Sometimes, I say something that is misunderstood ~ who hasn’t?
Yesterday was another example of how my perspective is a little different from others. I volunteered to help at a Charity Craft Show and a woman came up to the cashier table & referred to the Assistant Manager as “sweet” ~ I jumped to her defense and said “She’s not sweet.” Yes, her defense because I don’t think calling someone “nice” or “sweet” is necessarily a compliment. It says to me you don’t know the person very well or you have no other adjective to describe them. Think about when someone tried to set you up on a date, the kiss of death was always “He’s very nice.”
Sweet & Nice in the business world will get you no where. Kindness in the workplace is appreciated but if you get tagged with sweet, you might as well get a new job.
Were I to describe the woman called “sweet”, I would say energetic, great mom, thoughtful, helpful, etc. But when I said “She’s not sweet” and saw the look on the faces of the other women, I played it off as kidding around. It would have taken too long to explain what I really meant ~
I do know several sweet people ~ both men and women. I like them and enjoy their company but they’re not the ones who become my close friends. I prefer a little edge to a personality ~ someone with depth and isn’t afraid to show it.
How do you like to be described?
Displaced Beachbums 
Wow, that’s a good question. I have no idea how I would describe myself…I’ve been tagged as “quiet” and “reserved” my whole life and as much as I’ve grown to dislike both, I’d probably pick one of those two. 🙂
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I agree that nice and sweet are not really compliments. When someone describes another adult as “She is very sweet” I think of it almost as synonymous with simpleminded or not very complex. I think I’d rather be thought of as intelligent, kind, generous, outgoing, one who likes to include rather than exclude others, oh wait! You said 2 words. Ok, how ’bout smart and sassy, LOL.
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Another one of your commenters wanted to be described in two words, so I just went with it… And I’m not sure anyone would describe me as sweet! 🙂
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Good question, Patti! I think looking at it from a mom’s perspective, I describe my son as sweet, but what I really want is for him (and all my children) to be a compassionate, thoughtful adult. So I guess I associate sweet with the immature form of compassion and unselfishness. As for myself, I like to be thought of as intelligent and thoughtful and, boring as it is, dependable. with a sense of humor… And I’ll try to refrain from calling people ‘sweetie’ around you…
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KBG: So true! And I certainly describe acts of kindness as “sweet” sometimes depending on the circumstances.
Where did the two word limit come from?
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I’ll also accept all of those things! Granted, any compliment should be graciously accepted, so thanks. Given the two word limit for you, my first two thoughts were smart and passionate.
So maybe it all depends on the circumstances that define our relationships? Someone who knows you from work may define you differently.
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Betty: I have no doubt that everyone who knows you would use the words “Kind” and “Generous” as ways to describe you.
tljess: I like “happy” a lot!! I know many people who are so happy, it’s infectious and I lOVE being around them. Of course, “hot” is always a great way to be described especially when it’s from your husband.
KBG: When I think of you, I think of smart, creative and great sense of humor. Also, not afraid to tell it like it is. Sorry, not sweet, but that’s a COMPLIMENT from me 😉
I should have put a disclaimer that I was talking about people over the age of 21. If you’re 21 and under and sweet, that’s a wonderful thing!!
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I asked Joe to describe me in two words –
“Hot, (pause) Hot” Oh make me laugh, right out loud. Ok he is no help. (Not a bad after 17 years of marriage) I think he wants to stick around another 17 =)
How about happy and persistent. . . I think that will do.
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I wouldn’t mind ‘sweet’ – I think it goes to disposition. But I’m a southern gal, and I still say things like ‘bless her heart’. 🙂
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I would like to be called a helpful or kind person.
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