Lorelili's definitions

personality disorder

When one's personality traits and/or behavior become rigid and consistently deviate from the expectations of one's society, consistently blunt one's social life and ability to function appropriately in society. Usually manifested before the age of 15 and persisting into adulthood.
Often the result of abusive or otherwise unstable home environments in childhood, as well as from heavy stress, if not with some influence of genetic predisposition.

The three main clusters of personality disorders are:
A (odd)
*paranoid personality disorder (irrationally suspicious and mistrustful)
*schizoid personality disorder (uninterested in socializing or pleasure)
*schizotypal personality disorder (odd behavior/odd thoughts)
B (dramatic)
*antisocial personality disorder (disregard for laws and for the feelings of others)
*histrionic personality disorder (attention-seeking exhibitionist)
*borderline personality disorder (extreme "black and white" thinking and emotional instability)
*narcissistic personality disorder (grandiose and lacking empathy)
C (anxious)
*avoidant personality disorder (shy, insecure, and highly sensitive)
*dependent personality disorder (psychological dependence on others)
*obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (rigid conformity to rules, morality, and orderliness)

"Insanity can be cured. Personality disorders are so inextricably entwined with the heart and mind and soul that it is well-nigh impossible to excise them."

-Ann Rule, "Small Sacrifices" page 442

It is preferable to be crazy, since "crazy" can be treated; the conscience can't grow back for the sociopath (antisocial personality), the histrionic can't leave center stage, the narcissist can't leave the mirror, and the borderline personality mainly thinks in "black and white" terms.

by Lorelili December 11, 2011

tenderness

Of or relating to tender acts. Compassion, warmth, affection, gentleness.

Opposite of cruelty, violence, sadism, callousness, cynicism, bitterness.

"If a man is pictured chopping off a woman's breast, it only gets a R-rating, but if, God forbid, a man is pictured kissing a woman's breast, it gets an X-rating. Why is violence more acceptable than tenderness?"
-Sally Struthers

Adam stroked Kevin's hair, holding him with infinite tenderness while Kevin sobbed from a horrible day.

Ellie's rigid expression melted into tenderness as she saw her daughter running toward her.

by Lorelili December 15, 2010

redundant

Excessive, unnecessary, superfluous (exceeding what is necessary). Perhaps the opposite of oxymoronic (a juxtaposition of two seemingly contradictory meanings).

Just a few redundant phrases:

ATM Machine ("Automatic Teller Machine Machine")
Greenwich Village ("Green Village Village")
PIN Number ("Personal Identification Number Number")
cute dog/ cute cat
Catholic Pope
an added bonus
over-exaggerate
false pretense
completely surrounded
and etc
unconfirmed rumors
HIV Virus ("Human Immunodeficiency Virus Virus")
preplan
preheat
prerecord
La Brea Tar Pits ("The the tar pits tar pits")
lukewarm ("warm warm")
written manuscript

by Lorelili July 25, 2011

redhead

A person with red hair (the redness ranging from strawberry blond to dark auburn). The stereotype is that all redheads have a fiery temper... but that doesn't hold true for all redheads.

Redheads usually have the fairest(palest) skin and burn quite easily. Sunburn is not a pleasant experience.

Freckles and blue or green eyes are also common apart from fiery hair and pale skin.

Scotland has the most red hair, with 11% to 13% of the people natural redheads. Ireland comes in a close second, with 10% of the people being natural redheads.

Female redheads are often worshipped for their beauty... yet not much is said for the male redheads.

Why is it when people hear "redhead", then they automatically think of a glamorous lady with pale skin and flowing red tresses? There's red-haired men too.

(Carson a tha nuair cluinnidh daoine "falt ruadh", mar sin smaoinichidh iad gu h-innleachdach mun cuairt boireannach àlainn le craiceann bàn is ciabhan ruadh ruitheach? Th'ann fir le falt raudh cuideachd.)

by Lorelili March 3, 2005