Life Skills

Someone walks up to you. They are well put together, they
smile, and introduce themselves. That someone is considerate,
courteous, and cordial. You are having a great time, getting to know
that person. Chances are that you have a good impression of who
they are. What is it that makes a great impression?
From afar, appearances can sometimes bias a person. Dressing
well for an occasion is important. Designer clothes aren’t needed to
look fabulous, but don’t wear you pajamas everywhere. You can be
neat and put together with simple clothes, and look great! Having a
great personal hygiene will help you look presentable just about
always. Just know that your appearance isn’t everything, how you
behave also gives an impression of who you are.
When you look presentable, not only do you feel great, but you
are showing the people around you that you care for yourself. As well
as, showing respect to them because you took whatever it was
seriously enough to look good for it, and people appreciate that.
Don’t judge a person solely on their looks. Just because people
shouldn’t be judging off looks, doesn’t mean you should look sloppy.
How you act, gives a true impression of you. People notice how
you present yourself right away, but when they talk to you, is when
they get a good impression of who you really are. A snob with a full
tailored outfit , isn’t going to impress someone as a modest, genteel
person would.
Keep good posture, your chin up, and smile! When you talk,
speak clearly and precisely, try to avoid filler words. Common ones
are “like,” “umm,” and “you know.” Keep cussing, and swear words
out of your language. The Bible says do not swear, and don’t take
God’s name in vain, that means to say God’s name when you are not
talking about him or to him. If you see someone who is lonely, walk
up to them, introduce yourself, and be a friend. When you go to give
somebody a handshake, don’t be limp like a jellyfish, or be be hard as
steel. Extend your hand fingers together, thumb up, grasp the other
person’s hand firmly and shake. Most importantly, be yourself. Don’t
try to make the other person assume you are someone other than
who you truly are.

I asked the Refuge Writing team: what did they see in people
that gave them a good first impression about somebody else, and
what their tip for a good first impression was. Some replies have been
put together because of similarity. Here is what they think:
What I see in other people that gives a good first impression is if they
are welcoming, kind, and not mean or disrespectful. When you make
an effort to include others it really stands out. My tip for others is to
be nice and welcoming! If you see someone who looks a little out of
place or alone, go up to them, start a conversation, and make them
feel included. You never know what someone is going through, and a
simple act of kindness can make a huge difference. Just to be
yourself, open, and friendly, can make others feel like they matter!
One thing that gives me a good first impression is when someone is
honest without caring what others thing. It gives a sense of honesty
to whoever they meet. Honesty is something I value a lot in people.
When you go to meet people you can find out what they like to do,
ask them questions, and above all be honest!
“I'd say one of the best ways to create a good first impression is
being very intentional about including them (whoever they are), and
forming a connection with them. When I first meet somebody I really
appreciate it if they choose to go after forming that sort of "bond."”
The LORD doesn’t look at a person’s appearance, but at their heart.
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on
the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD
seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance,
but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 KJV)