In the simplest definition, a circle is a basic shape without an opening or end. Have you ever noticed how people’s behaviors sometimes resemble a circle? It doesn’t seem to matter the age of the people involved either, although kids seem to “circle” more than adults.

I have always been a pretty observant person. I like to stay back and assess situations before I jump into them so it gives me a chance to notice the way people act. Recently I noticed that people, especially kids, do a lot of things in circles. Kids talk in a circle. They dance at parties in a circle. Even people eating at a table are often in a circle shape.

I was recently at a Halloween birthday party. To no surprise, everyone danced in circles. There were small circles of four to five kids and also larger circles. Finally, the birthday girl got everyone together in one big circle to dance, which was really different since so much of our activities are done separately.

My mom and dad just don’t understand why kids dance in a circle because they are used to people dancing with just one other person at a time. I guess kids today like the feeling and security of groups.

You can tell a lot about people by the choices they make. I have divided them into three circle types:

1. The Embracer – The person who leaves a circle open so more people can join (Caring, inviting, friendly – someone that people want to be around).
2. The Closer – The person who closes the circle so if someone else wants to join, they have to push their way in (Selfish, rude, insecure – most common but least admitted).
3. The Protector – The person who temporarily closes the circle but when someone else wants to join, they let them (Cautious, neutral, accepting – takes care of themselves but is willing to help others too).

People do things subconsciously.  Their actions and choices tell a lot about them. Not everyone’s life revolves around circles, but try and figure out which type of person you are. Remember, if you don’t like who you are, you can change it.