Perception

I recently reconnected with a friend from college to whom I had not spoken in over 10years. We spent time hearing about each other’s lives during that 10 year period, including all of the highs and lows, successes and successful failures. It was, as if we’d never lost communication. She still had an infectious laugh and a pleasing personality. She told me I was as “perfect” as she remembered. What?? Okay, let’s stop a moment. “Perfect” was her adjective, not mine. I do not claim perfection, ever, well, maybe in the game Perfection, but that’s it. So I quickly had to correct that false observation and perception. That’s too much pressure for any mere human to bear, yes even me-kidding. It was a sobering thought to know that she’d viewed my life as one of perfection, when I was keenly aware of my weaknesses and shortcomings and thought I’d represented myself as true to form while in college. Isn’t it amazing how someone else’s perception of you may not be a realistic and true representation of who you are? Not that we are responsible for how others view us, but it was an eye-opening moment for me. I’d always considered myself to be transparent-not holding too much back from those around me. Not that I dwell on my imperfections, because I acknowledge them, as they are as much a part of me as my strengths. How do you think other people view you and what are your thoughts about their perceptions? Do you find them to be an accurate assessment or so far off of the mark that they must be looking at someone else?

Dr. D. Clutter™