I knew instantly and from across the room...I was compelled; as I drew closer the words, you're coming home with me, rippled through my mind and like a stalking lioness I approached my prey with intent.
I needed an event-dress; I want to look my best as it'll be the first time I meet those people and despite not needing or wanting their approval for myself they're people my partner knows and I want to leave a positive first impression. Besides, I enjoy looking good for my partner and having him look at me in the way he does and... you know, it makes me feel good to be centre of his attention.
It's an outdoor event being held at a quite exclusive yacht club and I found a light, summery, very stylish and slightly sexy dress with a nautical theme. My main challenge was what shoes to wear but that problem was solved by a little more shopping.
I've got the perfect outfit for the event and will wear it a few different ways by accessorising making it good value for money, many looks from the one dress.
I took this image
We were talking later on during the mandatory trying on/showing off phase at home which took longer than it should have because...well, it's none of your business; I'd made a comment about wanting to represent well and remarked about first impressions, how a bad one can be so very difficult to reverse. It's something to do with the brain conserving energy or some such thing...without a compelling reason to reconsider that first impression we simply won't.
We leave impressions on others all the time, sometimes upon people we very much wish to leave a good impression on because they matter, like in my case at this event, and sometimes with people that we may never see again, a shop assistant, bus driver or stranger in the street perhaps. But shouldn't we work towards leaving a good impression upon others all the time? I think we should because it feels good, means we're being and presenting as a nice version of ourselves, being polite and mannered, a good listener and conversationalist and more...and that can be good for a person's confidence, feeling of value and self-worth.
There's methods of reversing a bad first impression but it can take time and time is not always available.
Overcompensating, going above and beyond to make the person take note and have to re-evaluate, is one way and another is drawing closer to them rather avoiding them due to the bad impression you know you've left giving them a chance to see a different and better version of you...but these can take a lot of time and effort; I believe applying effort in the first instance with the idea of leaving a good first impression is a more economical and efficient way, and it can lead to far better outcomes in less time.
I'm just a little bit nervous about this event; the people will be a particular type: Observant, intelligent, aware, disciplined and confident, they can be closed to any outside their circle, and often somewhat roguish - not in a bad way, more in a mischievous way - all like my partner is also I guess.
I shouldn't be worried but it's so important to me to leave a good impression. My nerves revolve around how I'm perceived and what that may mean for my partner - he says to "be my self because you're beautiful and amazing" in a flippant unworried manner and he's right in that I need to be my true self but that doesn't negate my nervousness. Time will tell I suppose and at least I'll feel comfortable in how I look thanks to my little shopping expedition, that small boost of confidence together with being myself will help me leave a good first impression I hope.
Becca 馃挆