leeneia, what a cheek that boyfriend had! Asking you to change to suit him. I agree about the three categories of men who won't be able to change. You either have to accept them as they are or avoid like the plague (the latter in my opinion!)

Being of the old school, I do think one can take charge of oneself and try to overcome minor character defects, such as being bad at social occasions. Manners require that you jolly well have to converse and interact a bit, and you have to force yourself. Also, controlling one's temper can be achieved with say counting to ten etc (those anger management tips) I'm like you leeneia, I get very upset and sad at documentaries about unfortunate people or animals. And beggars in the street have me reaching for my purse immediately. I don't think I'd want to reduce my compassion though.

I'd be extremely wary of any 'experts' who wanted to train my brain. It would be the same organ, just various connections would be altered or added. I can't seem to understand this theory about change and nothing being constant. Each human being is, as you say, unique, and one's basic character is there for life.