aren't they? When I was doing the mock interviews the other day, I told the kids that the first impression people get of you...right or wrong...is how you look. While that holds true during an interview...I've come to realize it doesn't always hold true in life. We all know I despise labels but, I have to admit with the Cherry Condom Girl I was really bad about labeling her even before I saw her. So how do labels and impressions go together? My first impression of this girl wasn't what she looked like...it was based on her actions and how those are perceived. So, first impressions also come from how you behave...interesting. But, they don't just stop there do they? Don't first impressions also come from the people you associate with? I've been busting Mouse's chops lately about the girls she spends time with. We all knew them in school...the prissy cheerleader fashion conscious snobby girls. You would think I would be happy that she has a group of "popular" girls that took her in right away and included her in their pack...and I do mean pack...because they are a pack of wolves that would eat their young if they could. Okay...did I mention I'm not real fond of these girls? Mouse comes home and she tells me about how they sit in the lunchroom day in and day out and critique all the other kids fashions...she doesn't wear converse with her skinny leg jeans...oh that shirt was so last season....have you seen the boy she talks to...ewww. I KNOW I raised my child better than that. While Mouse assures me she has not been a part of those conversations ...she just sits and doesn't get involved, I pointed out two key points that I wanted her to keep in mind 1) if you don't do it because it is the wrong thing to do...then why do you associate with the people who partake in the activity and sit silent while they berate other kids...and 2) remember...people who don't know you often form a first impression about you based on the people you associate with. Now before you guys start telling me I need to cut her some slack being in a new school and working to make friends, I want you all to know, I've left this decision totally up to her. I've not once told her she couldn't hang out with these girls. I have told her that if I find out she is engaging in similar behavior she and I will have a come to Jesus meeting in nothing flat. I am trusting her as a parent to find that moral compass again and find the courage to either squash this behavior in these girls or make a choice not to be involved with them at all. My money is that she and her friend yram with ride off in to the sunset together and break away from these contrite little brats.
So where am I going with this....I think as adults we sometimes forget the first impression we leave with people. We start to think it doesn't really matter...they either like us or they don't. I'm not saying be fake or don't be yourself but, I am saying try to temper that with being aware of your surroundings. You never know what kind of person you might miss out on because you left them with a bad first impression.
Just my two rambling cents.
xOxO
Pandora
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