First Impressions: Do They Really Matter? A Case Study on RBF Experiences

I’m sure many of us have been told countless times that first impressions matter. When we meet someone for the first time, we tend to be on our best behavior so they won’t get the wrong idea about us—or, ideally, so they’ll see us as a “good person,” especially if that someone is important, like a hiring manager. I agree with this, to an extent, but I think there's a problem with putting so much emphasis on first impressions. Here’s why.

The Case of RBF

As someone with RBF (Resting "Blank" Face), I’ve noticed that when I meet someone new, especially unintentionally, they often see me as cold, unfriendly, or unapproachable. It might sound exaggerated, but I know I’m not the only one—RBF is common! This makes it hard for people like me to make a “good” impression right off the bat, simply because of how our facial expressions are perceived.

The problem is, because so many people believe first impressions reveal a lot about someone, they may think they know us based on that single moment. If we "fail" to make a good first impression, we’re often seen as not being “good enough” in some way. But this isn’t always accurate. First impressions don’t always reveal our entire personality or intentions, so why should people judge us solely based on them?

Takeaway

Yes, making a good first impression is important, meaning you behave nicely when you first meet someone. But don’t feel pressured to be someone you’re not. And when you meet someone new, whether they make a good or bad impression, resist the urge to judge too quickly. Make an effort to get to know them through proper interaction—that’s how you’ll really understand their personality.

I feel like I’m lecturing myself here, but I hope this gives you some insight. Have a good one!