Tuesday, August 12

Hi, My Name Is __________

First impressions are a funny thing. Not always ha ha funny, but sometimes a huh, that's strange funny. Recently I was with a group who, for some sadistic reason, decided to share with each other our first impressions of each person present. This might have been a better exercise had we all been inebriated. We were camping, so I can only imagine it was the mix of campfire smoke and pine scented air that caused us to partake in such a game.

I communicate well, I'm intimidating, I'm stylish, I'm unorganized and irresponsible, and I married a cool guy - those were the first impressions that I had given. I had to ask myself the same question I ask my kids whenever someone says something to them that stings. Well, is it true? Are you really stupid/ugly/boring (or in this situation) unorganized/irresponsible/stylish? Heavens, no! Those three words in particular are not ones that I have ever heard uttered in a sentence along with my name. It was only after this internal dialogue that I was able to see first impressions for what they are (and even laugh a little).

First impressions are a fickle little puppy. They wield a great deal of power - substantially more than they should. I wonder how many great relationships I have missed out on because I turned away before I got to know someone. How often have I mislabeled someone as aloof when she is simply shy, or a grump when I didn't know of the especially bad morning that he had when we first met, or so stinkin' talented that we'd have nothing in common.

So that's it. I think I'm going to make an effort to see first impressions for what they are. And, unless it involves marshmallows, I think I'll stay away from campfire games for a little while, too.

5 comments:

Lori Ann said...

Well, I think you are stylish! For a mom of 3! And you do have a cool hubby! Remind me to never play that game with any of our interns...

J. B. said...

Intimidating? I guess remember those days...although they were a long time ago. You aren't scary to me any more... :) But unorganized and irresponsible?! Do you have some unknown twin we don't know about who was around for a couple of days...

Brian Pannell said...

wow...think I'd stray from that game! :)
Thank God you never judged me on a 1st impression!

Allison said...

I would come away from that game needing therapy. That sucks! I can't remember my first impression of you, but I know that I liked/like you.

Allan W. said...

I'm so glad Kristi set aside some of her first impressions of me ("bold"; "cocky"), and allowed me to date her!

My first impression of her: hot! And smart!