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Welcome to another episode of Qing’s narcissistic introspection.

As with good dental flossing habits, my present self is eternally grateful to my younger self for dutifully cataloging my life online. I’ve lost count of the times all i needed to flesh out my reminiscing was a few clicks into my blog archives. So thank you, 2008 Qing, again, for posting up your Johari. So that 6 years later i’d have the chance to do a quick compare/contrast.

People love think about how much they’ve changed. #whatpubertydidtome #throwbackthursday #etcetc. Granted, the sample size here is less than ideal… but still, it does give some insight into broader shifts in character i’ve undergone.

2008:

2014:

Things:

1. 2014 me was genuinely surprised that people found me energetic, while 2008 me perceived myself as energetic. Relative to my younger days i am VERY. LETHARGIC. Often i’d internally lament about how much age has tripped, seized, and pulped the immense well of energy i used to operate on. I think someone once described me as “Energizer Bunny on Crack”. What i am now has nothing on 2008 Qing. Thus the surprise. But yeah i guess by population standards i’m still pretty high most of the time.

2. Still pretty much without a facade. “Ingenious” in 2008 was probably more of shameless self-optimism on my part, haha. Most aspects of me are still bared out there, much as i’d like myself to be (sometimes) shrouded in a mystical air of elusiveness. Pretty much an open book, then and now.

3. Seems like i’m no longer happy.

4. Most though i was cheerful and friendly in 2008. Most think i’m independent and intelligent now. And also the energetic, always energetic. AM I REALLY THAT ENERGETIC. Maybe only on caffeine. God i love caffeine. I’m now on caffeine. Anyway.

This shift does explain the disparate changes. “Responsive, warm, extroverted” as opposed to “knowledgeable, logical, reflective, observant”. And proud, i’m definitely proud. PRIDE WILL ONE DAY BE MY DOWNFALL. Was expecting this: i’ve definitely withdrawn somewhat and focussed more on reflection. This shouldn’t discount my ability to interact with others, but i guess it does.

5. I’M NOT SELF-ASSERTIVE. At all. I am crippled by the inability to confront and assert.

There’s no huge shocker here, but it’s nice to know that i know how i’ve changed.