They do take pride in the little things they do, even though, in a broader sense, Virgos can be rather self-effacing and self-critical.

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At other times, they must be soft, self-effacing, collaborative, process oriented, persuasive, unassuming, and indirect (feminine).

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The assumption that women should be altruistic and self-effacing pervades both mainstream society and some precincts of the feminist movement.

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"They looked a little too young to be giving me their phone numbers, " the self-effacing golfer reportedly told a Florida newspaper at the time.

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It is doubtful that Mr Berlusconi has the tact and restraint to play so self-effacing a role, which could be sorely required if bitter controversies emerge at the two biggest European summits where Mr Berlusconi will have to chair the meetings himself.

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