In my mind I probably reside in the '80s, the 1880's, when life was simpler and generally much harder. I do indeed judge people by how they behave. As a cop my life sometimes depended on judging correctly the initial image. I no longer walk a beat but, I still form initial impressions based on handshakes, clothing, how one is carrying themselves, eye contact, and so forth.
I wouldn't hire a mechanic to work on my car if his work space was a disorganized mess as I'm charged for the time he spends looking for tools as well as the time he's actually working on my car. Now, I fully realize that this individual may in fact be the world's best mechanic but, barring an award on the wall stating such and presented by the governing body of mechanics, I only have my observations and word of mouth to base my decision on.
I use these judgements to determine whether or not I would engage a person in a business transaction or to decide if I wish to start a social relationship. A cap on backwards accompanied with a firm hand shake and an open countenance would certainly present a reasonable first impression. A cap worn back to front, a limp shake, furtive eyes leering at my wife? That relationship is going no further. My loss? Quite possibly. His loss? Of course it is, he muddled up his one chance getting to know me! Of course it's his loss. Is there any doubt? (for those of you who are sarcasm challenged, those last couple of phrases were sarcastic).
The hat? Is it worn low to mask the face? Or is it simply shading the eyes and face from the sun? Is it worn on the back of the head, indicating an initial openness? Perhaps it's worn at a jaunty angle or adorned with a piece of whimsy, a feather or perhaps a fraternal pin? Perhaps a Raiders logo? If I'm much older does the hat come off as the hand is extended? All of these visuals are calculated in my mind and, coupled with previous experiences, a judgement is made almost instantly. Good, bad or indifferent I've made an initial valuation based on the appearance and actions of the individual under the hat. Does that judgement have validity? Of course. Is it subject to revision as time passes and other behaviors are exposed? Most definitely!
I wouldn't hire a mechanic to work on my car if his work space was a disorganized mess as I'm charged for the time he spends looking for tools as well as the time he's actually working on my car. Now, I fully realize that this individual may in fact be the world's best mechanic but, barring an award on the wall stating such and presented by the governing body of mechanics, I only have my observations and word of mouth to base my decision on.
I use these judgements to determine whether or not I would engage a person in a business transaction or to decide if I wish to start a social relationship. A cap on backwards accompanied with a firm hand shake and an open countenance would certainly present a reasonable first impression. A cap worn back to front, a limp shake, furtive eyes leering at my wife? That relationship is going no further. My loss? Quite possibly. His loss? Of course it is, he muddled up his one chance getting to know me! Of course it's his loss. Is there any doubt? (for those of you who are sarcasm challenged, those last couple of phrases were sarcastic).
The hat? Is it worn low to mask the face? Or is it simply shading the eyes and face from the sun? Is it worn on the back of the head, indicating an initial openness? Perhaps it's worn at a jaunty angle or adorned with a piece of whimsy, a feather or perhaps a fraternal pin? Perhaps a Raiders logo? If I'm much older does the hat come off as the hand is extended? All of these visuals are calculated in my mind and, coupled with previous experiences, a judgement is made almost instantly. Good, bad or indifferent I've made an initial valuation based on the appearance and actions of the individual under the hat. Does that judgement have validity? Of course. Is it subject to revision as time passes and other behaviors are exposed? Most definitely!
