One question I have always been frustrated with in life is the guaranteed "Tell me about yourself," whenever I'm in a new situation. First day of class every year in school, job interviews, meeting new people (generally older than myself), new wards, new neighbors... Everyone expects you to explain who you are in 10 words or less, right there on the spot.
For children, the response is usually about what they like. 'I like (specific princess/superhero), I like (favorite food), I like (favorite color).'
For teens it's what they are into or want to become. 'I drive a sweet car. I'm in a band. I'm going to be the best (insert career/sport star here).'
Then comes the young adult. The perspective on what's important is still changing and evolving from the favorite-color days. Young adults describe themselves by what they are currently experiencing. 'I'm studying (pick a degree). I work at (pick a place). I like to go (play with friends, swim, bike, etc.).'
Next are the newly marrieds/married without kids. First thing out of the mouth, 'I'm married.' Then back to the things mentioned in the young adult category. This is the first point in which life is not completely revolving around you. It's revolving around you and your hip attachment.
Now we're to the married with kids. It is all about your family. 'I'm married, have (#) kids. We like to (whatever comes to mind).' Life now revolves around the family unit.
Have you also ever noticed that your definition of 'me' changes by circumstance? Interviews it's all about your strengths and weaknesses, career ambitions, not what you like to do on the weekend. First dates are trying to bring up things that you may have in common with your date (works for married couples 'dating' potential friends as well). We sensor the definition of ourselves to match the situation.
So, at this point I want to ask: what is your definition of 'me'? Can you describe yourself in 1 sentence? Would you be able to convey your uniqueness in just a few seconds? What do you really want to hear if you ever ask that question?
As for my definition: I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister. I love languages, music, books. I am independent, adventurous, stubborn, confident, reserved, outgoing (make sense of that one), work well in a team and on my own. I sew, paint, build, design, create, cook. I want to learn Italian, photography, graphic design, interior design, cake decorating, flower arranging. I love to laugh, sing, dance, learn, teach. I am thrifty, creative, adaptable. I love the smell of rain, bacon, grass, lilacs, lavender, dawn. My favorite color is seagreen. My favorite foods include most fruits. I quote movies ALL the time. I love spending my time: in nature, on my own, with small groups of friends, with family. I am a perfectionist. I know how to fold fitted sheets. I love playing ultimate frisbee, rubiks race, killer uno, cranium, pool. I have an unusually good memory in most cases. I think most bugs and snakes are cool, but HATE spiders. I don't have a green thumb. I don't like scrapbooking. I don't have a ton of shoes. I am a nerd, a critic, a dreamer.
I know who I am, but who are you?