No matter how hard we try to remain open-minded, there will always be a tiny part of us that makes judgement calls based solely on first impressions. What’s more, first impressions are always, always, always accounted for by appearances. It might sound shallow and materialistic, but it’s the truth. So, instead of taking a moral stand, it’s best to use this truth to our advantage and manipulate the situations so that we create nothing but the best first impressions wherever we go.
Let me put this across in simpler terms that sound less conceited and self-depreciating. We all have ‘favourite dresses’ and ‘lucky outfits’ right? Ask yourself what makes an outfit lucky… either you think you look smashing in it or maybe you’ve previously had a positive experience wearing it.
Scenario 1: Now, if you consider an outfit ‘lucky’ because you’re of the opinion that it flatters your figure and makes you look fabulous, then ask yourself this: How do you know that you look so great? Sure, your mirror could tell you that, but there’s more to it. It’s a known fact that we thrive on social acceptance and approval; and the only way a great outfit from your wardrobe got promoted to ‘lucky outfit’ is because you were complimented while wearing it or you noticed the stares of appreciation coming your way.
Scenario 2 (previous positive experience): This isn’t like one of those times when you hugged a celebrity and never washed the shirt you wore that day, ever again. These experiences are enriching to your personality, make you feel good about yourself or act as an assurance of your capabilities. It could be anything from performing really well at an interview or landing a huge project with a potential client to meeting your future husband in a supermarket. Now, each of these scenarios indicates an element of interaction, which brings me back to my point, ‘first impressions’.
Wearing a smart, flattering outfit and taking care of your appearance boosts your self-confidence, which
automatically is reflected in your behaviour – the way you walk (a sway of the hips/ a determined stride), the way you hold your head up high, the self-assured smile – these are the qualities that make or break a first impression/attract or detract a person’s attention from you. Once you’ve snagged their interest, then it’s a matter of personality and charms. So first impressions are just fleeting moments that can change how the next few hours play out or influence the rest of your life.
So, what I’m trying to say is – yeah, we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but we can form an impression about it simply by reading the title. Never forget, the reason people say ‘first impressions are last impressions’ is because sometimes the opportunity to flaunt your charming personality through conversation can be lost in mere seconds. So, take care in the way you dress and the outfits you choose coz’ first impressions not only count but also account for a lot. It’s like a chain of dominoes; one outfit can set off a siren or kick-start a journey to success…
***My first post for the month of December is my new favourite ‘lucky outfit’. Stay tuned to find out what it is! Also, I hope you enjoyed my psycho-babble on first impressions.