Jug vs. Cup Mentality- Which Are You and Which Choice is Most Prudent?
Mood Music: Superwoman By: Karyn White
Earlier last year, I was thinking about all the energy I have put into so many people in my life.
Money, time, physical and emotional energy- you name it, I have given of myself. I have risked my own health, happiness, and safety for many in the name of love, family, and friendship. However, the only reason I thought about these things at the time was because I felt drained- drained to the point of utter sadness.
Sure, I was unhappy with the fact that I’d done so many things and I had almost no one who would return the favor, but my real unhappiness rested in the fact that I had nothing more I could give emotionally.
I felt crazy! Why was I more upset that I was drained, than the reasoning behind the feeling?
This conversation with myself sparked my creativity and I formed the concept of Jug/Glass personality types.
Jugs are the people who are the resources for others and Glasses are those who constantly receive from Jug personality types.
I applied this concept to all the people I’d ever know personally and prescribed each person as a Jug or Glass personality type.
I learned so much and I’d like to share with you not only the characteristic of a Glass and Jug personality, but which position you should choose to be the greatest person you can be.
Jug Personality Types
Jugs are those who are constantly giving. They are the listening ear in your time of trouble and the financial backer when you need it. They are always bringing treats to work, a compliment to the downtrodden, and are the fearless protector of the underdog.
A Jug’s greatest joy is to pour- pour into the life of others with encouragement, love, kindness and hope. The problem with being a jug is that not only is pouring their greatest joy, but it’s all they know how to do.
They over give, over share, are horrible receivers, easily used, and when their jug is empty they will do whatever to fill it. If a jug needs to max out a credit card, stay up late and have a series of sleepless nights, or deny any need for the sake of others they can and will do it.
Jugs are so concerned about others that they do not look at their own condition until their jug is empty. Usually when they look at their empty jugs they will find brokenness in their own lives.
Jugs usually suffer from- headaches, backaches, autoimmune disorders, worry, and/or sleeplessness all because they spend lots of time worrying about the condition of others and not themselves. But even when a Jug is empty they will find ways to re-fill to help others because that’s what Jugs do.
Glass Personality Types
Glasses are those who are constantly receiving. They are the ones always relaying their problems, asking for money, receiving and asking for gifts often. Their greatest concern is the appearance of their glass or outward appearance.
Glasses spend countless hours in the gym, hair salon/barber, and nail shop grooming away at their glass with a hand constantly out. Glasses are usually irresponsible and careless.
The behavior of a glass sounds terrible, but not all is bad with a Glass. Glasses are carefree happy, healthy and fun. Because they depend on others to fill their emotional and financial needs, they are usually stress free and rarely empty.
Because they share their problems openly and freely to the people around them, they don’t roam around holding secrets, pain, or hurt of any kind. They cleanse themselves of sadness as it happens. If ever a Glass finds itself empty, they will deplete the nearest Jug, because that’s what Glasses do.
Which Personality Type are You? Which is the Best Personality Type?
Now give yourself a moment for true and honest self-reflection.
Are you a Jug or a Glass? Answer honesty, because being a Glass or Jug solely is not a good thing at all. The best mode of personality is to work at being either a Glass or Jug as the situation calls.
Do you know someone in need of some help and you have extra food, clothes, housing, or money? Be a Jug and pour into them kindness. Are you down and need a word of encouragement? Be a Glass and let someone fill you with motivating words or advice.
Being exclusively a Jug is a lonely and destructive life to live, because you will never put enough stock into yourself and will never allow others to fill you up positively.
Being a Glass is a foolish life to live as well, because you will always be dependent on others for resources and validation.
Be wise with your life, careful with your time, considerate of others. and choose the best trait for the situation. You surely will be rewarded and reciprocated when you do.
