Perception is reality?
If you had the opportunity to know what someone truly thought of you, would you want to know?
I wouldn’t want to know what people are thinking all the time, but I do often wonder how people perceive me (coworkers, friends, strangers, family).
And I am not fishing for compliments and input. Just sharing a thought.
I sometimes think if I knew how people perceive me, I would learn a little more about myself*. Not that I think everyone’s perception is spot on. I’ve just noticed that some people I know think of themselves in a certain manner, and broadcast who they think they are. But they don’t come off that way. At all.
I’ll use my personal example. I think of myself as an optimistic, happy, friendly person, but sometimes find myself talking about things in a negative manner (maybe this post came off that way?). So… I am either really a negative pessimistic person, or I need to change how I communicate.
But, how would I know, unless someone pointed that out to me? Maybe I should offer a different question – does anyone in your life claim to have certain characteristics, but not come off that way at all? Have you ever wanted to say anything to them about it?
Does this make any sense at ALL?! I’m not sure, but I’m going to hit “publish” anyway.
*Because I sometimes feel like I don’t really know who I am or what I want. I seem to be stuck in the short term – I want to relax, have fun, travel, spend time with friends and family… what is that?! Those aren’t life goals.