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Thank you to everyone who responded back with your first impressions (see email from 12/5/22). I loved reading them! I hope it got you thinking a bit about how you show up in the world and how other’s see you. 

I thought it would be fun to share some of them with you. Don’t worry, no names are mentioned. I just want you to see how others see themselves and how they are perceived by someone else.

Previous questions:
1. How you think you come across in a first impression?
2. How do others think you come across in a first impression?  

Self: Reserved
Other: Gentle
 
Self: Warm
Other: Authentic
 
Self: Nice
Other: Pleasant
 
Self: Outspoken
Other: Bold

Self: Kind
Other: Genuine
 
Self: Quiet & reserved
Other: Quiet & sweet
 
Self: Intriguing
Other: Intentional
 
Self: Social & inviting
Other: Kind

In a world where we can so easily feel alone, different or isolated, let this be an example of how we are all the same. We all wear masks. And we all wonder how other’s see us through this mask.

Let this help you see the interconnectedness of all humans. And maybe, if this has inspired you, take the rest of the day looking for other ways in which we are similar, rather than focusing on our differences. We all have overlapping worries and wishes. We get so caught up in our own heads that we forget others are likely feeling something similar. When we can recognize this, we start seeing life with compassion. I don’t think I’m alone in wishing for a world where we find the good in others and in ourselves. And clearly from all these examples we can see that others most often do see the good in us. We just need to remember that.