So I’m filling out adoption paperwork for our latest attempt at a home study. Those of you who have gone through this experience know something of how probing these forms can be. This is one of the questions it asks:
How would others describe you?
I have an idea of what people might say about me. But different people have seen different sides of me: those who know me in a professional setting are likely to say something rather different than my friends who have only seen me at church.
Because I prefer not to speculate if I can help it, and because I am sincerely desirous to know, I ask you who know me to please answer this question.
Really, I’m serious. This isn’t a bait-and-switch, or an attempt to determine who my “real friends” are. If you know me, how would you describe me? Feel free to go into as little or as much detail as you want. Don’t worry about hurting my feelings – if you think I’m insufferable, by all means, let me have it. All I ask is your complete honesty. And if you prefer to remain anonymous, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email via the contact form.
Ryan is a responsible person with strong communication skills. He is a great listener, which I believe to be the hardest communication skill. He is clever, witty, smart and funny. He is trustworthy and has a youthful and spiritual glow about him.
Ryan you are very good with children, patient, understanding, and kind. Because of this children naturally respond positively to you and love you! You deal with the unexpected with grace and are calm under pressure. You naturally want to help others.
Ryan, you are a remarkable person, thoughtful and purposeful, principled without being an ideologue. You are open with your struggles and desire to become a father, which unknowingly gives others solace and understanding. You clearly adore your wife and inspire her as much as she inspires you. Through your faith, you are able find peace when others would have despair. Good humored, faithful, and hard working.