Do you have gravitas?

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I just got of the scale. Unfortunately I do have gravitas.

ruveyn

I don't understand why this is something to aspire to. Somehow this brings to mind the image of a cold sterile existence suppressed of all genuine excitement and vitality. Even the phrase "act like an adult" makes me shutter. I don't even want to be around people like that. They make me feel depressed. I think 'gravitas' is like a facade. It hides a shallow and empty spirit.

No, unfortunately, I do not. This is actually a problem I've thought about quite a bit, as I work with young children, and my lack of "gravitas" has proven to be an issue.
The education and development of young children is a special interest of mine, and I generally love that sort of work. The children are fond of me, and I 'm good at establishing rapport with them (though I'm not so skilled at establishing rapport with adults).
However, the children don't see me as an authority figure. Thus, they often don't listen when I give an instruction, though they will listen when another adult gives an instruction. They just don't seem to realize that I'm an adult. I just can't figure out how to give off that vibe of poise and self assurance. I can't even figure out how to exercise any control at all over the vibes I'm giving off.
I don't like to tell anyone my age, as people inevitably assume an expression of disbelief when I tell them, as I seem so much younger.
So, no, I don't have gravitas. It would be nice to learn to cultivate it, though, so I could switch it on when I need it.

Aha! I see, emotional....Um, no I don't think I have that. I laugh at ridiculously immature things and am not comfortable around people who act "grownuppity". I like trampolines, laughing myself silly and actually swimming at the beach (rather than lying in the sun) until I'm so hungry I can't swim anymore. When the kids in my family play in the dirt I want to play with them, not stand there and talk about a bunch of nonsense with the other women.

I've noticed all the other people form my generation that i knew as a teenager turn into grownups, with grownup attitudes and I've always thought it was an act. Lately, I'm not so sure if they're acting. I think I missed something.

which is a better neologistic antonym for gravitas- sativarg or levitas?

p.s. auntblabby, are you giving up on capitols? i'm thinking of doing the same. my finger often doesn't hit the shift key hard enough and i'm tired of going back to fix it.

I don't know how they do it....

But I do see that underneath the surface of gravitas--if you get close enough to somone--there's all kinds of
interesting fears, hopes, tics, addictions, pain, beauty, secrets lurking.

A LOT of people I know drown out the stuff that hurts and busily distract themselves by that which entertains and momentarily delights.

And these same people aren't very sensitive when I bring up the type of stuff of the nature that they avoid.

I really and truly admire people that remain hopeful, continue to grow and explore, and are open about how hard life is too.

i think i have some 'gravitas' whilst playing guitar, but look completely 'out of place' in a supermarket or other 'normal' settings..

I'm not that able to act like a grown up. I have an immature sense of humour.