I’m disagreeable – and it’s backed by science. Can I change my personality?

I scored low for agreeableness in a personality test for the ‘big five’ traits – does this mean I’m doomed to be disagreeable? I looked into how I can change who I am

The other day, a friend decided to playfully name our individual roles within the group: planner, emotional support, and so on. I was the fault-finder – or, as she put it, “the grumpy teenager” – who points out problems, but doesn’t suggest alternatives.

She was only kidding around, but she struck at an insecurity I have: that I’m unacceptably, intolerably negative.

I’m an adult. Why do I regress under my parents’ roof?

I like my own company. But do I spend too much time alone?

People say you’ll know – but will I regret not having children?

Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change by Olga Khazan is out now

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