Positive Things People Have Said About Me From A To Z

I never forget when people describe or analyze me in a positive way. On my 80th birthday on July 23, 2025, I reflected on all those positive words people have shared with me over the years. The positive descriptions are compilations from authority figures, physicians, teachers, counselors, therapists, pastors, employers, students, friends, and family members. You will see in the following capsules below many of the positive words and expressions people have used to describe me.

I am indebted to everyone who has encouraged me through their kind words over the years that I still remember from a child until this day.

A List

The group of words starting with the letter “a” indicates some ways people have shared what they see in me. That is a good way to start the list of all 26 letters of the English alphabet.

Abiding is a word that is used to describe a feeling or a memory that lingers in the mind for a long time. It is an appropriate word to begin the list of positive terms I have heard to describe me and my actions. The above list is made up of positive words, and I still remember who said what and when they said them.

B List

This list really nails who I am. I am delighted that people have described me with positive words in this list.

C List

I have often been told that people follow me as I follow Christ as one of His disciples. That's what Paul told the Corinthians, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

D List

It is an honor to have been described as above. Each description means a lot to me.

E List

Some people might think the word “eccentric” is derogatory. However, I think of it as a gift. Some of the best artists and writers are eccentric. I am delighted to be in the club with them.

F List

The words in this list show that I am in the world, but not of the world. I can be free, friendly, fastidious, and far-reaching all at the same time. I am glad some people have noticed that.

G List

I love word games and trivia because they keep me alert and knowledgeable about things in the world that we should know. I watch the Game Show Channel on television and play along with the contestants.

H List

When I was teaching a religion course to a group of ninth-graders, one student told me I was “hardcore.” She thought she was in trouble when I asked her what she meant. She began to stutter and said, “Oh, that's a compliment. You are highly committed and dedicated to teaching us what we need to know.” I might bend on some things in life, but when it comes to what I teach, I confess that I am hardcore.

I Words

There is a difference between being intelligent and intellectual. Therefore, that is not a duplication. Intelligence is the ability to understand abstract and mental reasonings as well as to solve problems and make realistic decisions. It is being able to adapt to my surroundings based on practical life applications without relying on what someone said in a book.

On the other hand, I am intellectual based on what I have learned from academics.

J Words

I am justified, just as if I have never sinned. Because I am justified, I am also just, jovial, jaunty, and jocular. All of those words describe me.

K Words

My son cautioned me about using the word “kind.” He told me the word “nice” is not in the Bible at all. He said, “Mom, you are kind like the Bible says.” Since then, I have been careful about using the word “kind” instead of “nice.” After our conversation, I searched the scriptures and discovered that no version of the Bible encourages people to be nice. However, the word “kind” is mentioned in all versions of the Bible about 200 times.

L Words

The Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). No matter where I have lived, I have followed that commandment.

M Word

I meditate every day. I do what I learned in a spiritual development class when I was in seminary. The key to effective meditation is to “sit quietly in God's presence.” I sit in God's presence as Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to Him as He told her things she didn't know (Luke 10:39).

N List

The above list looks as if it belongs on an online dating service. However, those are my characteristics, and I am sticking to them.

O Words

No matter which group I end up in, I tend to be different. Some say I am one of a kind. Even among my dozen siblings, I am different from them.

P List

In the “p” group, you might be wondering what is positive about being compared to a “potbelly stove.” A potbelly stove is a black cast-iron stove that is cylindrical with a large bulge in the middle that reminds people of a fat man's belly. That type of stove was used in bus stations, train stations, and one-room schoolhouses to heat large rooms. Once the stove got hot, it would send out heat the entire day. I know about potbelly stoves because one was in my elementary one-room school, and also in the house I grew up in Sussex County, Virginia.

Therefore, when the owner of a bookstore in Richmond, Virginia told me I reminded him of a potbelly stove, I was not offended. He explained that I will never know how many hearts I warm by sending out what is inside of me. He was right. People from all over the world compliment me on the value of my writing and how much it helps them.

R Words

The “r” list has some interesting descriptions. Those are words I have heard that describe me.

S Words

The “s” list is long with many positive expressions surrounded by beautiful butterflies. They are symbols of change through metamorphosis. I was once a caterpillar, but now I am a beautiful butterfly who has undergone a personal metamorphosis to be who I am today.

T Words

I have aspired to be a teacher since I was in elementary school. I admired my teachers and wanted to grow up to teach others like that taught me.

When I was teaching Old Testament and New Testament in a community college, one student told me, “When you teach, you touch!” She added that information comes alive when I teach. That has been years ago, but I never forgot the compliment she gave me.

U Words

I like the last word on the list above. I want to be “useful” to others instead of doing things just to be doing them. I am useful in that everything I do has a purpose.

V Words

Everyone needs to be valued and validated. That is a very good list for me to reflect on because most of my life I purposed to be valued and valuable.

W Words

The last word in the above list summarizes who I am. I write something every single day and have been doing so since I learn to write over seven decades ago. I get my strength from writing.

X Words

As you can see, the “x” list is very short. I had to look up those words because they are not used in everyday language. They all basically mean the same thing about being energetic, positive, and hospitable.

Y Words

I am now 80 years old, but I don't feel that old. Some people describe me as being youthful and young at heart.

Z Words

Like the letter “x,” the letter “z” has a short list. The few words above are just as important to me as the long lists.

Author's Note

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