Developing a sense of proportionality

Absence of a sense of proportionality in our actions and reactions becomes manifest in eccentric behaviour and disproportionate overreaction. On the other hand, those who possess a sense of proportionality are found to permeate calmness and equanimity. Making a mountain out of a molehill is a typical case of disproportionate conduct. Sometimes we perceive a small drawback in a person to be a big flaw. That triggers a chain of complaining and blaming. In the process we overlook our own follies and idiosyncrasies but magnify others’ imperfections. Good relations cannot be sustained by people lacking a sense of proportionality. 

Occasionally we react disproportionately to what we discern to be a provocation. We are controlled by our biases and prejudices. Disproportionate overreaction to unintended provocations exposes the lack of maturity and civility. Do we get excessively offended by inadvertent provocations? We should first assess whether the other person really meant to provoke. 

We have all heard of the idiom, “penny wise, pound foolish.” A person who is “penny wise and pound foolish” is an exemplification of disproportionate conduct. We often see some well-off people splurging on their lifestyle—squandering on expensive dresses and lavish food. But when it comes to paying domestic help, the same extravagant people become misers. There are people who will spend on themselves but bargain hard when they have to pay labour for menial jobs. Doesn’t this dichotomy smack of a lack of sense of proportionality?

Another area where we display a lack of proportionality is anxiety and worry. Sometimes we worry unnecessarily over trivial issues. We become too scared of innocuous situations. We are unable to size up the problems, challenges, and situations correctly. We become disproportionately over-alarmed.

Impatience and intolerance also stem from a lack of sense of proportionality. Patience and tolerance are the virtues that make a person stable and balanced. A sense of proportionality should be cultivated in eating and drinking also. We are influenced by cravings rather than being guided by proportionate diet requirements. A person with a sense of proportionality will eat and drink in moderation.

In a nutshell, we will safeguard ourselves from many disasters and embarrassment if we are able to eschew disproportionate behaviour.