Blogs: Superbly Imperfect

We asked PT's bloggers (psychologytoday.com) what personal flaw has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Here are some of our favorite silver linings.

Pathos Perk

"Growing up, I was often called 'too sensitive.' I rescued worms that were flooded out of the earth during storms and wanted to give money to every homeless person. I've come to see my empathy as a strength, and now I study the basis of compassion." —Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D, The Science of Willpower: Secrets for self-control without suffering

Open Arms

"I was born with only one hand. I was teased as a kid, but as a psychologist, this 'flaw' has been a wonderfully projective tool that triggers useful reactions. Kids are drawn to it, and it opens doors to talk about loss, overcoming disability, and their own body integrity. They ask if it hurts, and it sparks discussions about grief, pain, and loss." —David J. Ley, Ph.D.,Women Who Stray: Notes on the history and current practice of female infidelity

Class(-Act) Clown

"My professors and supervisors in grad school often admonished my 'inappropriate' use of humor, but I eventually learned that comedy can be powerful during psychotherapy: It can slip through defenses, change perspectives, diffuse tension, and engage even the most reluctant adolescent." —Guy Winch, Ph.D., The Squeaky Wheel: How to complain the right way

Automatic Amity

"I have prosopagnosia, or face blindness. Because I rarely know with whom I've inter-acted before, I try to treat everyone respectfully. Being nice is so much more enjoyable than being hostile. I wind up with far fewer enemies to watch out for and, more importantly, far more friends." —Glenn Alperin, Face Off: Living with prosopagnosia

Eagle Eyes

"I notice things others don't, particularly things that might present problems. Unfortunately, this constant vigilance leads to hypochondriasis and frequent worry about what seems like a grim global future. The good side? It certainly helps my comedy writing, since I pick up on ridiculous stuff that most people miss." —Mark Sherman, Ph.D., Real Men Don't Write Blogs: Exploring love, marriage, and other difficulties