Posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 5, 2009, at 21:35:37
In reply to no T today, posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 5, 2009, at 13:24:21
I wrote this for a class, and it was very well received, my T really like this too, about the real me.
Nonverbal Communication ExperimentIn performing this assignment, I had to first decide what my actual personal self -image was. I have two very distinct self images that reflect me, one being a people- loving person, who loves to entertain, go to parties, attend many creative art performances of different venues, and just being gregarious and fun loving. I usually choose to wear artsy type clothes, interesting jewelry that reflects my creative side, and something usually dressy. But one side of me most have not seen is my quiet side.
When I am being my quiet and reflective self, I tend to dress for ultimate comfort, even if it isnt very flattering physically or fashion wise. Usually in the winter it consists of flannel pajamas, no bra (I hate those itchy constrictive torture devises), no makeup, and nice fluffy soft socks. You would most likely see me dressed this way in private, sitting in a chair writing poetry, listening to my favorite music, and just reflecting about my life and other issues. Well, for this experiment, I chose my quiet side, because most have not seen me like this, and I felt I would get the most interesting reactions from others.
So into a local bookstore I wander, in my pink flannel two- piece pajamas with green frogs, smelling the freshly baked cookies, and looking for any reactions of others. I was feeling physically comfortable and kind of silly dressing this way in public because it is something I have never dared to do before. I received several friendly stares, but most of those people just smiled at me and made various humorous comments, like you sure look comfortable, or did you just get out of bed? I felt accepted and felt comfortable being myself, even in public. Well, then another retired looking couple walked past me and just gave me some disparaging looks as if they thought I was insane or extremely weird. They walked past me with their frowns and wrinkled up noses, and then said something in audible about me, and then couple shook their heads in disbelief. Well, I guess for me I just felt they were being overly judgmental toward me and it made me laugh and hope that I never get that way when I am their age. Maybe I just misread their non-verbal communication, and that they really had gas instead, but when I am their age and have gas, I will smile like a baby instead!
Another location I tried was the dreaded mall, a place I normally detest and try to avoid at all costs. What was very interesting to me was that on a crowded weekend day, very few people even noticed me or how I was dressed. One sales lady did laugh and asked me if I was sleep walking, but she was responding positively because she was relaxed, smiling and joking around with me. Maybe it was because there were younger people at the mall and I didnt stand out as much in public or maybe younger people are more accepting of individuality.
Well in conclusion, I guess my original view of accepting people for who they are (even if they are giving you negative non-verbal communication) and not judging people solely based on just how they are dressed, is the attitude to have in life. I also believe if you are comfortable with who you are within, then that confidence is felt by others even if you are dressed differently, and will still allow others to feel comfortable with starting a conversation with you. So maybe this experiment has given me more courage to dress how I mostly see myself, comfortable with who I am, inside and out.
poster:SlugSlimersSoSlided
thread:878239
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090129/msgs/878353.html