Who's in Charge Around Here?!

In this crazy messed up world that we live in, we all have to make decisions. Be them good, bad or indifferent, we all make choices. But how do we make up our minds about which choice to make? Some people are analytical and use their mind to reason things out; others go with their gut and what emotions tell them.

MIND ONLY
Those who rely solely on their minds are usually methodical in everything they do: they plan and organize, they have trouble being spontaneous, and they force themselves to be rational about all situations. They play a game of chess in their minds to figure out how one situation will impact the rest of their lives.These are the people that take ten years to buy a couch because they want to be absolutely positive that they are making the right choice. Dr. Gregory House, of the show "House" could be described as a "mind-only" decision maker. He makes decisions based on how rational the options are, and openly mocks those who believe or act illogically.

HEART ONLY
Those who listen to only what their heart tells them are impulsive: they make snap decisions (which can be good or bad, depending on the mood they're in), are more adventurous, and tend to jump into situations without knowing what kind of consequences their actions could lead to. These are the people that think up a scheme and act on it immediately. In the movie "Single White Female" Allie acts based on her emotions at the time. Doing so, she becomes roommates with a psychopath who tries to kill her. Granted, no one really thinks something like this will happen to them, but if Allie had taken some time to calm down, she would have gotten back together with her boyfriend and not needed a roommate (crazy or not) in the first place.

COMBINATION
There are several philosophers who could argue for each of the above methods, but I prefer using a combination. I would rather use both my heart and my head in the decision-making process instead of going to either extreme. If I use only my heart and emotions, then I would make snap-decisions and have a lot of regrets. On the other hand, if I my mind to reason out every action, then I would be consumed with "If I did this, what would happen..." thoughts and would lose relationships with the people I love. Combining these methods allows a person to take into consideration the consequences of the his or her actions, while also factoring in the human-element of how that makes you feel.

Scenario 1: While shopping, I find a dress that flatters me and makes me feel pretty, but notice that it is out of my budget.
Mind Only: I don't need new clothes. I already own clothes. That fulfills the social requirement, therefore there is no need to purchase any additional items of clothing.
Heart Only: This dress is so pretty! I want it! I'll get it. (*When it's the end of the month and I can't buy food because I spent my grocery money on this dress then I will just wallow in my emotions and regret.)
Combination: I really like this dress, but I can't afford it right now. I'll wait for it to go on clearance, and then buy it.

Scenario 2: A man with a moral compass that points to a different direction than mine asks me out on a date.
Mind Only: The choices this man has made are irrational; they are based on fallacies. He will not be a benefit to my life in any way, so I will not accept his invitation.
Heart Only: Wow, he's handsome! I definitely want to date him! (Later when we argue about any given topic, I will fly off the handle and let all of my negative and angry emotions out.)
Combination: I acknowledge that we have our differences, but agree to go on the date. I notice the oddities that would make it hard to build a relationship, so I break things off, even though I still think he is really cute.


I could go on with different examples of what would happen if you used just your mind, just your heart, or a combination of these two to make decisions, but I think you get my point. Maybe it just works out better for me this way. Maybe you are perfectly content with going on just-emotions, or just-reason. But I can't see myself being happy or comfortable with a decision I made based on Mind only, or by Heart only. I think you have to take a little bit from both sides. What do you think? How do you make decisions? Do you change the way you make decisions based on which method gives you the outcome you want? As always, I look forward to hearing what you have to say.