CHAPTER 13Can Strengths Be Taken Too Far?

Addressing a Common Misperception

Is There Such a Thing as a Behavior Practiced to Excess?

Yes, we think so. Chances are we can all think of some behaviors that when done in moderation are positive, but when done to excess cease to be helpful. One of the authors cites an example in his family. His wife is a wonderful organizer. Closets and cupboards are always orderly. Refrigerator shelves are labeled. Yet she is the first to admit that this can get out of hand. While cooking, she sometimes becomes more interested in reorganizing the drawer of utensils than in the meal she is fixing—and that can have unfortunate consequences. We suspect most of us can agree that there are many behaviors that can be carried ...

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