We all walk through life spending a lot of time polishing the version of ourselves that we show to people. We tailor our social media, practice our speech, and try to lead with the best approach. Despite constantly reminding ourselves that it doesn’t matter what others think, there is a small part in all of us that wonders what lingers after I leave?

When you are nowhere to be seen and your name comes up in conversation, what is the one word you hope hangs in the air?

Welcome to the seventh edition of Friday Feels.

This week, we moved away from the actions of strangers and turned the lens inward.

We asked our community:

What is one word you hope people use to describe you when you aren’t in the room?

The results were deeply rooted in how we make other people feel rather than just who we are.

Here is what you shared….

Reliable, Dependable

For most of you, to be known as someone steady, reliable or dependable isn’t just a personality trait, it’s a form of service.

“It’s nice when people know they can depend on you”– one member shared.

In a chaotic world, being the person others can lean on is a superpower. It’s the difference between being a firework and being a lighthouse. Both are absolutely beautiful, but only one helps people find their way home.

Comforting, Reassuring, Considerate, Kind

Who doesn’t love being known to be someone comforting, someone easy to approach, someone who will paint your hard day with colours so beautiful that you forget you were having a bad day.

It’s the idea that your presence or even the thought of you acts as a breath of fresh air for someone else. These words are the adjectives of an empathetic person and with empathy, there is nothing in this world you cannot solve. It’s a warm glow that transcends far.

Genuine

In an era of AI and filters, genuineness is on the verge of extinction, so to be known as someone genuine is an honour. We all want to be known for our authenticity that carries a weight that no algorithm, no artifical intelligence can replicate. Because nothing can replace the warmth you feel being a person who actually meant what they said.

Humble

Being humble isn’t a generated emotion so not many people can fake it. It’s a strength that quietly shines. It’s a quality that doesn’t need to be loud to be heard. It’s a grace that is unveiled in moments when no one is looking and there is nothing to gain. So to be known as someone humble is something hard to top.

Flair, Extraordinary

Then, there are the words that capture our unique qualities. Some of you hope to leave a bit of Flair behind. Flair is the signature you leave on everything you touch. To be known as someone creative, someone extraordinary is a reminder that our spirit is as unique as a fingerprint. It recognises that being flair or extraordinary isn’t about being perfect, it’s an obvious indication that you aren’t following a script, and no one other than you can bring the kind of shine you possess.

Trier

There is something deeply moving about being known as a “Trier.” (It is a word, it seems). It acknowledges that life isn’t always about the win, it’s about the heart and effort you put in. We are so fearful of messing up that we don’t even try. And not trying strips you of priceless opportunities so much so that being known as a trier becomes a compliment. It means you had the bravery to be a beginner, to fail, and the spirit to stay long after others walked away.

The words we hope for are often the qualities we value most in others. As we head into the weekend, maybe take a moment to think about the people in your life. What is the “one word” you’d use to describe them when they aren’t around?

Wait, you know what, tell them. Sometimes, knowing that someone else sees your kindness or your reliability is exactly the “check-in” that you need.

Remember, you are whatever you wish and hope to be. And if you feel like you aren’t, you always can be. So do the work, put the effort because just the thought of wanting to be someone kind, someone brave, someone fabulous is a clear sign you are meant to be.

Happy Friday!

Penned By:

Rtr. Rana Rilwan

Editor 25-26