot in my work. I like it. Ever have something you want to explain in a concise manner? Then, you get the self-satisfaction of knowing you just found the perfect word? Yeah, thats me.
I use the word well-adjusted to explain people who have turned up well despite what life has thrown at them, good or bad. I realize that my use of the word could be well pointed out as opinion.
To me, my well-adjusted cases are the families who kind of look for the future, and sit back and do what they need to do, Even if it might take awhile. The well-adjusted kids, are the same way. They've managed to keep their cool even through the worst. Let me put this out there, that by no means am I saying that well-adjusted people are better than mal-adjusted people. I have a heart for both, I'm just explaining why well-adjusted is a perfect word.
Then there are my other cases, even the small things have thrown them off. The world has gotten to them, which impedes their ability to adjust. Nature vs. Nurture? (coffee talk- discuss amongst yourselves...). People who have support networks and permanency are (without a doubt, fact of fiction) more likely (way more likely) to be well-adjusted folks. I'm not saying everyone so Generalization police hold your fire!
Bringing it home folks...
When I was in care, it didn't particularly matter that my life was falling a part, everyone's life falls a part at sometime, even if its just at the threads... bare minimum! It mattered that I had at school teachers who cared about me, and treated me like the star that I was. Now lets not discount my pleasing personality... I aimed to please, and I don't think anyone could have called me rebellious... (some did! can you believe it?). Did having an easy-going personality help? Yes, because it meant that instead of going against the grain, I was going with it and picking up opportunities as I went.
Even if a person only wants to help a little bit, take it!
Did my teachers and personality help me become well-adjusted? I'd say it had a huge impact on it. (then again, who am I to call myself well-adjusted? I'd phone a friend)
So that's my definition of well-adjusted... it works for me
Babs
Comments (1)
A relly good post, Babs. I think that a person makes or breaks it due to both their personality and the feedback that they receive from other people. You can come from the best background and still be maladjusted for life. I'm glad you made it. Keep the post rolling.