In the end, I realized that the choice of words is often more reflective of the person using them than the individual being described. It's interesting how personal perspectives can shape the portrayal of someone else. The final product is filtered through the author's experiences and views, which can lead to an interpretation that may not fully align with the subject’s reality.
This phenomenon is common in literature, where authors like David Sedaris provide insights into their subjects not just through observation but through their own lens. When an adjective is carefully selected from various drafts, it represents not just a description but a complex interplay of the author's intentions and the traits of the individual being depicted.