I had a really interesting interaction yesterday that left me a little baffled. I am still not sure if I should be offend or not.
As I am dragging my boys into the bookstore looking like the are fresh from dirty clothes pile after school, I run into a mom I know and like, she is really lovely. She asked me what we were doing, I explained we were just grabbing some books, the boys were off to camp this weekend. The conservation goes on as follows (my responses are in red)
" Where are they going camping"
"Blank Camp up near Blankville NC"
"Are you going?"
"No, I'm not much of a camper"
(Shocked) "Really? You look like a camper to me"
Really, I look like a camper?? WTF does that mean?
Now I was not looking my finest yesterday when I ran into her with her cutie little figure and big LV bag. I was really unsure how to take that comment. I was confused because I am sure she did not mean it in a rude way (I think) but I was offended. As hard as I tried to not be offended I was.
Maybe she mean I look like a camper in a Daisy Duke sorta way?
A tree hugger way
or in a " I am woman hear me roar" kinda way
googleimages
Perception is really interesting. It really got me thinking about how we view ourselves vs how others view us. I would never have thought I give off a camping vibe, but I guess to some I do. I called a girlfriend about it because I was still trying to process if I was offended. As any good friend would do, she assured me it is because I look so fit and healthy (which is total crap but that is why she's my friend)
As we talked more she shared with me her perception of me before she knew me. She said she thought I was well put together, well to do and a little intimidating.
How crazy is that! Also a vibe I would never have thought I put out and completely opposite of my camping vibe.
How do I see myself? What vibe do I think I put out? Not either of those. It's like when you think you look one way and you see a picture of yourself and you think..really I look like that? That's not how I think I look.
I wonder how many of my perceptions about other people that I know are incorrect? Maybe some are right. Maybe I lay really do lie some place in between camping chick and Bloomies girl
maybe I am
Zsa Zsa Gabor, a city girl trapped in the country.
6 comments:
Hmmmm...a LV bag? I like her already!
Were you wearing Birkenstocks by any chance? No? Then it's not your personal appearance.
There are some Moms that just seem like they could handle all of the crap that goes along with camping...like the bugs, snakes, frogs, sleeping arrangements, making sure there are kayaks for all, remembering the food, knowing how to light a fire, having a book of campfire songs on hand, and knowing just when to send everyone to bed. That Mom can also make breakfast over an open flame.
Me? I'm not that Mom, but I try to take it as a compliment when people think I could possibly ever be that Mom. They just think I'm put together enough to pull that off...I'm not. Oh well!!!
I would take it as a compliment that you seem like you are adventurous and up for anything! :)
It is so interesting how we see ourselves vs. how others see us. I can see where you would be offended by that but I also think she probably didn't mean to offend. She probably looks at you guys being a fun and adventurous family. :)
Take it as a compliment -- you'll sleep better that way! Just found your blog through MBC and I'm your newest follower!
Dawn
www.thewayiseethings.typepad.com
i think just because you look put together you might be hiding something like a bad marriage, & holes in your underwear's. But either way, that was a rude thing to say & maybe it's not a real LV, or bought at ROSS!!
I just started reading your blog and spent the last half hour going back to look at all your stuff! You sound like me and I like you already! I'm excited to read more!
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