One Snarky Chica with Issues

I have been told by more than one person that I appear stand-offish and somewhat snobby. Once someone even told me that before they knew me that they got the impression that I thought I was better than everyone else.

That is something that is a bit shocking to hear from someone else. Well, I suppose it would not be too shocking if you really felt that way but I don’t so it was shocking.

My first response to being told these things was simply “why?’

Well, I am a quiet person at work. And on my lunches and breaks I am either writing or reading. That means that I sitting by myself. And that is how my co-workers over the years came to the conclusions above. So, by being somewhat of an introvert and keeping to myself I conveyed the message that I was better than everyone and appeared stand-offish.

That is not exactly the message that I want to send out into the world, which is why I asked what led them to that conclusion.

Once it was explained to me I saw that it was easy to see how they could make those conclusions. And since then I have tried to be more conscious to the message that I send out into the world. I would much rather be known as someone that is friendly and easy to talk to. That means not always taking time for me on my breaks at work. It also means engaging in more friendly banter with people.

Have you ever thought about what message you are sending out based on your actions?