Erma Bombeck
approach to life and appearances

The following is a description of Erma's basic stance toward life, the way others see her, the way Erma Bombeck comes across, the face she shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner Erma Bombeck - her real motivation, which describes the kind of person she is at heart and where her true priorities lie. Study this page and the next one and compare them - there may be significant differences between the two, in which case "the inner Erma Bombeck" may not shine through and others may be in for so a few surprises once they get to know Erma a little better. This page describes the disguise Bombeck wears, her role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Cautious, prudent, and rather self-contained, she is a person who approaches life realistically and who is not inclined to take foolish chances or get carried away by the overly optimistic or idealistic schemes of starry-eyed dreamers. In fact, Erma Bombeck frequently has a jaundiced view of such things. She is rather worldly-wise at a fairly young age, even somewhat of a cynic. Often the world does not seem like a safe, friendly place to Bombeck, and she tends to approach life in a guarded, conservative manner. She is generally calculated and careful, and is rarely spontaneous, fluid, open, and childlike.

She is pragmatic, shrewd, and an excellent strategist, carefully planning her moves for maximum effectiveness and advantage. She is willing to work long and persistently for what she wants and she often does things the hard way. Erma does not expect others to take care of her and sometimes refuses or simply does not seek any outside help. She is often very ambitious, but quietly so. There is nothing flamboyant or flashy about her approach. She is very responsible, conscientious, and concerned with her duties to others and how she comes across socially - her "rank" so to speak.

To others Erma Bombeck seems mature, serious, quiet, reflective, and emotionally detached. Erma dislikes sloppy sentimentality and will not openly display her feelings, especially the more tender ones. Bombeck likes to always appear poised and in control; and she hates to show any weakness, vulnerability, or chinks in her armor.

Erma Bombeck respects tradition and the time-honored way of doing things, and she feels that there is much to be gained from studying history and also by learning from older, more experienced people. A wise mentor or father is often Bombeck's guide in life, and she in turn develops a great deal of hard-earned wisdom, which she likes to impart to younger people.

Erma Bombeck has a stern, authoritarian, no-nonsense aspect to her personality. She expects much from herself and may not give herself enough leeway to experiment and make mistakes.

She also tends to be rather close-fisted, to save and conserve her money and resources rather than spending or enjoying them. Erma Bombeck spends money on things of quality and of lasting value, things which are good investments, but not frivolous, temporary pleasures. There is a bit of the ascetic in her. Erma exercises great self-discipline and self-control and she can "do without" very well. Her tastes are generally understated and simple.

Though she may have other, more colorful and imaginative sides, the face Bombeck shows the world is modest and rather conservative.

Her emotional responses, feelings, and prejudices come across to others quite clearly and Erma Bombeck could be seen as a rather moody, inconsistent creature. On the other hand, she is not impersonal or removed, so people are drawn to confide in her. At times Bombeck may wish she was not so easy to read.

She is direct, honest, and to the point - some might say excessively so. However, no one has to guess who Erma Bombeck is or what she wants - she is pretty much up front. Erma radiates a refreshing enthusiasm and vigor when she is at her best. She seems to enjoy competition without taking it terribly seriously.

Erma Bombeck has a sweet, appealing demeanor and seems instinctively to grasp the concept that "one catches more flies with honey than with vinegar". Her personal brand of charm is usually quite winning. Erma coax rather than coerce. However, if she does not get what she wants, Erma Bombeck is likely to resort to insincere flattery, wheedling, whining, or pouting rather than stating directly what she needs, or doing for herself. Bombeck seems to need others' approval first.

Erma Bombeck appears to be unusual, highly independent, and a free spirit. There is a touch of brilliance, of the creative genius, in her manner. She is also restless and easily distracted, tending to fly from one thing to another, which may give the impression that Bombeck is unreliable.

There is a receptive, elusive quality to Erma's personality. Bombeck can be difficult to pin down, difficult to know, something of a mystery. At times Erma Bombeck may feel frustrated because she feels that she is not being perceived very clearly, that she does not make a powerful impression, that she is easily overlooked or discounted. If she does not wish to be "invisible", Bombeck must make some effort to define and clarify - both for herself and for the rest of the world - who Erma Bombeck is. On the other hand, Erma Bombeck may purposely create illusions about herself with the intent to deceive - or entertain - others.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Capricorn Rising

Moon Square Asc.

Mars Trine Asc.

Venus Sextile Asc.

Uranus Sextile Asc.

Neptune Quincunx Asc.