Importance of First Impressions Secrets to Help You Make a Good One
What is the importance of first impressions? First impressions are everything. They will make or break the rest of your relationship with that person.
Truth be told, the first time I met my boyfriend was in the middle of a hotel lobby while shoving a bagel in my face. I clearly didn't crush that first impression, but somehow it worked out. Luckily for you, you're going to have insight into the importance of first impressions, and you won't look like a fool the way that I did.
Everybody is somebody
Cryptic, right? Basically, I'm trying to say that you should always be on because you never know who is going to help you advance in your career, or who might be your future boyfriend/girlfriend. Never miss an opportunity to create a good first impression.
I clearly wasn't thinking this way when I met my boyfriend, but it ended up working out fine. But it won't always work this way. I'm not saying you have to look fabulous at all times, just do your best to be a genuinely good person.
Don't be rude to waiters or retail workers. People notice these things and you look crazy. Just be a nice person because you never know who is watching or around you.
The importance of first impressions and how to make a great one
You need to understand the importance of first impressions. They shape the rest of your relationship with someone and even end a relationship before it starts. The following list makes sure you will always make a good first impression with those you meet.
#1 Smile. It sounds simple because it is. As humans, we are attracted to happy people, so keep smiling! People naturally want to talk to you and get to know you, and this is the first very important step in creating a great first impression.
#2 Be sweet. Actually, I use this phrase with my dog when she's being bad, but that is neither here nor there. Just be a nice person. Like I said earlier, you never know who is going to hear what you are saying or see what you are doing. You might be being rude to someone who is going to be your boss someday-don't take that chance. Be nice to everybody, for no reason.
#3 Be hygienic. One of the biggest turn offs from a first impression is bad breath. It's true! Brush your teeth, comb your hair, wash your face, and shower. Make sure you don't smell bad, because nobody wants to talk to the smelly person. Also if you take care of your body and hygiene, it means you have your sh*t together, and people are attracted to that.
#4 Ask them about their lives. Don't spend 20 minutes talking about yourself. Ask them questions about themselves, their lives, and their hobbies. You will create an immediate connection, and they will trust you more if you show interest in their lives.
#5 Shake their hand. Even if I'm meeting someone in a casual setting, I always shake hands with a person when I'm meeting them. It will never be taken badly, and if somebody is turned off by this interaction, then it's not a huge loss, honestly.
A handshake is a classic, mature way of introducing yourself and is crucial when meeting somebody in a professional setting. With that being said, it doesn't hurt to shake hands with someone in a non-professional setting as well. Like I said, I shake hands with everybody I meet, regardless of the setting.
#6 Be playful. Meeting new people can be intimidating and nerve-racking, so lighten the mood a little with a laugh or a joke. Be carefree and free-spirited and the interaction will go smoothly *guaranteed*. Everybody has a funny bone in their body, so make sure to use it for your first impression. Making people laugh is the easiest way to their heart. No questions asked.
#7 Compliment them on something. It can literally be anything-their shoes, their hair, their makeup. WHATEVER! Complimenting someone shows them the sensitive, sweet side of you, and it also breaks the ice.
It gives you something to talk about and is actually a great conversation starter. If you don't know how to start a conversation with someone, do it this way. They will never shut down a conversation about themselves because people love talking about themselves.
#8 Be confident. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you say or what you do, but you have to do it confidently. If you stuff your face with a bagel at eight in the morning, then do it with confidence. Don't let them see you shy away from a conversation-be bold and be brave.
Nobody can be turned away from you if you are comfortable and confident in who you are and what you are doing/saying. Be you, proudly.
#9 Make sure you tell them your name. I know it sounds silly but I can't tell you how many times I've had a full on conversation with someone and watched them walk away without giving me their names. Sometimes I ask them what their names are, but don't let this happen to you.
Make sure you introduce yourself without being asked. It can be easily overlooked, so be cautious of this. To make it easy, say your name when you shake their hand. What a killer combo!
#10 Find something you have in common. Seek a shared interest and share it with them. Basically, create that connection so that they will remember you later on.
Some things are more obvious than others. You might approach them and immediately see something that you have in common, while other things may come out through the conversation. Either way, make sure you find a time to say “me too” *but don't fake it or force it*. We can all relate on some level.
The importance of first impressions will follow you throughout your life. It is unavoidable. Master the art of creating a good first impression with these tips.
