Ask a friend to describe you without mentioning looks. That’s what most people actually notice.

REFLECTION

WHAT THIS MEANS

Your description of yourself is probably mostly physical, and almost nobody else’s description of you is. What other people have is how you are to be around: whether you listen, whether you are funny, whether you turn up, whether a room gets easier or harder when you walk into it. Those are the things said when you are not there.

The exercise is worth doing properly, with somebody who will be honest. Ask one friend for three words about you with appearance ruled out, and do not argue with the answer. Most people are surprised, usually in their favour, and it stays with you longer than any photograph.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

How would a friend describe you without mentioning your appearance?

MORE IN PERCEPTION & ATTENTION

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