Well, I am perfect in every way. Cough cough. I'll have to ask around and get back to you.

oops (last line) *reveled* s/b revealed. I also meant to point out that at this time of year many people make resolutions that are meant to improve something that we think is faulty about ourselves. This question is meant to have us concentrate on our positives and not our negatives.

I consider my strength to be my stubbornness. In that I mean, if I'm told that I 'can't' do something (not illegal) then I'm more likely to try to prove that I can. I'm always up to a challenge.

I am also pretty gifted in the DIY area. I wish I wasn't limited in my physical ability because there is so much more I'd do, but I do know my tools! But I'm at a total loss when it comes to remembering paint color names or finding the great stuff on the web, like so many of the posters here.

I also think I'm pretty good in my problem solving skills. My career has always been one where I have to make decisions that have flexibility but must adhere to the law at the same time. I'm not an inside the box person...and not a bean counter. But I am constantly commended by the folks I work with in my field that I am easy to work with and they appreciate my creativity and honesty.

I definitely lack the poignancy and gift with words that others have...I wish I were more like many of the posters here.

OK, I did a survey.

DH says I'm a quick thinker who is calm in a crises.

MIL says I am a wonderful cook whose son is blessed to have me.

My Sandy says I am good with words and can see all sides of a problem. She says I am positive and loving. She said she could go on. LOL!

Aimee said that I am capable, loyal, a hard worker, intuitive and a social street fighter. She also said she could go on. I said that was enough.

I think my best quality is that not much stresses me out. I have an even temperament.

I enjoy working on our house and we do everything ourselves, from design to finish. That said, I farm out the screw driving work to DH. I have disliked the wallpaper in my living room for years. It is still there because I can't decide what I want to do.

I'm not a nag and love being the butt of a joke. I have good picker instincts and surround myself with wonderful people. I have no patience for dysfunction.

A great question for this time of year. I'm pretty sure if I polled my friends they'd say my sense of humor and my energy level are my strengths. I am always ready for a laugh and don't mind it being at my own expense. Energy-wise, I need to stay busy as I don't like to just sit, so I tend to get a lot done.

How they've played out in my life-- if I couldn't laugh about my life I'd have abandoned it by now, so it's a good thing I've got that sense of humor. My energy level made it so that I could stay home and homeschool my children while working evenings and weekends, create beautiful gardens, make quilts and other crafts, paint my walls an ever-changing array of colors (down side: I've ended up with Urine Yellow more than once!), volunteer at the animal shelter, foster dozens and dozens of foster kittens, and read about 100 books a year. So even though I've always been cash poor, I've been rich in feeling like I'm accomplishing things. Without that feeling, I don't know what I'd do!

Something I'm actually really proud of is that I'm a fantastic standardized test TUTOR.

As backgound, I am a very gifted standardized test-taker. Psat, sat, act, gre, mcat... Truly I blew them out of the water. Some research groups ask me occasionally to take vocabulary tests so they can check the statistical validity of their difficult questions. I have designed questions for national vocab competitions. (i was mortified when i realized in another thread that i typed broach when i meant breech, why oh why can we not edit our posts here?).

Anyway, I have been a sahm for several years and tutoring has been the perfect complement to that. I usually only have one student at a time, occasionally i have a small class.

We live in a small rural area - not an uncommonly large talent pool. I had 3 students last spring that got double 800s on their reading and math SATs. My current student could only afford 6 hours of tutoring and she moved her ACT composite score from a 23 to a 28!

I have these antennae that detect whether my student is struggling with a gap in knowledge, or technique, or pacing, or confidence, or stamina, or accuracy or whatever the problem is. I'm a problem-solver by nature, so I've got a good repertoire of strategies that they can try out together with me. I try to teach them how to analyze their own patterns of errors and sucesses, so that errors are not bewildering and success is not accidental or random.

I also personally struggle with adhd and a visual processing disorder. So I relate well to kids who are trying to salvage scores and remediate problems of anxiety, of inadequate academic prep, or are just demoralized for one reason or another.

Sorry it sounds so braggy, but in the last 8 years i can say proudly that every student i have had has cause to jump for joy with his accomplishments. It is such a feel-good job!

When my child gets older, I am thinking of getting my certification in math, general science, or chemistry and teaching in a high school. I know I relate well to that age group, and there is a real need for teachers in those areas here. Im actually just super-nervous about transitioning to working with classes instead of individuals, wondering if it will go as well. I really think the adhd will factor heavily in classroom management.

Also,
Just wanted to mention that although they may not jump in here and comment on their own strengths, there are many posters here who write beautifully and colorfully and vividly, i really enjoy reading their thoughts, but enjoy even more the graceful way they articulate them.

Kiki, wow, that is a really cool skill to have!

I do a great job of keeping my house and my family's schedules organized.

I make people laugh, and I laugh easily. I make friends easily.

I am calm in a crisis, and I'm a good (and quick) problem solver.

I have a pretty good eye for decorating. I'm very visual -- I have only noticed as I've gotten older that I see things that a lot of other people don't notice.

And I'm going to admit that it was really difficult for me to not include a "but" in any of these statements! You know, like "I'm good at this, but not at this..."

I'm like Winston Churchill, I never give in! LOL. Actually, I'm very stubborn and persevere like none other. I think I can do things, so I just do them. Why else would someone paint their house 40 feet up in the air on a ladder? I think my perfectionism is part of my stick-to-it-iveness.

My love of beauty helps keep me going and improving my house and yard. I have a good eye for design and detail, arranging furniture. I don't do well in picking out paint colors, so I've been studying up on it and think I've improved a lot. I'll let you know after I'm done painting the rooms.

blfenton, what a great idea! What are yours? I see one of them as being positive and insightful, given your idea for this thread!

pesky, what great strengths. I envy them all, esp. working with tools. My DH is handy with them, too, so I don't even bother. He is like you in that he does not give up, either-- I think those two strengths take you a very long way.

gold, I think I love your family. I can't imagine most families being able to appreciate someone so much. I wish I could have your even temperament. If I could change one thing about myself, that would be it. I am working on it, but it's not natural for me as it is you.

leafy, wow-- a sense of humor is invaluable. I think it can help people through so much. I would pick a funny movie, book, or friend over just about anything else. I am not all that funny, but there are some friends I have who bring out the funny in me, and there is no better time than laughing together!

kiki-- amazing. I wish I'd had your services back when I was taking tests! However, more importantly is your ability to help students. I think you might want to look into being a specialist vs. a general classroom teacher. That way you can be in a school setting but work with smaller class sizes or one-on-one. You could be a reading specialist (sadly, I have never heard of a math specialist . . .maybe they do exist). Consider also being a gifted educator-- you'd also work with small classes and would know what it's like to be gifted AND have other issues ("twice exceptional").

sue and chardie, I am also very envious of all of your strengths!
RE: my strengths . . .on the plus side, I am pretty thorough when I do a task, but (here is the "but" Sue was referring to) it can get in my way sometimes.

I guess out of anything, I would say I am good at finding resources and researching. I like the idea of being a maven-- not so much as in knowledge to impart (actually, not at all-- I can never remember anything) but I like to find the best deal, best product, best book, etc. for people. BUT, sometimes I go overboard with this, too. For example, when I started using cloth diapers 10 yrs ago, I did SO MUCH research, only to find out that the simple method that I'd originally started with worked the best. I do not know when to quit, I think. Again, this is where my thoroughness gets in the way and is a waste of time!

Kiki - Where or where are you? I have a brilliant (but also ADHD and slightly dyslexic) son who has test anxiety and MCats coming up... To say he could use your help would be an understatement.

My strengths? I'm very patient and very positive in my outlook. I've learned enough from my life setbacks to have a very healthy emotional state and develop confidence in my ability to weather whatever storm comes up next.

I've been told i'm very optimistic as well as having tons of patience~~it takes a lot to rattle me. That hasn't always been the case, I think age has been 'good to me'. I'm also pretty happy most of the time since I don't really have anything to be unhappy about~~life is good and I laugh easily. I'm very comfortable in my skin.

I feel i'm extremely friendly, and have no problem talking to strangers or making others feel comfortable when meeting for the first time. This applies to both men and women, and children seem drawn to me~~they must sense the Grandma in me. ;o)

Thanks sueb and anele. I love this thread, it is fun to see what everyone likes about themselves. Sweeby, I looked, we aren't local but i messaged you so if you want to ask me Qs or pick my brain about things, feel free. And thank you for the sweebytest! Darn useful!

I think my greatest strength is that I really do try to be kind to people.

I also can be pretty tenacious when I want to get something done.

Thanks everyone for responding and I hope others will as well. I just wanted all of you to recognize how valuable that you are to me, to everyone on these blogs/sites and to those in your life and to carry those positive traits through 2012. If something happens in your life that has you doubting yourself remember what you said today, if something happens to someone in your life take your strength and help them.

I doubted myself last year as a person and really had to look closely at my life and how I impact people and to remember that I am appreciated and why that is so. That is why I asked the question because I want everyone to have a positive view of themselves and to understand that they are valuable as men and women.

One of my strengths, I think, is that I do see value in everyone. I am genuinely interested in what makes you you and I love talking to people about themselves. Some may call it being nosy, for eg.,I don't care that you are a doctor but what made you become a doctor or a teacher or whatever - that's the sort of thing that I want to know, what made you chose to visit that particular country for your holidays, who taught you to be a DIY'er, or whatever is what interests me. I don;t know if that makes sense but I'm probably a frustrated sociology major.

Thanks for sharing and I hope others will as well.

Blfenton, you sound like a thoughtful, considerate, respectful, kind, interesting, positive, appreciative, genuine, helpful, and did I mention NICE, person? God bless you in the new year, and bring you health, wealth(a little extra!),and happiness. ;o)

blfenton, I am "nosy" in the same way. My dad had a master's in sociology so I took a course in college to see what it was all about and fell in love! I could never figure out what I'd do with that degree, so I only took one more course. . .

(Of course, I didn't think too hard about what I'd do with a philosophy degree which I then switched to music performance. I was not one for being practical!)

Very OT, but you might be interested in the documentary I just saw. It's called "Circo," about a family in Mexico who runs their own small circus operation. Not the best documentary (wish I got to know the people more) but fascinating topic!

Here is a link that might be useful: Circo

I am a good friend - I am loyal to the end. I am also a good listener and I will almost always give someone a second chance. I am passionate about helping others and do this through my church and other volunteer activities. I would like to do more! I am a people person and seem to put people at ease. I tend to look for the good in a person. I am also (usually!!) calm in a crisis.

As far as talents around the house, etc. my husband and I are pretty good DIY'ers. I'm also pretty organized and have been told I have a good eye in putting things together (colors, fabrics, etc.).

Good post! Thanks for making us think.

Unlike kiki, I am NOT a good standardized test taker, good enough to get into grad programs but not outstanding. However, I always felt I could out-work anyone, so that somewhat makes up for it. I think in grad school, being able to FINISH is more important than anything. There was no way I was leaving without that piece of paper! Like marriage, the piece of paper matters. So, I would say a good work ethic is one of my best qualities. OTOH, that can sometimes make me a perfectionist, which is not always a good thing.

I would also say loyal, and I also see value in everyone. Not everyone needs to be a college graduate. Everyone has a talent. I can't rebuild an engine or transmission, but I admire the talent of someone who can.

I get things done, and I usually can achieve goals without angering people, even if I have to push/prod.

I'm a good listener.

I genuinely enjoy talking to people and learning about them; I find people endlessly fascinating. Because of this, I can pull shy or quiet folks out of their shells and make them feel welcome and included.

I'm organized (as if my recent voluminous explanations didn't already tell all of you THAT!).

I have common sense and usually can figure out a logical way to handle a problem or challenge.

I don't panic in a crisis.

Ann

A few years ago, about 10 of my girlfriends threw me a surprise birthday party. But instead of material gifts they gave me something much more meaningful that I'll treasure forever. They each stood up, one by one, and told me one or two things they considered to be my strengths or qualities that they admired about me. I was so incredibly touched!

I'm the person my family and friends can always come to with dilemmas because I tend to quickly see things clearly and give good, practical advice.

I'm a very honest person. I'm trustworthy and can be counted on to keep my friends' secrets.

I was told by my good friends Cynthia and Jayne that I remind them of the classic former homecoming queen, "who you'd expect to be a goody-two-shoes or a stuck up #itch, but instead is sweet, funny and down-to-earth with a VERY crazy, irreverent, sometimes bawdy sense of humor". (I loved that one best of all!)

I try to treat everyone I meet as an equal and with respect. I tend to make friends easily because of this, I think.

I'm a good wife and mom. My family is proud of me and they enjoy being with me. That means a lot to me :~)

I love to read and think I'm a pretty decent writer. I have dreams of writing a book someday. My cousin, a very successful children's book author is my inspiration.

I honestly think I was born with a passion for decorating. My parents say they first noticed it at age 3 when I started telling them how to change the house decs around . . . or just went and changed things myself. One afternoon when I was four, after I'd repeatedly told them that the big bare spot on a wall needed a painting (which they ignored), I took all my mom's lipsticks while she was napping with the new baby and drew them a (BIG) painting there, complete with a pink lipstick frame. I was a stickler for decorating details, even back then(LOL)!
Lynn

Hmmmm, what are my strengths? Well, being decisive is not one of them.

I have a good sense of humor.
I am adaptable to new situations, changes in plans, etc.
I am dependable (I might whinge and whine about having to do something but if I commit to it, I'll do it).

Now off to find the thread about weaknesses. I fear that list may be longer.

Of course I started with the weaknesses ;-)

I can do a lot of things reasonably well although can't claim expert status in anything.
I have the capacity to think on my feet, assess a situation from a step back and see what others might not.
I'm a monkey see monkey do learner and if I see you do it, I can probably mimic it well the first time. (that's how I learned to play piano and guitar without ever learning to read music but that probably falls into the weakness category - sorry!)
I am a great partner in any endeavor, pull my weight and more, play to the other person's strengths.
The Golden Rule is the standard I try to live by and I try to treat all people with care and respect - we all deserve it no matter what.
I'm pretty adaptable, go with the flow and find a way to make it work.
When friends/family need help, I'm there, sleeves rolled up or ears and heart open.

It's probably easiest for me to think of my strengths as demonstrated in my professional life. When I start trying to think of my strengths on a personal level, I find I often counter myself with a "Yeah, but ..." statement. I'm thoughtful and giving. (Yeah, but I'm also self-absorbed and I hold back on occasion.) It was much easier for me to focus on my flaws! Anyway ...

I'm fairly well organized mentally, and this is strengthened because I'm consistently called to task in this regard on the job.

I think I exercise good judgment and tend to be very discerning and diplomatic.

I can be trusted to keep a secret.

I think I have a fairly good eye for decorating and have something of an artistic bent.

I'm fiercely loyal to those I love.

I'm tender-hearted, particularly towards those who are weak (the very young and the very old).

It's hard to self analyze! Here's what I came up with.

I'm optimistic
I have good spatial skills
I am empathetic and do my best to make people feel included
I am a voracious reader and like to learn
I am good at business (at least most days)
I am calm in an emergency
I am a great mom
I am patient

Funny, I was able to answer the weaknesses thread before this one...another weakness I guess..LOL

I am very creative and tend to think outside of the box. Often when I share an idea, people think I'm nuts until they see the project in fruition. Then it's an Ah Ha moment and they realize I wasn't nutty at all!

I'd much rather see the glass as half full then half empty.

It wasn't until later in life, but I finally conquered the grace of forgiveness. I've had a rough road and carried a lot of anger as a result. Forgiveness of those who hurt me set me free, literally. I'm not one to carry a grudge as a result.

I'm giving to a fault, a good mother and wife.

I'm honest, trustworthy, I don't lie.

I'm practical, down to earth and have a good moral base, family is always first.

Oh, no! I can't stand that the "weaknesses" thread immediately shot above this one! Come on, we all have more strengths than weaknesses and we just need to stop being so critical of ourselves.

I wasn't going to play, but now must - please add your strengths here and let's get it above the weaknesses!

I am a great problem solver, have a cool head, am a loyal friend and can keep a secret. I can make my home warm and welcoming, cook a great meal, grow a beautiful garden. I am empathetic and love the environment. I can be a contrarian about mainstream ideas and thinking. Plus, I am a great driver!

"I can be a contrarian about mainstream ideas and thinking"

Love that!

Lukki, I love your contrarian qualities.

I'm good multi purpose glue!

Thanks Golddust! Thanks for the smile.

I'm a good baker.

I can garden pretty well...at least I enjoy it a lot.

I have a pretty good grip on athletic abilities.I am very strong and love a challenge.

I would be a good friend...but don't have anyone right at the moment to practice on... I am speaking about local folks not the great people I consider friends here.

I have a great color sense and decorate well in my own space. It takes me a long time to process what I want to do but then it looks wonderful when I am done.

I have a really good sense of personal fashion and love to dress up even when it is just work out clothes I care how I look.

I have great hair and skin and try to take care of it.

I am an avid reader of women's history and biographies.

I keep a very neat and clean house and personal space...no clutter for me anywhere. Have recently gotten even better.

I think I am a good driver but my DH doesn't always...he can't drive and has never driven so that may be part of it.

I think I am a good Mom now...I wasn't always...but that is for the other thread.

I am a good wife and the best part of that is that after 41 years...Feb 8th...it keeps getting better and better.

My family has always come first for me...sometimes I am over supportive according to others but for me I can't be too supportive or caring or loving of my "own".

I'm a very hard worker when I decide to do something .

I keep excellent financial records and make really good money decisions.

I spend money on things that I want and I am very generous to my family for things that they want or need. I am not profligate but I also don't think there is any point in holding on to it since I can't take it with me.

I am very adventurous...have had a lot of those and keep seeking out new ones.

I used to be a very good RN and had a lot of faith in myself and my decisions. I graduated with a 4.0...no one in my school had ever done that before. People still call me for advice and listen when I offer it.

I am surprised at this list. I hadn't posted since I really didn't think I had anything to offer...hm...guess I should go to the other thread now...since I have a lot that I could say on that one .

I am so glad you started this thread. I have really learned a lot from everyone's posts. c

I am a very good cook in a camping setting.

Anybody else got strengths about themselves to share? Come on, don't be shy.

I'm just like my dogs: faithful, dependable, kind, curious and loyal. They bring out the best in me.

I have a few skills but I still think my dogs qualities top being able to make puff pastry or organize my closet.

I have one helluva whistle! Men have asked me to show them how, but I guess it's the way my mouth is. lol

I'm a great wife and mother. I still mother my adult children and I have to say, I think they like it. I have no qualms about calling them out.

I don't hold grudges anymore. I used to, but if someone apologizes then I forgive and forget and we could become BFFs.

I no longer see people's lives in black and white. Everyone has a story.

I'm good at fashion, although I'm usually a jeans and tee shirt girl.

Gosh, that's about it. I can dance, but I can't sing, can't sew, nothing. I'm just laid back and boring!

I'll add two more - I'm honest and my husband says I take great care of him and our pup. Family is tops to me.