How Important Is the First Impression?

The Importance of First Impression

We all want to be perceived positively by others. This is inherent in human nature. Being liked, respected, loved… How we perceive others is as important as how others perceive us. The quickest way to understand another person is to look at their behavior and make inferences about their personality. The schemas we have accumulated since childhood allow us to judge the personality traits of people by looking at their behavior. For example, when we see someone helping an elderly person on the street, we think they are helpful. Our schema related to helpfulness immediately kicked in. Another feature is gestures and facial expressions. The fastest and most striking are gestures and facial expressions. This also comes into play when forming a first impression. Speaking politely, leaning forward while talking, making eye contact or not… These are also among the processes that affect the first impression.

An Important Trait in Creating Impressions on People

Another important trait in creating impressions on others is the principles of similarity and contrast. For example, if you are friends with a beautiful girl, after a while, you will also be perceived as beautiful, attractive, or handsome; this is a characteristic of the principle of similarity. If Oğuz and Reha Muhtar (there is also an age difference between them) walk together, Oğuz will be perceived as more handsome than he is. This is a characteristic of the principle of contrast. Oğuz and Reha Muhtar have very different physical characteristics. Later, if Oğuz and Ahmet walk together, since Oğuz is handsome, Ahmet will also be perceived as handsome (from the principle of similarity). As communication between people increases, existing first impressions change. As you share things with that person, the impression will change. However, generally, the first impressions formed are permanent and resistant. Here, couples who form a negative first impression need to put in a lot of effort to get into the other person's good graces. From this, we can understand how important the first impression is. If you are going to meet someone new, make leaving a positive first impression your primary goal, so you don't get tired later.