Jen's topic this week for the Spin Cycle is appearances. My spin on it is about First Impressions.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This has haunted me all my life.
Growing up, I was a victim of being judged on appearances. The first impression the kids at school got of me was the one that stuck with me for the entirity of my school career. I was never dressed in the latest styles, or in the coolest clothes. Second hand and hand me downs were the choices I had. This does not help you fit in in a small town. I always felt I was a half step off from the rest of the kids I went to school with. I was seen as poor and a bit wierd, based only on my appearance. I was shy and that didn't help.
I looked forward to going to college for the chance to start over and give a better first impression to the people around me. I enjoyed meeting people and tried really hard to overcome my shyness. It worked with guys. I felt a thrill when ever I got asked out. I made some friends and was able to leave the shy, ill dressed, mousey, awkward girl behind. I learned that a smile aided in meeting people and that speaking up in class was not a bad thing. I blossomed in college like I never could in the small town I grew up in.
First impressions follow you every where. I was helped by the more confident first impression I gave when I went to college. I still think about the impression I give to people and I hope that it is more confident than insecure.
I thnk that is why I like the blogging world. Your first impression is not based on looks (except the look of your blog), it's more based on what you write and what you say. This is a much easier world to navigate because you don't have to worry about appearances.
Go visit Jen at Sprite's Keeper for more Spins on appearances.
Great Spin! You're completely right. Sometimes, a first impression is the only chance you have and the appearance does weigh greatly on it. Glad your fresh start worked! (And you're right. The blogging community is great for leaving that shyness behind!) You're linked!
ReplyDeleteIts sad really that anyone is judged based on looks
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think it's what I love most about blogging. In my business (acting), almost everything is based on appearances, and it's so refreshing and freeing to just express myself in writing and not worry about how I look.
ReplyDeleteI love that about blogging too. It's great to be able to speak your mind and not worry about what people physically see. Especially when it's PJ day. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never been comfortable with my appearance at any point in my life. Deep down, I know I'm not an ogre but I still feel that way and it clouds my real life interactions. Love, love, love blogging as I don't have to worry about it.
ReplyDeleteSo true. I love to hear about people who were not accepted in school, who go back to their home town as surprising success stories. You know, the class clown or trouble make who becomes a teacher, or the nerdy kid who is a decorated military officer. And I will admit to a secret thrill when the stuck-up prom queen or snobby cheerleader captain is not beauty she once was. THAT makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteI like the line from a Jodu Picoult novel: Yeah, just look at the brains on that girl! It is nice that we get to put our smart foot forward.
ReplyDeleteI would not want to relive my school days. Even though I don't worry about appearances as much anymore, it's amazing how similar the pressures can seem around other moms. Ugh. Much easier to avoid at least.
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