Interesting, I had discounted dancing because of its nonverbality. Thanks for alerting me to my mistake!

I was using very similar reasoning when I suggested "non nerds or nerds not presently in nerd mode". The key is hide the abstract discussion crutch!

Ha, perhaps a good idea, but I enjoy the criticism. She points out flaws that I might have missed otherwise. I wonder if one could market themselves as a professional personality flaw detector or the like. I'd pay to see one.

Friends who are willing to suggest improvements (Tsuyoku naritai) sincerely are valuable resources! If your ex is able to point out a flaw then perhaps you could ask her to lead you through an example of how to have a 'warm, human' interaction, showing you the difference between that and what you usually do? Mind you, it is still almost certainly better to listen to criticism from someone who has a vested interest in your improvement rather than your acknowledgement of flaws. Like, say, a current girlfriend. ;)