Does a Move Mean a Whole New You?
In a recent article published by US magazine ‘The Cut’, it was shown how your personality actually changes when you move to a new place.
This is not something that we had considered before but, when you think about it, it makes sense. And this is not likely something that home buyers moving to a new area would even think about. Sure, they think about their new home and maybe wonder what the neighbours will be like. They might wonder whether or not they can get a great flat white within walking distance or if the locals will be friendly, but what most people don’t consider is the way that that the move will change them.
The article referenced both academic and scientific studies that clearly show how character traits, like anxiety and extroversion, vary from one area/region to another. Around the world, Irish people have a reputation for being obsessed with the weather, enjoying long chats over Barry’s tea (we’re not even going to engage in the Barry’s vs. Lyons debate!), we tend to use alcohol for all social occasions – happy or sad – and, most importantly, we are a generally friendly bunch. Those stereotypes are broadly true. But how to these vary from county to county or area to area?
We know that Cork people are known to have a particularly dry – dare we say quirky? – sense of humour, while Kerry people are known for being a bit ‘cute’ (as in scheming, not adorable… we’re not making this up). Dublin people are quite unfairly judged from people outside the Pale, but in reality, people within the capital have many more stereotypes to describe residents in neighbouring Dublin boroughs than probably any other county in Ireland. It goes so much further than the northside-southside divide. With this in mind, what happens when you move from one county or one part of the city to another?
The writer poses a really interesting question, that is:
“Can we transport an intact personality from place to place, like a piece of furniture? Or does each new move add a fresh coat of paint?”
There is no doubt that city-dwellers have a reputation for being more self-contained and less friendly, or at least less likely to initiate a conversation. This is true the world over, not just in Ireland, due to the transitory nature of residents; however, because of this tendency, new neighbours in developments or estates that are main owner-occupied make a conscious effort to be friendly and get to know their immediate neighbours.
Also, organic placemaking means that once an area gains a certain reputation — for example, as an enclave for artists or people of a particular religious tradition — others with similar inclinations are more likely to move there themselves, thereby helping to cement that place’s character. As happens, that character can stay somewhat consistent from generation to generation.
The article concludes that:
“The most powerful influence on someone who moves may be good ol’ peer pressure. Cultural institutions and values span generations and inculcate newcomers through social contagion, and people tend to absorb practices and values of those around them… social susceptibility may be one of the strongest forces in encouraging new residents to dial up some personality traits while toning down others.“
It is certainly food for thought for home-hunters when considering buying in new areas.
To discuss this and other housing matters in Dublin, please contact me directly on +353 (0) 87 937 0896, Derek@VictoriaHomes.ie or check out all of our current developments at www.victoriahomes.ie/
- Posted by newsupdates
- On September 22, 2018
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