Good question Kate. You always ask the best ones. I always want to hear the truth. I hate false flattery. You can't trust people like that. And if I say something or behave in a manner that may be negatively affecting my progress in life, I want to know it. No matter how much the other person would rather avoid telling me. In the past, people -who were either friends, bosses or other people I respect- have told me that some of my bad habits: correcting people (in debates or internet forums that's fair game, just not in casual chit chat), interrupting people, being too blunt and sometimes abrasive, condescension, rambling, being standoffish when angry at someone ( I specialize in Cold Shouldering and General Sulkiness), monopolising meetings, stubborness, judging others harshly, mocking people who express really stupid opinions, being too guarded, not trusting others.... WOW, I'm really starting to hate myself!! But my point is, had someone not told me these things at various times about these habits, I would not even have known I was doing it and would not have taken corrective action. I didn't change my personality, just learned to be more sensitive and understand how things I say and do affect people. That's not to say that I don't still piss people off on a regular basis. Just much less frequently.