BARNUM STATEMENTS

Note: On the 'surface' these statements appear to be quite specific and insightful. On closer examination, it become clear that they are 'meaningless' in that they describe most people, in some sense; hence, the name 'Barnum Statements' (after the great showman of the 19th Century, P. T. Barnum, who was, in some ways, a great 'humbug').

You have a need for other people to like you. You have been unnecessarily critical of yourself at times. You have abilities and capacities that you have not always used to full advantage. You have some personality "weaknesses." There are times when you are more worried than you "let on;" your calm surface is thus sometimes a "front" or "cover." There have been times when sexual thoughts, temptations or behaviors have presented some problems, perhaps minor problems, for you.

There are times when you have worried about something, only to find that your worries were unnecessary. At times you have not always been as honest with other people, particularly loved ones, as you would like to have been, or could have been. Basically, you are a decent person, though you sometimes put "halos" on other people, while downgrading yourself.

You prefer some change and variety in your life, at least enough to keep the "rut" away. While most of your plans and desires for the future are basically realistic, there are times when your daydreams and fantasies are "wild."