The connections that we form with others can play a big, big part in leading a healthy and meaningful life. And, all those connections had to began somewhere, sometime. Those first impressions you formulated of someone and they of you may have given an indication of wanting to learn more . . . or not. And, maybe those first impressions then led to some pretty great and lasting relationships . . . or not.
So, think back to your first impressions of those that are a large part of your life now. Were they off to a good start? What about you? Do you think you gave a good first impression to them? Or, have you ever wished for a "redo" on those first encounters?
Studies say those first impressions are hard to erase. Thus, with that in mind, I gathered some commonalities of how some of those first impressions that have gone well not only for myself but what others have done with me to provide an especially positive experience. Read on and let me know what you think.
Bring Out Your Best: Nine Tips When First Meeting Someone
Perhaps these actions at social situations could help you bring out your best side and make a lasting impression of the especially positive kind:1. Smile warmly. Who can resist an engaging smile? Not an overdone grin, but just "I am really happy to meet you smile."
2. Keep the gaze. Don't look down or over there. And, a sure way to make someone feel annoyed and insignificant is to look over someone's shoulder searching the room at a party for someone else more influential to go to next. Nope. Look people in the eye with that warm smile and forget about the other people nearby.
3. Be yourself. It really is the easiest, is it not? Don't pretend or put on airs. And, besides, that can be exhausting, keeping up a disingenuous act that is usually quite transparent anyway.
4. Stay there. Be present where you are. Don't keep checking your phone, or again, scanning the room. Give that person your attention and get to know him or her a bit.
5. Bear small gifts. Going to someone house for the first time? Perhaps bring a small gift. A plant, some flowers, a baked good from a local bakery, fresh fruit from the farmers' market -- they could all be appreciated and indicates thoughtfulness. More gift ideas here on that.
6. Prep three questions. If you know you will be meeting someone new, think of three questions you can ask the person. Those questions can get the conversation going and trigger thoughts you may want to share as well. Don't fire them off like an interview, though. Just have them in your head and go with it naturally. You may want to only ask one. It is best to think of questions without a no or yes answer. too, and never something too personal.
7. Give freely. If you have something nice to say about someone, by all means, share it. If you are impressed by their design skills at their home, tell them. You admire their work? Great. Tell them why. Your comment regarding your common interest could further develop your connection. Genuine and kind thoughts are always appreciated, too.
8. Follow up. Always, always thank host and hostesses, of course. But, if you had a conversation going with someone and you offered to provide more information on the topic you were discussing (your talented handyman name and number, for example), don't let it slip. Make a note of doing just that in a timely manner.
9. Remain open and repair, if necessary. First impressions can be a great start, but despite what the studies show, they are not the end all. If it did not go well with someone that you wish it had, I say, ask for a redo. Just be honest and ask if you can start again.
Would you like to add to the list? Make some more suggestions or share a story about a first impression gone well or . . . not so well. Please do. I would love to hear!
Need a bit more?
Take it a step further and invite those new acquaintances over for a casual get-together.
Establish good connections with whom you buy your food, too. Here are questions for your fish monger and your growers, too.
baby: photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bisbiglio/2230733716/">bisbiglio [in arte "sbibbì"]</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>
question mark: photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/debord/4932655275/">Veronique Debord</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">cc</a>
girl: photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/youngdoo/512019190/">youngdoo</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">cc</a>
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