Today is quite brief! When people tell you to be yourself, do you hesitate? Do you take a moment to think about what that might be?
If you know yourself well enough, I suppose it may not apply. And that’s great. But if you are like me, I salute you. Many people realise that most of the time they find themselves behaving differently depending on who they are in company of.
It’s something that I have always found myself doing. I don’t have to think hard about it, but I have started to notice it more and more.
When I am on the phone speaking with someone I have never met, I’ll put on a tone of voice. Or use an accent. I do this to sound “well mannered” or “intelligent and sensible.” This ensures I don’t give the person the impression that I am otherwise. I don’t mean to do it, but I feel the need to especially when it comes to job interviews. Funnily, when the person then meets you in person, they often seem surprised. I find this amusing at times.
However, there are times that it isn’t funny. For instance, when I have been faced with a situation where I am definitely judged by the way I look. It was a time when I would not risk speaking unless asked to. Instead, I would stand up straight. Have all my documents that I needed ready for when it was my turn. I would arrive at the desk and put on the best smile that one could master and provide my documents.
During this situation, I would keep my eyes on the person behind the desk. Respond to any questions as best as I could – having practiced numerous times, and be on my ‘best behaviour’. If you hadn’t caught on by now, I am talking about immigration. Be it at the airport or the embassy or wherever I was that needed me to be this person.
If you are someone that has never experienced this, it is something worth observing. Ask anyone who is of colour and they will tell you their story. And just to be clear, don’t go up to ‘anyone’. I am referring to your friends.
Let me know if this is something that you have experienced or have noticed.
Otherwise, have a wonderful rest of the week.