First Impressions - Fact or Fiction?
When you meet someone for the first time what do you typically do? Give a firm handshake while giving a quick "once over"? Do you smile and look the person in the eye as you shake their hand? Do you pay close attention to what they are wearing, i.e. suit, skirt, designer shoes and accessories, hair and make up "just right"? Or do you pay attention to the person? i.e. - the color of their eyes, their smile, their body language?
I've read many studies that state most people use to the superficial once over to gather information that will become a first impression. But here are a few questions for thought...
1. What if the person you are meeting is not feeling at their best?
2. What if the person you are meeting is genuine and honest but you overlook that because they aren't dressed to your standards?
3. What if the person you are meeting is extremely shy and that shyness is reflected in awkward silences and few words?
4. What if the person you are meeting is visibly nervous and anxious?
5. What if you're distracted with other things when you meet another person and give the impression they aren't worth your time? i.e. A hurried, "nice to meet you" as you walk past without even looking at them.
For me, I've personally been through or witnessed all of the above. I've been on both sides of those questions,. I'm only human and do make mistakes. But I learn from my mistakes. I've learned that the first time I meet someone to try to put them at ease so they feel comfortable.
Genuine, authentic relationships are built one step at a time, and over time. A first impression can lead to wonderful relationships, but if one person in the equation is "off" it can be disastrous. Especially since many people don't allow a second impression to be formed, . When you realize that simply being nice in all situations will reward you in many ways; most notably genuine relationships that stand the trials and tests that come with "bad" first impressions you might begin to withhold the intitial judgements. When I first meet someone, I choose to not form an opinion based on that first impression; because sometimes it's false, but mostly because everyone deserves to be acknowledged and recognized for the person they are; not who I expect them to be. It can sometimes take a little time to gather enough information to make the appropriate decision for you regarding the new/other person. Information should be received directly from the person, opinions of others should automatically be discarded, as they can be different for a variety of reasons and potentially cause unnecessary damage and lead to lost relationships.
I can honeslty say that many of my closest friends and relationshps are the result of not listening to that "first impression" and I'm truly grateful that whether it was them or I, a second look was taken and one of us saw the real person that was standing there.
So tell me...are your first impressions of others fact or fiction?
I've read many studies that state most people use to the superficial once over to gather information that will become a first impression. But here are a few questions for thought...
1. What if the person you are meeting is not feeling at their best?
2. What if the person you are meeting is genuine and honest but you overlook that because they aren't dressed to your standards?
3. What if the person you are meeting is extremely shy and that shyness is reflected in awkward silences and few words?
4. What if the person you are meeting is visibly nervous and anxious?
5. What if you're distracted with other things when you meet another person and give the impression they aren't worth your time? i.e. A hurried, "nice to meet you" as you walk past without even looking at them.
For me, I've personally been through or witnessed all of the above. I've been on both sides of those questions,. I'm only human and do make mistakes. But I learn from my mistakes. I've learned that the first time I meet someone to try to put them at ease so they feel comfortable.
Genuine, authentic relationships are built one step at a time, and over time. A first impression can lead to wonderful relationships, but if one person in the equation is "off" it can be disastrous. Especially since many people don't allow a second impression to be formed, . When you realize that simply being nice in all situations will reward you in many ways; most notably genuine relationships that stand the trials and tests that come with "bad" first impressions you might begin to withhold the intitial judgements. When I first meet someone, I choose to not form an opinion based on that first impression; because sometimes it's false, but mostly because everyone deserves to be acknowledged and recognized for the person they are; not who I expect them to be. It can sometimes take a little time to gather enough information to make the appropriate decision for you regarding the new/other person. Information should be received directly from the person, opinions of others should automatically be discarded, as they can be different for a variety of reasons and potentially cause unnecessary damage and lead to lost relationships.
I can honeslty say that many of my closest friends and relationshps are the result of not listening to that "first impression" and I'm truly grateful that whether it was them or I, a second look was taken and one of us saw the real person that was standing there.
So tell me...are your first impressions of others fact or fiction?
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