As I walk to and from my classes on campus, I can't help but notice each individual as I walk past them. Some are smiling, some are avoiding eye contact, some say hello, and some just look downright miserable.
Unintentionally, I create assumptions in my head about that person, depending on how they came across to me. The boy who smiled at me- I assume he's having a great day, and overflowing with optimism. The girl that avoided eye contact with me- I think maybe she's awkward or shy and doesn't like to interact with strangers. The girl that said hello - I smile at the fact that there is a potential friendship waiting to be pursued. And lastly, the boy that looked miserable- he's definitely had a bad day, maybe he didn't get much sleep, or had recently received bad news.
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Usually, this all goes on within my head subconsciously. However, today I stopped and realized how unfair it was of me to be making these assumptions, positive or negative. I thought about how I may come across to others, considering things about myself that I have been told in the past. Things like: I look angry, I look mean and intimidating, I look happy and friendly, etc. Reflecting on this, I can't help but notice how large of a spectrum people have placed my personality on due to my appearance; and how far from the truth that placement is.
Though it is much easier said than done, I challenge you to stop making initial judgments based on someone's appearance, and instead get to know who they actually are and what they're truly feeling.
Personally, a lot of days I will put a smile on my face regardless of how low and empty I am feeling, simply to avoid being asked "what's wrong?" For when I smile, people assume that I'm happy and nothing is of concern. Other days, I will be in a perfectly content state, and people mistakenly assume that I am grumpy and in a bad mood.
From initial appearances, we only interpret what is on the outside surface, ignoring the most important aspect- what someone is feeling on the inside. It is important to keep in mind that everyone is fighting a battle that you know nothing about, regardless of how happy or sad they look. So next time you see someone smiling, don't take it for granted and assume that they are truly happy. Instead, engage in a conversation and discover who they really are. The next time you see someone that looks angry, don't avoid interaction, rather reach out to them and find out how they're really feeling.
Challenge yourself to stop assuming things and instead realize that the appearance of something can be so far from the reality of it.
