| Ms. Nidhi Goyal 07MCA16, TYMCA |
Earlier people used to say that "The first impression is the last impression" and now they say that "Your first impression is not the last impression but long-lasting impression".
But I do not agree with either of these statements, although it might be true in some situations. So the revised statement is "The first impression is never the last impression" and I hope you might also agree to this revised statement after reading this article.
Before talking about the first and the last impression, let's discuss what actually the word "impression" means. It's true that your looks and appearance is a part of your impression but it is not the only thing. Your impression means your overall personality which includes your communication, your dress-up, your behavior, the way you treat other persons, the way you carry yourself or the way you express yourself. These all are the personas which are related to your first impression.
If we are talking about "First Impression (FI)" then this must be your first meeting with that person and thus impression can be planned or unplanned.
Planned impressions are when you are aware of it or you are prepared for it such as your job interview, business meeting with client, dating, you are invited as a guest somewhere or you have a family coming to your place to become your future in-laws.
Unplanned impressions can be people looking at you when you are travelling, when you are walking down the street or when you are just passing by a place. In short the FI process occurs in every situation.
Think about this for a moment. You have your father's guest coming to your place for a dinner who is basically a well-known business person but you are not aware of it. In his presence you behave very rude to your parents or your siblings. You are introduced to this person and then you return back in your own world shouting and misbehaving with everyone. A few weeks later, you apply for a job and there is he, the fellow you were introduced to at home. So what do you suppose his impression of you would be? Do you think he is capable of forming a new one? I unquestionably hope so.
It is very true that it's rather difficult to change the first impression but is not unattainable. Now having said all that, I should include some evidence to the contrary. Some people appears to be pompous or swollen with pride on their first meeting but the longer you know someone, the more opportunities you have to change your perception of that person. I am very sure that you all might have clicked some person in your mind while reading this that have appeared to be arrogant on your first meet but definitely he/she may be one of your good friend now.
Lastly I think that if anyone goes by the principle that the first is the last then the person is limiting the process of getting to know humans. Also, some people are prone to judge others based on their own prejudices not even letting the person take a shot at giving the right impression.