What do you believe of how people think of you?

[SilentAndShy]

Part of SA is where we always think of how others perceive you.

And how do you think you are perceived by others?

For me, it breaks into different things depending on who they are:

1. Family - I'm quiet, intelligent but rarely shows it, lazy, eats alot of food, shy around people, doesn't go out to family functions etc.

2. Friends (have the best image of me I think): Funny, kind, can take a joke and make one out of others, generous

3. Others: These are the normal people I'd meet out and about. Because I don't make eye contact, engage in conversations some people probably think that I'm "up myself" (shorthand for arrogant), creepy, weird. Or some might think it's a sign of respect somehow.

I really wish that Mel Gibson film where he can hear only women thoughts could be adjusted so that I could hear EVERYONE's thoughts - it'd be great! Or maybe not if it's negative.

 

[lonelee1]

well people have told me i seem rude, inconsiderate and generally mean. aloof, stoic, angry, pissed off, blah blah blah.

i'd hate to hear other people's thoughts. i hate myself, lol. i hate anxiety.

 

[twiggle]

I have absolutely no idea what people think of me. I think it will vary from person to person. I can think of people particular and guess what they might think, but I'm not sure I could guess what a general perception would sound like.

You're right in that we do tend to think about how people perceive us, but the important thing is not to let that change what you do and how you do it. Whatever you do, there'll always be people who like it and people who don't. Best just to be natural. People are more likely to trust you that way.

 

[kihira]

When you spend days in deep depression without anyone around you noticing at all, you realise that most people are so wrapped up in themselves that worrying about what others are thinking about you is a complete waste of a life

 

[Pacific_Loner]

Family: I think they are replaying all the shameful events of my past.

Friends: I think they are disgusted by the way I look, are annoyed by my stupidity and awkwardness, but still tolerate me for some obscure reason.

Co-workers: Same as friends, except they would rather not have me around.

It seems obvious that this is just a reflexion of my insecurities - I'm not sure at which level I believe that's what they are actually thinking

 

[coyote]

"You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

 

[mikebird]

I think of different worlds
Walking past strangers in the street. I see frowns

Telephone: people call me. Not my world. I speak crisp, clear English. I hear: ",>%~%}^}^#^}^%*~^#*{>~€>$~*<$~%€#%#^}"

Strangers in a room. I don't have any material to know what they assume of me. I relish being able to see faces, eyes, clothing. If I let any words come out of my mouth, I get frowns. I listen. I'm patient. I listen as long as it takes. Full attention. I'm theirs. I hear: "?>#}~~|]]~,?!'mkhfdrtriy><><>~>~#######$<<$$>$#" :question:

 

[jaim38]

Parents: I'm more outspoken and playful around them.

Friends: It depends on who. Some friends think I'm immature, unfashionable, and awkward. One of them knows I have SA. They also get the impression that I'm quiet and a bit slow.

Strangers: They think I'm awkward, quiet, shy, and dumb. I make people feel uncomfortable. Some of them have bullied me so they probably perceive me as passive and weak.