One of the attractions of the internet is the anonymity it provides, the opportunities to share and confess.
Just think of the success of sites like postsecret where you can send in an anonymous postcard with your deepest, darkest secret to be posted online, and of course places like Mamamia where there was a huge response to a chance to confess your sins!
I can’t join in though – I’m an over-confessor. I have nothing secret to spill! My husband is the lucky recipient of a daily recounting of all the poor choices, selfish decisions and other various sins I feel I committed that day.
What I’m not so good at, nor are most people I know, is saying hey, you know what? I did good! I’m trying to get better at it and I reckon most of us could stand to improve our patting ourselves on the back skills. We live in such a culture of put yourself down, be self effacing, make fun at your own expense. It’s okay to some extent – total show offs are not great company, and arrogance is no fun – but I think we all need to get better at noticing and saying what we’ve done well instead of just focussing on our mistakes or shortcomings. Hey, maybe if we can better at being nice about ourselves we won’t feel so keen to get stuck into other people.
So how about sometimes we jump online and give ourselves some love?
I’ll start.
As a general compliment to myself, I am awesome at parking. Not only can I almost always find a park in a crowded area at a busy time, I often find the free ones. And my reverse parking is a thing of beauty.
And today, despite feeling a shocking night’s sleep and a 9.7 on the crotchety scale (crotchety – a fine word that is not heard often enough) I made the effort to get out into the morning sun and meet up with some new people. Would have been easy to slump on the couch and watch morning TV but I didn’t give in to temptation. Good for me.
What have you done today that you feel good about? Or more generally, what do you rock at?
Kate Ritchie is mother to two beautiful children. As well as a challenging reverse park, she enjoys asking ‘why is it so’? about all manner of things.
Comments
185 Comments so far
This week I have become an expert at nit identification and removal.
I have considered myself untouchable up until now as we have managed to get to ages 8 and 10 without an outbreak.
I’ve gone the stealth nuclear attack rather than the gentle herbal approach.
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I’m very good at keeping motivated to exercise. I train 5 times a week most of the time – this week I did one gym session and went to the pool four times to train usually 30 laps per time.
I’m getting much better with my eating habits too as a direct result. But I just love the way exercise makes you feel – so strong and fit! It’s addictive.
Great post.
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I didn’t eat any sugar all week, it mucks about with my hormones and this week i really needed to be strict about not eating it. Well done me !
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Im good at being smart. This is something I cannot admit to people face to face as they would call me concede. But as someone who always struggled at school but just graduated from uni with an amazing GPA and with honors I am proud to own my academic ability.
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Well done Jessabelle. So glad you are proud of yourself. I really struggled in high school too and only just scraped through, then when I eventually made it to uni I got great results and the feeling was so incredibly satisfying!I still get a thrill reading my honours thesis and thinking ‘I did this’! xx
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Well I don’t think I’m good at it yet, but super pleased with myself of taking my first staff training class.
Biggest fear of public speaking my husband pushed me a bit. Funny thing is I Tell my son to stand up and talk, talk to the teacher and I thought well I don’t really stand up and talk get out of my comfort zone. So I did it for him, because of him, he’s my inspiration.
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I’m a very good salesperson – smashed my budget this week at work! I’m also good at juggling being a mum, full time uni student and working. I’ve lost 15kg in the last 5 months and I’m soon to add zumba instructor to the list!
I can also demolish an entire block of chocolate in under half an hour. Om nom nom.
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I am chuffed; I coordinated a 3day training course at work on a particular software analysis package this week. Organizing the counters, the software, the right people to the right places with the right stuff at the right time was hard work. The software and IT issues were driving me bananas. Not to mention that i had to get husband to do the school picks up and drop offs. But it all worked! And those doing in the training were very nice, thanking me
and I am excited to use this methods at work, too, now. so yay me!
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I ADORE this piece! Thanks Kate and thanks MM! Most of us find it so hard to sing our own praises, we all should do it more often. I have loved reading all the cool things this community is good at! Bring it on!
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Thanks Sarah in Radelaide!! Sorry, I can’t help myself – that never stops being funny for me (I’m easily entertained!)
It’s awesome to see so many lovely people able to say positive things about themselves. Inspiring stuff! xx
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Hey Kate! As a Melbournian living in Adealide, I find the whole RADelaide thing hilarious too! That and everything being “heaps good!”. I’m soon to be a Sydneysider so I will miss good old RADelaide!
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Hope the move goes well Sarah. xx
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great post. I am good at finding a parking in a crowded place too. my cousin said to me once, it’ all about the attitude! He always envied me, how I would say “don’t worry, we’ll find a parking in no time”, and we do. And not to long ago he said, he realised that it’s my attitude towards that. I would always be convinced about finding a parking spot quickly(or good restaurant, etc), and so of course I find a parking spot.
but back to the actual topic. today I was good at time management. I was able to do some housework and make a quick lunch and go to my workplace to check out when I am starting work next month(on maternity leave) and still play with my kids and enjoy a coffee break with hubby.
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I have done nothing more this week than be really good at healing. I had a hysterectomy last week and I’m surprising myself by how well I’m doing and how I really AM able to stop and do absolutely nothing when it really matters – who would have guessed?! Unexpectedly (to me) I’m not even on any pain meds.
Consequently I am feeling very positive about my new, changed, body. It’s awesome!
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A work friend of mine had her hysterectomy today. Thank you for sharing how well you are doing. I know she will struggle to take it easy, it’s not in her nature, so it is so positive to hear you are looking after yourself! Here’s to a speedy recovery and an amazing new you!
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That’s great Juliet! The human body is an amazing thing, but it takes strength of mind and the right attitude to let go and let your body do its job, so well done! Keep looking after yourself
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I made very nice edible pumpkin scones for the first time ever.
I went to the gym Mon Tues Wed Thurs.
I have made some useful lists and I intend to do the things on the lists.
I think I am boring. Will go away and consider what I am good at.
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In the last 7 weeks I’ve exercised most days and lost close to 11kgs. Feeling so much better.
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I’m so glad you asked, because, to be honest I have been freaking awesome this week! Got a glowing, GLOWING performance appraisal from my boss, have solved many a problem at work and home, got Board approval for a super important project and met my husband’s ‘needs’ (which were also mine) IYKWIM. Wish I could say I did that all at the same time, but hey, I’m only human.
Just quietly, I think my boss is a little in love with me. Anyway I am extremely quiet and modest in the real world and would never brag. I have an enormous appreciation for my job and consider myself lucky to have one, so I go to work with the goal of doing my best and achieving as much as possible each day.
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I was really good at jumping in boots and all at my prac teaching school today. It’s a lovely little school (only 7 classes). 10 weeks of 1 day a week, then 2 weeks full time. Woot!
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Love this post Kate! It’s great to have a reminder to feel good about yourself sometimes.
I also rock at parking, from near perfect reverse parallel parks to being the lucky one who always finds a parking meter right by my destination.
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I’m glad you like it Jo! Thanks xx
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Im really good at being me. I’m a good cook, a good sleeper, a good manager and a great mum.
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I’m a great public speaker. I’m very patient (with other people, not myself) and I compliment people a lot. And I try very hard! (is that a good thing?
)
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This post makes my heart happy.
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That’s a lovely thing to say JosieY, thank you!xx
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This week I was good at contacting my daughter’s teacher about a bullying situation in the class….my 6yr old being bullied by another girl
I must have done it in a fair and reasonable way as the teacher sorted it out with both girls straight away…hopefully the other girl will be more respectful from now on
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I am a savant at remembering number plates, God knows why!!! Not really helpful in the real world. Also am awesome speller, reserse parker (like lots of our posters) and can read maps better than most men!! Haha
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I don’t know if I’m a good reverse parker (I think I’m OK, but I am very anal about lining everything up exactly). I am also a number plate noticing weirdo (like I notice the number plates that are 1 away from Mum’s, for example), I’m an excellent speller and I’m excellent at reading maps and navigating for others. Pretty good at speaking in front of others too. Doesn’t worry me much at all!
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Hey Kris
What is it with number plates? You are the only other person I know of that has this gift (?).
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It’s often how I remember people’s cars – I watch for the number plate rather than looking for whoever is in the car or the make of car. I’ve done it since I was a kid. I did an Aspergers test thing once, and it actually asked if you are good at or like remembering number plates.
The worst was when I was doing my Intelligence training, we learnt these three letter codes. EVERYONE used to notice the numberplates that happened to have the codes. I think it was because it was so drummed in and rote learnt though. Either that or it was because we were actually a bunch of big geeks.
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I can still remember our first car’s number plate (and all others since). We got that car when I was five and had it till I was 7. But same as you I notice the plate of people I know before the car. But then I am a self-confessed froot-loop!!!
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I too am a number plate freak. A silver Tarago was ahead of us in the shopping centre car park this morning and my husband said “oh there’s Cath” (our neighbour). I’m like “no she’s KSJ not SBH”. He just said “oh….”
I tend to give people’s cars a little name in my head too. For example there is a Toyota Kluger up my street with the letters “WDY” so I call that car Wendy. I can’t believe I just admitted this.
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All my cars have been named Nelly. Nothing to do with the number plate though, haha
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I’ve been a bit busy this week to hang out here but just want to say what a beautiful post. Absolutely love it. This is the stuff that makes MM great. Thank you. x
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Thank you Simone, what a lovely compliment!
I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s comments so much. Look forward to hearing about your talents/what you have done well lately, when you have a chance!xx
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I’m good at really /truly/ listening to people and making them feel at ease.
I’m getting much better at not taking sh*t from people and generally being too nice without getting much in return – i am a great friend to have, and people have taken advantage of that until i have learnt to cut them off… and THEN they realise. I’m getting better at being able to do this.
Today I was particularly good at giving my body all the food it requires for the nutrients neccessary to keep my baby growing strongly, and i was also good (not GREAT, but good… which isvastly improved at discussing our impending financial situation with my husband… something that often causes major friction).
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I’m really good at making friends and making people feel at ease. It’s very useful at work. I also speak up when it’s needed and get things done at work. I’m great at being a girlfriend to my partner and a mum to my boy, and I’m a really good pregnant person! It doesn’t get me down at all. The thing I struggle with is making time for my old friends.
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I’m really good at sorting out problems. I can be assertive without being aggressive and have good working relations with everyone because of this. Someone said to me this week that they never worry about what I say behind their backs because I tell them if there is a problem and keep going until we’re both happy.
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I am really, really good at lists. And mostly pretty good at completing them too.
I’m super awesome at buying, collecting and using stationery! I’m also excellent at spending hours wandering the aisles of Officeworks. And Bunnings.
Today, I was excellent at filing and shredding. (The previous 6 months on the other hand….)
I’m particularly outstanding at reading my kids their bedtime stories and singing bedtime songs. We have the most amazing fun! Plus I love it…it’s the highlight of my day.
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Shaezy, are you a Capricorn by any chance? My best friend is an excellent list maker and she’s a Capricorn, you sound just like her!
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Whippersnapper I am a Libran, but my mum is a stereotypical Virgo and both my sister and husband are Capricorns. Maybe it’s all rubbed off on me instead? (now that I think about it, my husband’s list making skills are zilch so perhaps I stole his powers? lol)
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i would like to say that this week i’ve succeeded in putting up with my monster bitch boss! every day she has me feeling so miserable and i come home crying my eyes out and this week i’m trying my hardest not to let her get to me! i’m also really good at smiling and noding when she talks to me!!! (usually to put me down…)
wow it feels good to say that! thanks mm community! x
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Amy, that’s terrible. Have you got someone at work that you can talk to? If you can’t afford to leave the job and you think her behaviour won’t change, you need to get some help and to pick up some coping devices.
Good luck, sweetie.
I haven’t gone anything well this week. It’s been a bad one. Still, almost over!
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thank you E! i’m actually going to talk to HR in the morning about her attitude towards her staff, hopefully it gets me somewhere! i do need to be tougher! (goal for next week!)
essessesse this week you’ve been good at listening to me when i needed someone! (my poor boyfriends ears are bleeding!) thank you!!! x
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You’re welcome! Let us know how you get on.
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Go to the union! Don’t put up with blatant harrassment!
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I used to work for an absolutely awful women…. resulting in many tears and lots of stress. Trying to not let it get to you is really hard but I have one little tip that helped me. I used to have ‘quote of the day’ and ‘quote of the week’…. she would say some amazingly nasty and ignorant things and picking the worst each day/week and then telling my husband and parents so we could all be horrified really helped… it became almost a joke and we’d laugh at how unbelievably awful she was. I can remember two of them off the top of my head
1) when a work colleague tragically lost his daughter to cancer she said “and that is why you need to have more than two children, at least if one of mine dies I will still have two left”… WTF???
2) Showing her photos of my best friends wedding she tells me my makeup “looks fine but the bride looks like a dragqueen”…
Anyway, hope things improve for you.
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I’d have grabbed her by the collar and taken her into a room for a quiet talking to. I’ve done it before to complete and utter bitches. It’s almost fun to watch them crumble.
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oddsocks that is so funny! i do that all day! she contradicted herself do badly today, my head was spinning! i just want to scream, WTF! can you even hear yourself?!!! thanks for the support girls! i’ll fill you in tomorrow! x
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I’m really good at cooking rice. The kind you have with curries that is clumpy.
Add to that, a good driving teacher to my 16 year old son. I freak out the whole way to work and home but have a wonderful, serene poker face and lots of encouraging words.
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is good at using a rice cooker for cooking rice! The only problem occurs if I forget how many measures of rice I put in, and then have to guess how many cups of water are needed…
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I wouldn’t say I’m yet *good* at it, but as it happens, today I’ve walked out of work feeling quietly chuffed with myself. I am managing other staff for the first time in my current position and actually felt today that I was really starting to get the hang of it. I have a couple of really difficult people I have to manage, plus a boss that is less than supportive, and often just makes things worse. But bit by bit I’ve managed to implement a few things, change some attitudes, have some friendly but firm chats and generally sort some s%#t out that today came to a head and I got recognition from the CEO for a job well done.
Wow, it’s definitely weird blowing my own trumpet but feels kinda nice
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I feel good about walking to meet a friend for a much needed catch up coffee..we inspired each other and it made me smile all day :
I feel good about nearly finishing packing for my overseas adventure, booking a sub let so I have a base to find something more permanent, and sending my CV to (whilst also getting a big pep talk!) from a well connected friend..(fingers crossed!).
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I’m excellent at unjamming photocopiers and printers… I’m the go-to girl in my office!
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I need you here!
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I am very proactive, I get things done, I don’t leave things to procrastinate.
I am extremely determined & a hard worker, sometimes this is not a good trait but usually it means I achieve much more than other people.
I am a faithful friend once you win me over I will be your friend for life.
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I’m a great reader, I love to read.
I’m also an awesome reverse parker, I like to call myself the “Roger Federer of reverse parking”!
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I’m really good at asking questions! i have an incessant need to know everything about everyone! And this week i’m good at losing weight! Thanks to the 12WBT i’m down another 1.1kg this week
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Let me share with you LittleDude and AJ’s food intake on Tuesday:
Breakfast: Toast and milky Milo
Snack: Crackers and steamed veges
Lunch: Ham/salad sandwich, with blueberries
Snack: Yoghurt, dried fruit and a biscuit
Dinner: Mince, mixed beans and veges, held together with tomato sauce.
On Tuesday, I was awesome at feeding my kids healthy food.
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I’m good at loving my children and grandbabies ,not perfect at it ……but loving them with all I have.
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I was good at having babies…no pain relief for all 6 of them!
Im also a good advocate for my disabled son.
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I’m really good at PMT. In fact I was so good at it last weekend I was fierce.
I’m also good at being a chair for my children (when they stop hiding behind them when I have PMT).. Why else would they choose to sit on me all the time instead of the perfectly good furniture we have?
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Hey, you’re not just a chair, you’re a great chair! One of the things I miss about being little was being able to squish myself onto my parents and grandparents laps. Now I’m older I know it must have been annoying but how I loved it!!!!
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Hey essessesse, you might be right, It’s 9.40 at night and my troublesome 3 year old is still on my lap. I guess I am a great chair ;p
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I’m really good at just being nice. Sometimes too nice in that I have trouble saying no, but I like to make people feel comfortable and relaxed and happy.
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I’m really good at making people feel good about themselves. Mainly because i genuinely want the absolute best for people and love it when people are happy and feel good about themselves.
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I’m really good at pretending to look busy
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This week I was really good at giving birth to my son! I had him naturally on Wednesday with an almost textbook, med-free labour, and it was amazing. The midwives said I am made to have babies!
Now… Trying to get better at breastfeeding!
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Congratulations H-Jane! Having a baby is a huge achievement, you are amazing! Good luck with bfeeding – it’s tough to start with, but once you get the hang of it it’s amazing. Having said that, it’s not for every bubba or mumma so remember that you can (and will) still be an incredible mumma without breastfeeding
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Thanks Sarah! I think breastfeeding will go fine for me, there’s certainly no shortage of supply I’m happy to say. Thanks for your kind words!
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I’m really good at throwing detailed themed parties.
I’m also really good at not swearing this week. And after some rather disappointing news today it’s kinda unsettling that I haven’t had the urge to scream out a certain four letter word. Sounds like pluck.
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This year I’m getting a bit better at loving myself. I’ve lost 8kgs so far, and with 7 to go til my goal im pretty confident! I’ve also made an effort to recognize my worth and what I’m capable of. Low self-esteem is crippling and can take a lot to overcome, but I feel I’m taking the right steps towards it
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I am good at keeping my emotions in check, as in when i get annoyed/frustrated/angry at work, it doesn’t show in my voice or on my face.
I’m also good at resolving issues that can be difficult for others.
I”m also an awesome friend!
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Im very good at keeping my patience at a boss who is constantly bulling me and making me change the way I look.
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I’m a really good listener and can put people at ease, and people feel they can open up to me. I can help people see the positives in situations. I guess that’s a good thing because it’s a big requirement of my job/future career!!
I’m also really good at small talk, and at being bright/bubbly/friendly every day even though I might not feel amazing myself.
I’m excellent at sleeping in – I could spend all day in bed if I let myself! (I’ve noticed that a lot of people are good at sleeping…)
And I can type really fast.
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You wrote what I wanted to write (without the sleeping in section) below, only better.. (see my post below).
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I find it easy to talk to people and to make them feel at ease to talk to me. Just this week I have had really nice conversations with shop assistants and preschool teachers. I’m also good at smiling and have a friendly face
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I can lock our back door. This is something that the moth just about has a fit trying to do. The lock is about 80 years old, it does require a certain amount of finesse. I can transform transformers, even level 5! I can find things – my secret is just keep looking. I can sing solo to a crowd – apparently I sound like an angel. I am really good at shop window displays and merchandising.
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I’m good at oral sex. Probably because I love it.
I’m also good at reverse parking! Now, those two skills should get me far in life.
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Ha,,,thats fantastic. I always used to joke about what is the answer at job interviews…”tell us something youre really good at”…..wouldn’t you love to say “blowjobs”
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I’m amazing at both those things too! High fives!
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I am good at remembering to do random acts of kindness. I just made a cake for my new neighbours in my next door unit.
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That’s so nice. I’ve always dreamed someone will bake me something when I move into a new place. Sadly no one has.
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You sound so awesome!
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Wow…that’s a nice comment back to me. Thank you. So nice to have a positive story and read everyone’s skills. Gee I’m a touch jealous of the reverse carparkers tho.
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