Who is the Person Behind Your Mask?

Do you behave the same way in every situation? Probably not, and that is completely reasonable since every situation is different. We are so adaptable by nature that we likely don’t even notice the difference between who we are at work, at home, or in a social setting.

But if you asked the people in those different settings to describe you, their descriptions would probably vary quite a bit. We rarely see ourselves the way others do and part of the reason is that they often see only the mask, but not the person behind it.

One reason is that their first impression of you can lead them to draw certain conclusions that will have a lasting influence on what kind of person they think you are.

What kind of first impression do you make?

If others see you as aloof or intimidating that may simply be a reflection of their own insecurities. On the other hand, a simple greeting or friendly gesture could cause them to conclude that you are outgoing or generous.

How you converse with others has a strong impact on their view of you. Are you a concerned listener or do you tend to dominate the conversation? Do you ask about their interests and concerns, or talk about yourself?

Every situation tells a different story

1. Work may bring out the perfectionist in you.
2. Socially you might seem like an extrovert or introvert.
3. At home you might be relaxed and easy going.

The point is that in these isolated settings we tend to act out different aspects of our personality and that’s the mask others see. But, what we want to discover is…