How Others See Us, How We See Ourselves

How Others See Us, How We See Ourselves

Last update: 28 July, 2022

Do you see yourself how you really are or how others want you to be? This can seem like an insignificant question, but it’s very important.

Once we start reflecting upon this, we realize that maybe other people don’t see us the same way that we see ourselves. For example, how you behave or what you show with these behaviors will make people form an image of you that you may not share.

Mirrors are like your conscience. You can see yourself as you are, and as you’re not, because whoever sees themselves deeply in the mirror tries to conceal their flaws and fix them in order to fit in.”
-Miguel Ángel Asturias-

All of this can influence you in a positive or negative way. Imagine, for example, when you see that you have packed on a few extra pounds, and every one else tells you that you look fine. It’s a simple example of how your perspective isn’t the same as that of the rest of the world, and that influences many things.

Self-portrait

abstract portrait of woman

Many of us are full of complexes that keep us from enjoying ourselves. This causes us to constantly wear masks and perform, to varying degrees, around others.

We are constantly thinking about what image to give  others, about how they’re going to view us. What we don’t know is that many times people don’t see us how we think they do or how we would like them to.

Do you know what would be really positive? To start interacting with the people around us and ask them directly how they view us.

If you have done this, you will discover things that you surely didn’t even imagine about yourself. Everything they tell you will help you form a real image, which is the one that you will project towards everybody else. What will you discover about yourself?

Sometimes, we let ourselves be influenced too much by what we think is expected of us. How do others want us to be? This can create an external image of us that we don’t truly identify with.

Sometimes, if we’re with manipulative or aggressive people that tend to make us submissive, we can end up giving off an image that doesn’t at all correspond with you we really are. Why is our pride relegated? You are being how others want you to be. Don’t let that happen.

How you view yourself

The way you view yourself will influence how others see you. If you have any complexes, they will manifest themselves and people will notice them.

Either way, wanting to be someone you are not, trying to please everyone, being yourself and not letting anything influence you, having a personality, it’s all noticeable! What do you need to keep in mind when you reflect upon how you view yourself? Two very important factors:

  • Whatever you think about yourself will become a reality for you, whether you want it to or not. Everything that goes through your head will manifest itself in some way. Therefore, think positively and leave the negative side of things elsewhere. Thinking positively about yourself will be very beneficial for you.
  • Beauty is created within you. All of the good, all of the positive, it has to come out of you, nobody else. Why hide who we are? Manifest your true self, because sometimes we want to be someone we are simply not. Accept yourself, accept that beauty and manifest it.

Also, something important you should keep in mind is how you treat others. Everything, absolutely everything, will reflect upon you as a person.

profile of a woman tree

Treating people well and being respectful will make others see you in a positive light. It’s normal for you to have bad days sometimes, we’re all human. But how we treat other people is how they are going to view us.

We see things, not as they truly are, but rather how we are. If we are negative, we’ll see everything negatively. And that’s how others will see us as well, as negative people.

Try it out and ask others how they view you as a person! You can share with us what you discover. In this little exercise, you’ll be able to open your eyes and see yourself from another perspective. One different from your own. What have you learned about yourself now? Realize that your point of view is not the only real and true point of view around.

watercolor portrait of woman

 


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.