First Impressions

Did you know that the original title for Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" was "First Impressions?" What she chose was a bit more attention grabbing (although I think it leads people to believe it is much more scholarly than it actually is ;)), but what she passed up was actually a much more fitting title. I'm not sure how many of you have read the book, but the entire story is based around mistaken first impressions of people, and how they can majorly affect how we react to people and situations.

I know it's cliche to say that first impressions don't last, but I'm glad to say it's true. It's pretty funny to look back at the first impressions we've had with people and to look at our relationships now. My best friend from high school, Libby, is a great example for me. I thought she was soooo strange when I first met her. Now, I know what you're thinking, I know I'm strange too. So that says something about her weirdness ;) (I don't think she reads this...but if she does...she knows all this!) After I was dumped by my group of friends in favor of alcohol, Libby was there and she became my closest and most loyal friend. None of my close friends were people that I met and said, oh wow, we are definitely going to be friends for life. I don't mean that in a mean way. Maybe I'm just a bad judge of character at first. Lol.

The reason I bring this up is because we were talking in the cube today about what Phyllis thought of me when she first met me. Now, the following is pure heresay because I don't remember any of it. Apparently, I had contact with Phyllis twice before I actually remember meeting her for the first time. I don't remember which time came first, but once I was walking down the hall and didn't smile at her, and once I was the only one in the cube when she was getting a tour and I didn't even turn around. As a result, Phyllis was scared of me when she started working with me. I guess I came across as mean. Now, what I remember is looking up her picture, then coming in on her first day and finding her waiting by the front desk because the secretary couldn't get ahold of Amanda. Of course I offered a friendly smile and introduced myself, then told her she could come up with me. I had no idea she was internally cringing because I had to be the one to stumble upon her. Thankfully, I think we have overcome that first impression. Many times over. Haha.

Anyway, I could give a lot of examples that go both ways, bad first impressions that turned out well, or good first impressions that were completely off the mark. I just think it's funny to think about. Did you know your best friends were going to be your best friends when you met them? How about those of you that are married? Did you know you wanted to marry that person right away, or did they have to grow on you? Sometimes I wonder if I have already met my future husband, and wonder what I think about him now. (That was really confusing, but it totally made sense in my mind.) Or if I will know when I meet him if he's not already in my life.

Alright, so another introspective entry. Sorry, Phyllis! Gotta have 'em sometimes! Ooo, Star Trek is on...