Impression Management

Impression management is a huge part of every day in my life. From the time I get dressed in the morning to the time I come home and post a last blog comment, I'm managing outsiders' perspectives. Some say that they don't care what others think, but everyone is, whether consciously or subconsciously, putting an image out for judgement. We manage impressions and "sell" our image with almost every aspect of us:  The way we look, talk and behave and the groups in which we are members are a few factors that mold others' impressions of us.

The most dramatic impression management that I engage in is when I'm with my son. I feel that his teachers, other parents at school, doctors, and everyone else for that matter expects me to act ditsy or uneducated because of my young age; and I compensate for this in every way possible. At parent-teacher conferences, doctors appointments, and other "mom" functions, I make sure to dress "older;" no graphic t-shirts or flip flops-- always loose fitting, practical mom attire.  I've noticed a good response from sweaters and chords combined with my dark-framed glasses (I hope it looks better than it sounds).

   < Perhaps these will help? ;)




It's certainly not all about the look though. I've also got to be armed with the proper small talk about the new principal or addition to the playground or, when all else fails, the great/awful weather we've been having!

My son recently had his hearing tested at the Children's Hospital, and his father (who I am no longer seeing but still get along well with) attended the appointment as well. I had my "adult pants" on and felt prepared but was completely mortified when his father said both "like" and "whatever" to the specialist.  I instantly thought, "Great, now she thinks we're stupid." This somewhat irrational anger at my son's father's "exposing" us made me realize how important this image is to me.

I know I could spend less effort managing my image. My son's teachers and doctors and other parents at his school are all great people, and they probably wouldn't be completely disgusted if I did wear flip flops occasionally.  I know the image is only a big deal to me.  Still, it makes me feel more confident in a world I don't feel comfortable being myself in, so I'm going to hold onto it... for now, anyway.


Image: http://www.google.com/imgres?q=snl+mom+jeans&um=1&hl=en&biw=1441&bih=687&tbm=isch&tbnid=Vi_cx7ZGYg1foM:&imgrefurl=http://coleandjosephine.blogspot.com/2010/03/tina-fey-is-my-hero.html&docid=wNEgWKtIEYdbRM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JjP3ZiT9AWyH0d3pKP4AWrclPRTPEBzFV2LwzLnFv_tYSLTXnMXQ1sD9OscK3CjDESq2sM7HwvVn9vVMKhIiHNBM3WReV00g5yQ6iIk4GGVWtHqS6Beh4T9sptXVx5jWnBQwhCCy2-gD/s400/mom_jeans.jpg&w=400&h=301&ei=Pw6ZTtbPCuXY0QHIr6WwBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=757&vpy=191&dur=1215&hovh=195&hovw=259&tx=142&ty=133&sig=110286977754190018626&page=1&tbnh=146&tbnw=195&start=0&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0