For as long as I can remember, people have told me that I’m uptight. The less diplomatic ones will say I’ve got a pickle up my ass. I used to deny such allegations, but let’s stop pretending. I’ve definitely got a pickle up my ass, and I’m not sure that’s a bad thing.
I’m at peace with my uptight-ness. I’ve actually come to see that it’s a good thing. Allow me to explain.
People tend to equate uptight people with being “no fun”, someone who doesn’t like to live and relax and just be. (Ironically, people who are supposedly not uptight often get very upset with people who they deem to be uptight).
But let’s ask ourselves, what’s the opposite of uptight? Downtight?
What would a downtight person be like?
Someone who’s always “fun”, wants to live and let live and relax? Someone who doesn’t care to make sure they’re on time or punctual, if their house is tidy, if they’re well-prepared for meetings, or if they’re rehearsed enough for a performance, or if their bills are paid on time? Someone who doesn’t care to be precise, or neat, who’s happy with things being “close enough” or “good enough”?
Hmm… I don’t know how I like the sound of that. Someone who’s downtight might be fun to hang around, sometimes… if they show up, that is. How do I know they’ll be on time, or if they’ll still be in bed when we’re supposed to go lunch?
Do I want a downtight accountant, who doesn’t care whether everything adds up, or that my taxes are filed on time? Do I want a downtight doctor, who thinks that removing 80% of a tumor is “good enough”? For that matter, do I want to eat at a restaurant where the staff are laid back about washing their hands?
Personally, in most areas of my life, I want to deal with uptight people.
I like it when people show up to things on time.
I like it when people pay me on time.
I like it when people are prompt about replying to phone calls, emails and SMS’s.
I want an uptight dentist who’s picky about the work she does.
I want an uptight mechanic who thoroughly checks every nook and cranny of my car so that it doesn’t break down on the side of the freeway in the middle of a Canadian winter.
I want a spouse who’s uptight about money management and spending within our means.
The thing with downtight people is that, no matter how much they complain about your uptight-ness, there will invariably come a day when they come crawling to you, asking if they can take a bite of your pickle. Because it’s uptight people who have money saved when downtight people have blown theirs indiscriminately.
Uptight people cover their bases and think ahead to what might be coming next. Downtight people often run into problems that could have been prevented with just a little bit of planning and foresight.
To all downtight people out there – I don’t give you heck for being downtight (except when you’re late, or fail to pay on time, or aren’t prompt about communication, or aren’t thorough in the work you do). Why give me heck for being uptight?
So please think twice before telling me that I’ve got a pickle up my ass. You never know when you might come asking for a bite. 
Photo credit: Flickr
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
HAHAHAHA this isn’t a phrase in the US, I had no idea what to expect from the title!!
Seriously, you guys don’t use “pickle up the ass” in America???
I think the phrase over here in the states is “Stick up the ass”. I like pickle, though, it’s an amusing thought that makes me smile.
Ah, ok, that makes sense. You can take a bite out of a pickle a lot more easily than from a stick.
This is a very funny topic, which I have never heard of such a topic. The things that you speak alex is so true, I thought I was a person who was like this, but I do have problems with people who doesn’t keep their word, or don’t come clean with me, or not being clean at all! Great blog, but very funny topic you came up with!
Thanks Tyler
If you’ve been told you had a pickle up your ass for many years, by many different people, you might eventually be inspired to write a blog post about it!
When working with personal development, or own and that of other people, we realise just how many different personalities and ways of seeing and dealing with the world there really is out there. But isn’t part of personal development understanding and accepting that we are all different?
Maybe it is because I am on the more “downtight” end of the scale that your post elicited a defensive reaction in me. But I feel strongly that we can be open about who we are, and still leave space for others to just be themselves.
As soon as we have a strong idea of what the “right way” or “better way” of being is, we become judgemental of those who do not share our viewpoint. We then believe “the others” should change, and so we try to fix them. Our intentions are good – we are just trying to make life better for them. But do we really know what the better way of doings are for anybody other than ourselves?
As I’m sure you’ve also found out, personal development and fixing others do not walk together. (Not that I don’t keep it trying over, and over again!) I think though that true personal development comes from our journey towards deeper understanding and love of ourselves. And if we are teachers, helping others to find self-understanding and self-love for themselves.
So from a “downtight” personal development teacher to an “uptight” one – maybe there is space for both of our ways of dealing with the world? And space for our different ways of dealing with each other?
~Elizabeth
Lol. Great points and very funny delivery. I’m personally more of a downtight person e.g. about cleaning up the house and expenses. I could learn from someone like you. (I’m English though, so I’m ALWAYS on time or at the very least call if I’m going to be late).
Love n light
Andrew
Ive never heard this expression, I have heard ‘bug up your ass’ lol you are who you are. being like everyone else in this cookie cutter society sucks and I wont have any of it. I like my individuality. I like not being like everyone else. and, you are an attractive man, Bing. blessings to you!