FIRST IMPRESSION

The topic “first impressions” is anecdotal in all casual conversations. It sounds really good while motivating someone to leave a mark on the sands of time. An impression is your ability to influence the minds of people or an imprint to be remembered for. Therefore, one does not need another time to make it count.

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Let me share an ugly encounter I had with someone. I was at an event, there was a guest that was seemingly familiar to someone that I knew before. After the event I tried approaching to confirm if that's the person, this lady turned me as if I am dirty or too common to talk to her, meanwhile, she doesn't even know me. She was not the person I thought of, but slamming the door of her car while I was trying to introduce myself was the least anyone could expect from such a beautiful lady. I was turned off. Months later, I saw her elsewhere, and each time I have a picture of our first encounter, I am completely turned off.

Yea! “first impressions” do really matter a lot, it determines how far one can go after the first meeting. Therefore I will explain it in three (3) subheading thus:

FIRST DAY MEETING: To everyone we know today, there was a “first time” meeting; counting from your family, you were born to meet people. Our best friends—we met them one day.

MANNERISMS: I will put it in a general, where our attitude, character, and action are involved. Seeing people for the first time, how do I control myself? Am I of good behavior and maturity? Sometimes you see how a lack of self-control will make us give the impression that people will run away from us.

FIRST-TIME JUDGMENTS: After meeting people for the first time, your manners will trigger judgments. It is from here that we can decide whether or not we can get closer or stop right there. We must ask ourselves how others feel about us. When talking, using your status, your influence and affluent or being self-centered.

My recent experience was amazing because of its connection to who I met . A friend of mine had an infant baptism and Thanksgiving Service for his first son. During the reception, there were faces I met once and some we had to share tables while eating. This is this brother who played guitar during the service and I loved the skills of his play. I walked up to him and introduced myself, he was amazing and welcoming. His smiles alone gave an open door for us to become friends. He was a big guy but I was impressed by his good gestures and kind words.Before I tell us how people can make first impressions positively count, let me further take us a little bit deeper into the psychology of first impressions, the advantages and disadvantages of first impressions.

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Knowing that first impressions are a psychological issue, we have to see the perspective of how we are rated in a couple of minutes. Sometimes they give exact answers, and oftentimes the opposite. I was with a brother two Sundays ago who saw a lady's appearance and believed that she was wife material already. I don't know how it happened, but it may be how she composed herself, and she caught his attention. In the same way, when I saw my wife, I sat far away and concluded that I had found a wife and that was all.But on the other hand, “a book is not to be judged by its cover”; appearance and beauty may not give a sufficient impression about someone. Assuming that I can do well because of how I speak, dress, etc., is a problem in itself.

1. It announces you for a bigger platform and opportunities.
2. It shows how hardworking you are in silence.
3. It boosts self-esteem and honour.
4. It brings commendations and more recommendations.

If the situation or your inborn attitude is expressed at the first time meeting, it negatively affects you in the following ways:

1. People take you for who you're not.
2. Difficult to get a second chance or the same platform.
3. You lose value and integrity.
4. You will be the one running after people who are supposed to look for you.
5. Difficult to forget the bad day.

1. See every opportunity as but once.
2. Maintain self-discipline and composure.3. Believe in yourself.
3. Don't talk too much or carelessly.
4. Respect everyone you meet for the first time and be kind to them.
5. Never transfer aggression to another person.
6. Be willing and ready to accept people no matter your opinion on them at first sight.
7. Do not act by assumptions.

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There's no way humans will not be biased in their thinking and perception about one another. What we present to them at the very first impression may be what they will use for or against us. We may not know who will meet in the next minutes; therefore, do your best to be yourself in the best possible way that humanity will not be hurt, and God will be honoured. If we can balance our lives and have a sense of humor in public, we will be on the positive side, while our failures to present ourselves well may land us negatively. In all that you do, remember that first impression counts.

Thank you for following my line of thought.