We are both people who come across to others as very intense, goal-driven, and definite about what we want. We're also both driven by intellectual hunger.
Oh, LOL, I just remembered this anecdote from high school. I was writing an essay for a scholarship or college or some such application, and getting it reviewed by a couple of my teachers. After reading the draft, my US history teacher said gently, "mildred_of_midgard, there are many fine things about this essay, but I recommend you channel more George Washington, less Frederick the Great."
Me: "How so?" (Thinking, "I haven't invaded any provinces lately.")
Mr. D: "Less arrogance, more humility. I like you the way you are [he really did], but it'll come across better to the committee."
Me: "What? No! Frederick is the best! I won't pretend to be someone I'm not."
I'm laughing so hard right now, you have no idea.
1) I was obsessed with Fritz even back then, to the point where I have multiple memories of talking about him with other people, like even my sister who fricking hated history and learning and everything. She actually knew stuff about him, like how he avoided his wife, because I would never shut up about my interests at any given time.
2) I am not making up the part about having personality overlap with Fritz. At least one knowledgeable-about-history person spontaneously observed the same!
3) I remember thinking at the time, Mr. D picked the wrong example if he wanted to convince me. I can see why he did it, but if he had sat me down and talked about presenting myself to the committee without references to historical figures, or even picked one I was less emotionally invested in, he would have had a better chance of getting me to tone it down a little. Even at the time, I knew he had a point, but he accidentally pushed my fandom buttons and got my dander up. "Fritz is MINE! *grabby*"
Oh, god, I can't believe I'd forgotten this story. I can't stop laughing. It's SO on-brand in every possible way.
Re: Katte and Fritz (and mildred_of_midgard) psychology
Oh, LOL, I just remembered this anecdote from high school. I was writing an essay for a scholarship or college or some such application, and getting it reviewed by a couple of my teachers. After reading the draft, my US history teacher said gently, "
Me: "How so?" (Thinking, "I haven't invaded any provinces lately.")
Mr. D: "Less arrogance, more humility. I like you the way you are [he really did], but it'll come across better to the committee."
Me: "What? No! Frederick is the best! I won't pretend to be someone I'm not."
I'm laughing so hard right now, you have no idea.
1) I was obsessed with Fritz even back then, to the point where I have multiple memories of talking about him with other people, like even my sister who fricking hated history and learning and everything. She actually knew stuff about him, like how he avoided his wife, because I would never shut up about my interests at any given time.
2) I am not making up the part about having personality overlap with Fritz. At least one knowledgeable-about-history person spontaneously observed the same!
3) I remember thinking at the time, Mr. D picked the wrong example if he wanted to convince me. I can see why he did it, but if he had sat me down and talked about presenting myself to the committee without references to historical figures, or even picked one I was less emotionally invested in, he would have had a better chance of getting me to tone it down a little. Even at the time, I knew he had a point, but he accidentally pushed my fandom buttons and got my dander up. "Fritz is MINE! *grabby*"
Oh, god, I can't believe I'd forgotten this story. I can't stop laughing. It's SO on-brand in every possible way.