The Write Transition

From One Life Chapter To The Next

What’s Your One Word?

By ,

Let’s do something different today. It won’t take long; I promise. And although the post begins in sad, it ends in fun.

This is what my kids see when I talk to them. Minus the cleavage. (Image credit: Microsoft Clip Art)

The Sad

Two years ago, I attended my mother-in-law’s funeral. The woman was kind, selfless, and a joy to be around—nothing at all like those vicious mother-in-law stereotypes. In hospice, as her sentences became shorter, her children suggested she describe each family member using only one word. At the funeral, her oldest daughter read through the list of single-word descriptions for every child and grandchild. Learning how she perceived each of us was poignant and touching, and not a dry eye remained.

The Fun

In a much lighter vein, I’d like to do the same with you. In the comment section below, feel free to type one word in the box, a word that describes you. It can be humorous or sincere, and there’s no need for modesty. In response, I will type one word I’d use to describe you. How spot on do you think I’ll be based on our few—or our many—online interactions? Then again, does it really matter? You only have to type one word in the box. Plenty of time left over for other—and by ‘other’ I mean less idiotic—pursuits.

Wait…maybe this is what my kids see. (Image credit: Microsoft Clip Art)

If this is your first visit, don’t despair. You can still leave a one-word description of yourself. I’ll type a thank-you in return and learn something about you in the process. Ain’t that just a sweet treat?

Ready?

Okay, I’ll start.

If I could only pick one word to describe myself, I would say ‘conscientious.’ Why? Because it sounds much less tight-ass than ‘perfectionist.’

Your turn.

What ONE word would you use to describe yourself? Please limit your response to one word only. How cool will that look in the comment box? And feel free to respond back to the word I choose for you. Something like “Spot on!” or “Eh, maybe…” or “Not even close, dips**t!”

***Important note: If you think this is stupid, you’re probably right. But we all have to take one for the team at some point. So type a damn word in my box. Oops, that came out wrong…

347 Responses to “What’s Your One Word?”

    • Carrie Rubin

      Explosive

      (After seeing you in action, I can’t think of any other word to describe you, so I agree wholeheartedly with your self-description…)
      ;)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      You’re right–empathy is good, but sometimes it risks bringing us down with others, doesn’t it?

      From the bit I’ve seen of your blog, I would give you the word ‘fit,” as in good physical shape. Not just because you’re a yoga practitioner, but because you can chase an errant dog with incredible agility.
      :)

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. leejtyler

    I love this game you’ve thought up. When it’s a back and forth of one word answers it’s like the antithesis of name-calling. So, for me, I’ll just go with sincere. I had all of these high-minded words for you but I kept laughing out loud at your answers, so for you:
    hilarious!

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! I’ll take ‘hilarious’ any day. And after reading through your more recent blog posts, I’d have to say ‘dedicated’ for you. Apparently, even a trip to the ER doesn’t slow down your writing.
      :)

      Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. butimbeautiful

    Carrie – I just downloaded your book, which I hadn’t realised was now on Amazon for kindle! Now for some well-earned child neglect while I read it…and thank you for your kind words re a A Warm Wind.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      You’re welcome. I thought your book was wonderful. I hope you’re working on another. I enjoy your writing style–so clean yet loaded with nuance.

      And thank you for the support of my book! It’s very much appreciated. I hope you enjoy it.
      :)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Interesting word. I’ll write more than a one-word response since I haven’t really interacted with you before, but after reading your “about” page on your blog, I imagine the word ‘devoted’ could easily be applied to you. Sounds like you went through quite the ordeal with your wife.

      Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate it.

      Reply
  8. bharatwrites

    “Fearful”
    That’s my word. A lot of my decisions or indecisions are guided by fear—fear of losing things and people, fear of not meeting expectations, etc.
    Sorry to bum anyone out. Nice post.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! I suspect most of us would include the word ‘fearless’ in our self-descriptions at some point. Although I haven’t interacted with you before, after looking at your blog, I think the word ‘honest’ could be applied to you. You’ve written some insightful and from-the-heart posts.

      Thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate it.
      :)

      Reply
  9. Madame Weebles

    I have a lot of catching up to do on your blog, it seems. And for some reason I’m not getting notifications of your new posts all of a sudden. I will have to investigate this.

    I’ve been trying to think of the right word for you, the one that keeps coming to mind is “multi-faceted,” which I think still counts as one word even if it’s hyphenated. You have talents and wisdom across many disciplines, and it’s clear from your comments that you have many layers to you. I mean, we all do, of course, but I like how different aspects of your personality come out at different times.

    As for me, the only word that comes to mind immediately is “ballsy.”

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you for coming by and commenting on so many of my posts. You certainly didn’t need to ‘catch up,’ but it’s thoughtful of you to do so. I completely understand that one needs to get away from the blogosphere at times, and it can be too difficult to try to go back and explore what was missed. I don’t when I go on vacation.

      But since you’re here, I thank you for your very kind word for me. I think the same can be said for you. It’s hard for me to narrow you down to one word–if there’s something that covers ‘extremely witty, insightful, and talented writer,’ then that’s my word for you. Oh, wait, there is something that might do: Extraordinary. So that’s my word for you.
      :)

      Reply
  10. Love & Lunchmeat

    Me? Honestly, I’m so boring the only word I can think of is… boring.

    You? Disarming. You actually remind me of a British friend sometimes in your comments. Dry humor, self-effacing, shy, but charming at the same time. So, I was going to say British, but disarming is better. And you know how greedy people are who write. They don’t just want words; they want the right words.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Oh, I like that word. Thank you! Makes me sound so sophisticated (even if I’m anything but…)
      :)

      I very much doubt ‘boring’ is your word. In fact, after reading your post about the Tylenol incident, not to mention the fact you’re a nursing student with three kids, I’d say ‘strong’ or ‘perseverance’ fit you much better!

      Thanks for coming by and playing my little game.
      :)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Never too late to play! My word for you is ‘wise,’ because I always learn something new when I visit your blog.
      :)

      As for me being over-the-top, it’s funny that I come off that way on my blog, because that is so not me in real life.
      :)

      Reply
  14. Angel Fractured

    I don’t really know you that well, and up until today my antivirus program kept blocking your blog. True story. Anyway, you might not know much about me, but I feel like choosing a word I think describes me, so here it is:

    paradoxical

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      And after visiting your blog, my word for you is ‘brave.’
      :)

      Thanks so much for stopping by. Apparently your antivirus program sees me as a microbe, but I’m glad you managed to sneak your way past it!

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Nothing wrong with being different. It ups the interest factor. So then I guess I’m safe giving you the word ‘unique’?
      :)

      Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it!

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Nice to meet you, special! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Since this is our first interaction, I’m going to give you the word ‘nice,’ since it was nice of you to come by and comment.
      :)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Admirable. (And even though this is the first time I’ve interacted with you, I think I can safely assign that word to you, because I’ve just been to your site and see you plan to write 100 sonnets in a year. So that is indeed admirable, especially for the sonnet-challenged like me. Thanks so much for stopping by!)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Impressive

      (I had difficulty pinning down one word for you. I thought about ‘talented,’ because of your gift for writing; I thought about ‘role-modeler,’ because you serve as a great role model for others who blog about politics or other serious matters–you stick to the facts; I thought about ‘dedicated,’ because you clearly put so much work into your posts; and I thought about ‘fortitude,’ because you’ve been through so much. So I finally settled on ‘impressive,’ hoping to capture them all!

      But now I’ve cheated and written much more than the one-word response I was supposed to–I seem to have done that a lot with this exercise. But I have to admit, I had to look ‘zaftig’ up. And it made me laugh out loud, because clearly you are much more than that!)
      :)

      Reply
      • Valentine Logar

        I love all those, thank you. But Zaftig is one of my favorites because it makes me laugh!

        For you, I thought about three words you get to pick the one you like the best:

        Savvy
        Consummate
        Adroit

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          Well, aside from the sexual meaning, how can one walk away from the chance of being “Perfect in every respect; having all necessary qualities”? Thus, ‘consummate’ is what I’ll choose. Though I suspect my husband and children may beg to differ…
          ;)

          Thanks for playing. I’m enjoying this game.
          :)

          Reply
  24. i mayfly

    For you, Carrie: magnanimous (of course witty, comedic, intelligent, loyal, insightful and open as well, but I think the “magnanimity” makes you stand out in the crowd, dear introvert.)

    For me? Analytical or inquisitive

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      You are very kind. I will take “noble and generous in spirit” anytime. And yes, I had to look magnanimous up just to make sure I knew what it meant.
      :)

      For you I choose ‘brilliant.’ Intelligent didn’t cover enough of what I wanted to say, because it’s the way you use your intelligence that impresses. You really seem to ‘get’ things. Thus, ‘brilliant.’
      :)

      By the way, I tracked down the study about the increased “heart lesions” in those who endure vigorous exercise. It was published in a radiology journal. It looked at 102 male marathon runners and found that the occurence of “late gadolinium enhancement” of coronary arteries on MRI (a potential predictor of coronary artery disease) was slightly more common in runners than non-runners, but this difference was not statistically significant. So, certainly an interesting phenomenon but one that needs more study with larger samples sizes and inclusion of other types of exercises and both genders. There. Did I impress you? Thanks for alerting me to the issue. I hadn’t heard of that study before. And this proves I really am boring.

      Reply
      • i mayfly

        You always impress me. I would say I’m easy, but I’m really not…especially when it comes to one’s motives. Been stung far too many times not to be a cynic (optimistic cynic, but cynic none the less) ;-)

        Statistics. If there’s one very important lesson I learned in Statistical Mathematics is that numbers can easily be stacked to support a particular agenda. View with caution. And not boring at all – rather, a very astute consumer of information.

        And golly wally jeepers – brilliant? I’ll take it, but I fear you may need to re-evaluate your grading scale? “Curious” perhaps.

        Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Ambitious

      (Which is pretty close to the word you chose for yourself. But with as many blog posts as you write, all while pursuing your education in physiology and neuroscience AND plans of med school, it seemed the obvious chose. Thanks for coming by!)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Ooh, that’s an interesting choice. Very intriguing. So even though I just “met” you, I’ll give you the word intriguing.
      :)

      Thanks so much for stopping by my site and commenting!

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Excellent! And thanks for stopping by my blog and following me on Twitter! It appears you have two blogs–wow, I’m impressed. I saw the one with the enviable yard chicken yesterday. I’ll have to check out the other one when I get a chance.
      :)

      Thanks again!

      Reply
      • Joanna Aislinn

        I am humbled, Carrie. Thank you! I’m thinking that definitely applies to you as well. Look what you’ve accomplished in so short a time, especially with your blog :)

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          Well, thank you, but I’m not quite so good at pulling off several ventures at once, whereas you seem to have your fingers in several successful pies (tennis, singing, writing, work).
          :)

          Reply
  45. starlaschat

    Learning :For Moi and You: Sorry about this but Fart ( You said one word and I couldn’t pick between funny and smart so well…. that’s how I ended up with Fart or maybe Sunny? Hope I’m not in trouble. I ment it in the kindest of ways Smart and Funny.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      For as much as I talk about poo on my blog, I should expect someone to call me Fart. And I’ll happily take it. I just don’t want to smell it.

      My word for you: Good-natured

      Reply
        • starlaschat

          I’ll tey again… Thank You for Good-natured that makes me smile. I remember at Navar’s Fathers funeral there were several people who said he was a Good Man. And I even I had thought that about him and I actually thought of it in regards to him as a solid compliment. I would say about Navar Good-hearted. See what you’ve started. :+) It’s a thought provoking and fun post. I really did have a difficult time choosing just one word for you because when I think of you I do think about you being very smart and very funny. I also think of you as a huge chocolate lover who exercises and inspires me on occasion to exercise and that is a good thing! :+)

          Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          I didn’t even notice. Are you talking about the ‘sunny’? Maybe you meant ‘funny,’ but I’ll take ‘sunny,’ too (though my kids might disagree with you…)

          Reply
          • jmmcdowell

            What’s a financial report? ;) And you should see me with the basic invoices/billing that come from our health insurance provider for simple things like physicals and lab tests. Ow!

            Reply
            • Carrie Rubin

              Oh, yeah, that’s painful for more reasons than one. We’re still going back and forth over an ER visit for my youngest that the insurance company keeps billing us for, because his name inadvertantly wasn’t on our family plan. He’s always been on our plan, and they even admit it was their mistake, and yet we still keep getting the bill. Fun.
              :)

  48. Elliot

    Capable.

    Although it would probably be different tomorrow. My wife suggested two things, one I won’t repeat (although it was positive), and the other, um, intriguing.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Easygoing.

      (I hope your wife agrees with that one. But now you’ve got me curious what my husband would say about me. Must ask him. On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t…)

      Reply
      • Elliot

        That’s interesting, I was going to put “Laidback” but changed my mind.

        She likely wouldn’t agree when she keeps leaving lights on or cupboard doors open.

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          My husband is always leaving cupboard doors open and lights on, too! And I’m not always so easygoing in those situations, either. Especially when I slice my scalp on an open cabinet corner.
          :)

          Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! And I picked tough for you because that’s what you’ve always had to be–especially now as you’re fighting for justice in your congress.
      :)

      Reply
      • char

        You truly amaze me how you keep up with all your followers and know them so well. That is a talent I am in awe of; I mix up my own children’s names all the time when I call them, and there are only 4 of them. So to know names and keep all the juicy details straight of so many bloggers is truly a Super-Woman skill, Connie. (JK…just had to throw that out because it still makes me laugh)

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          I can’t remember a name to save my life, but the more unique traits seem to stay with me. As I think they do for you, too, but you’re modest which is another word I could have chosen for you (and adventurous because you try many new things like kayaking!). I chose giving because I thought of all that cooking you did for those girls, and I figured that was just the tip of the iceberg of the good deeds you do.
          :)

          Reply
          • char

            Funny. I’d forgotten about Girl’s Camp with everything else that’s come up afterward. I’m still a little afraid of cooking since then. I want to go out and eat and have someone else cook for me.

            Reply
  52. RFL

    This is a beautiful post, Carrie.
    I guess my word has to be awkward.
    My words for you would be fair, loyal, dedicated, and encouraging.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Ahh, you cheated. But I’m glad you did, because I’ll happily take all four. Thank you!!

      My one word for you is ‘talented.’ Because I think not only do you write well, but there is a lot of insight behind your words. That’s not easy to do, and honestly, in my opinion, that’s what makes a true writer. Of course, if I could add more, hilarious would be right up there.
      :)

      Reply
  53. RebeccaV

    I love that idea for a funeral (is that weird?). And, given your wonderful gift for commenting thoughtfully on your blog and so many others, I’m tempted to say one word for you would be “ominpresent” on the blogosphere. But after taking on this post and responding to all these comments with a one-word description of people I’m going to have to change yours to “brave” (that could go for your book publishing experience, too :) Fun post!

    Here’s my word, and the one that most people tag me with above all else (but maybe you wouldn’t since we’ve never actually met): Tall

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Knowledgeable.

      (I picked that word for you because you blog on different topics, and you read a great variety of books, including the hard ones! Thanks for your kind words. This post has proved to be a lot of fun.)

      Reply
  56. Smaktakula

    First of all, I don’t think this is stupid, I think it’s beautiful. I have TREMENDOUS respect for people who meet the end with bravery and dignity. I have had the opportunity to see such an example in my own life, and it can be a life-changing event.

    I guess I’m a little disappointed that you didn’t include some of your mother-in-law’s one-word descriptions, but I can understand how some things mean so much that they’re not meant to be shared.

    I’ll try to think of one word for myself, and since I’ve managed to stay serious thus far, I guess I can grind it out until the end.

    Student.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      And yes, it was a very cool thing what my sister-in-laws did with my mother-in-law, but as I have a tendency to do, I reveal some but never too much. That being said, the exercise reminded me to always tell people the goodness you see in them before it’s too late. One thing I’m happy about is that I did tell my mother-in-law how special she was, even before she got sick. At least I’ll always know she knew how I felt about her.

      Reply
      • Smaktakula

        That’s a great way to avoid those unresolved issues that seem to occur after a person’s death. I’m a big fan of letting people know that you care.

        Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Seeing as how I always love a rebel, an eccentric ranks right up there on my admiration list. Thanks so much for stopping by! Since I don’t have a word for you yet, I’ll have to go check out your blog.
      :)

      Reply
  59. Perfecting Motherhood

    Damn, this is hard, you know. And I’m messing up your message thread. I went through at least 10 adjectives before I picked that one. So as a creative person, I can tell you we’re not just one thing and we don’t fit one single box. -(

    But if I had to pick one word to describe you, at least in the blogosphere, I’d say “witty”.

    Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! And don’t worry about messing up the message thread. I’ve already done it myself.
      :)

      But you’re right, finding one word to describe ourselves is too difficult. But it is fun to see how others perceive us, I think. Actually, ‘creative’ is one of the words I had picked out for you, but I went with ‘effective’ because you seem to me a woman who gets things done. If you don’t know the answer, you’ll find it. I know I’d want you on my staff if I was a CEO. Heck, I’d WANT you as the CEO!

      Reply
      • Perfecting Motherhood

        How funny and so on target! Every time I’ve managed other employees, they would tell me how “different” I was, empowering them and teaching them to grow, not worried about them taking over my job. But I could never reach the top of the corporate ladder because I hate playing office politics and brown-nosing. And whoever tells you that’s not how you get up there is lying. A lot.

        OK, other words that came to mind first: independent, resilient, caring, witty, resourceful, imaginative, dreamy. All over the place, but that’s me!

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          I think you and I are a lot alike, though I’m a conflict avoider by nature, which isn’t always a plus. But I also cannot stand brown nosing. And sadly, I think there’s some truth to what you say about it, though I think there are some institutions that do put hard work and ingenuity above politics. Oh, that’s another word for you: ingenuity.
          :)

          Reply
          • Perfecting Motherhood

            Genuine is the word! What you see is what you get. And ingenuity for sure! Trust me, if you don’t play the game, you go nowhere in the corporate world, especially in a down economy. And I have no problem standing up to someone if I know it’s the right thing, but it doesn’t fare well at work!

            Reply
            • Carrie Rubin

              Yes, I imagine the corporate world is different than the healthcare world, though not always, I’m sure. Hospital administration has its own politics, no doubt.

    • Carrie Rubin

      Wordy.

      (No, I’m kidding! But I couldn’t resist. My real world for you is ‘captivating’ because your writing style automatically draws one in. Of course, ‘funny’, too, but that one was too obvious. And thank you for my word. I’m keeping it. No take backsies.)

      Reply
      • Daniel Nest

        You’re more than welcome to keep the word, I meant it :)

        And thanks, guess being captivating helps when commenting on the very stupid things we experience in our daily life!

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          But it’s so funny when you do it (comment on the stupid things we experience in life); it’s annoying when Anne Coulter does it. (Not sure if you know who she is. If not, consider yourself lucky.)

          Reply
          • Daniel Nest

            Aaah yes, I believe I know her. She’s one of the favourite people to make fun of for liberal media, along with O’Reilly…I should do a segment on the whole Fox News gang, but I’m guessing it’s already been done before ;)

            Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Honest.

      (And I know I’m supposed to limit my response to one word, but I wanted to tell you that your word made me laugh out loud. Probably because it’s one I often use to describe myself!)

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      That’s good to hear. On the other hand, just how much of ourselves are we revealing in our respective blogs if that’s the case?…
      ;)

      By the way, my first thought for you was, of course, ‘cake,’ but I know you’re way more than that so I went with ‘fearless.’
      :)

      Reply
      • Stacie Chadwick

        Caffeine definitely helps my brain mechanisms. Thanks for the compliment. I’m off to outline now. Quick question: did you outline for your novel? Just curious. =)

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          For the one that’s coming out now? Not really. Which is why after a professional manuscript critique I had LOTS of changes to make (which is probably why there were so little changes to make from my current editor–I’d already been through it so much). But for my current WIP? Oh, yeah, I be outlining. You only have to tell me once…

          Reply
            • Carrie Rubin

              The most helpful book on writing so far that I’ve read is “Story Engineering” by Larry Brooks. Many may find it too structured in its approach, but my left-brain mind likes that. He’s a big proponent of outlining.

            • Stacie Chadwick

              Cool, thanks for the help! I’m now really off to outline. I’m not procrastinating or anything, really, I swear…just need a little more caffeine. =)

    • Carrie Rubin

      Thank you! Sorry it took so long to respond, but I just found you in my spam folder. But I have returned you to your rightful place, so even though I haven’t interacted with you enough to give you a word, I’ll toss out ‘hidden’ just for the fun of it.
      :)

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
    • Carrie Rubin

      Okay–I know I was only to respond in one word, but would you believe the word I had already picked out for you should you come by was FUN! How cool is that?
      :)

      Reply
      • annewoodman

        FUN-ny! Great minds think alike, apparently.

        Your word: witty.

        Also: checked Amazon for your book again today… not there yet? Is it due now on the 15th?

        Reply
        • Carrie Rubin

          They release on the 1st and the 15th, so likely the 15th. Of course, that’s when it comes out on the publisher’s site. Sometimes it can lag a bit before getting on Amazon and B&N. But thanks for your interest! I’ll put out a post when it’s on Amazon.

          And thanks for my word. I’ll take witty over dimwit any day.

          Reply

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