Personality

The role birth order plays in shaping children's personalities and IQs has been debated and researched for years. But do the stereotypes hold water?

"They say that children's behavior and development depends . . . a big percent on what role they play in families," Brenda says, asking other Circle of Moms members, "Where is your child at?" Another member named Charlie P. has a similar question. "Birth order and personality: Where do you fit in? Do you think this is an accurate description of you or your children?"

As you parent, Circle of Moms members say it's worth considering your children's birth order, and subsequently how you work through some of the less desirable traits. Read on.

• Mmmbop! — The Frisky
• New celebrity photo trend: debuting your baby in bed with you — LilSugar
• How to boost a woman's sexual self-esteem — Em & Lo
• Mistakes to avoid when getting dumped — YourTango
• A look at divorce and race — Huffington Post
• Would you tell a friend if you knew her boyfriend cheated? — Glamour

Introverts' ability to think first and talk later might be their secret weapon when it comes to influencing people around them. Research shows that common traits like better reasoning and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to make longer-lasting relationships, put introverts among the more effective social influencers. Introverts also have increased blood flow to the part of the brain responsible for memory, planning, complex research, and problem solving, helping them take the lead in their personal and professional lives. At work, they can overcome competing with flashy extroverts by using their attention to detail and original thinking to their advantage. The tendency to avoid office politics doesn't hurt either.

To illustrate the power of introverts ,the Daily Mail points to JK Rowling, who was recently crowned Britain's most influential woman. The Harry Potter author is a self-proclaimed introvert, as are, according to the paper, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bill Gates, the Queen, and Barack Obama. I wonder though: are these successful famous people really naturally introverted, or just prone to looking inward because they have so much public attention?

If you have introverted tendencies, do you think they've helped you in your relationships?

• Do you agree with what your favorite shows say about you? — BuzzSugar
• Why your guy's female friends are a good thing — YourTango
• Eating disorders aren't just for women — CollegeCandy
• 7 guys you should never date — Glamour
• Famous love letters from history — Glo
• Has weight ever impacted your relationship? — Lemondrop
• Does the guy have to pay more in a relationship? — SavvySugar

One of the greatest things, I think, to come out of social media is the fact that we all think out loud online, and that can lead to some very interesting sociological conclusions. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks give researchers tons of quantifiable data on the state of the human race. For example, remember that study released earlier this month that found that all Facebook users are narcissistic and insecure? Our online selves give researchers access to a gold mine of information that they can interpret and analyze to try and gain insight about society as well as individual personalities. Want to learn more about yourself? For 10 things researchers have learned about you from your online profiles and Twitter activity just read more

This question comes from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

I'm wondering if anyone else has ever had this problem, beyond their teenage girl years — lately I feel as though a close friend is starting to copy my activities and hobbies. There's nothing wrong with shared activities (many people share hobbies, after all!) but I feel like the things that made me original she is now determined to also do — photography, blogging, cooking, marathoning, getting a tattoo to celebrate being 30 . . .

I feel like there soon won't be anything I do that she doesn't also do . . . and I know, it sounds ridiculous to feel like my identity is being threatened, I'm not a kid anymore. Any advice?

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it, anonymously, to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.