So I’m going to be a junior in hs this year. Previously (especially last year), I was extremely awkward and shy and only had two friends, one of which I’ve now let go and was pretty toxic. Over the summer I’ve improved quite a bit but now I’m worried it’ll be hard to make friends when everyone has their groups formed and will be hesitant to be friends with me because they know me as the awkward girl who doesn’t talk, can’t hear (I’m deaf so sometimes have struggles with that too). How can I quickly remove that image of me when school starts to easily make new friends? Thank you so much in advance!
1 comment
People change in subtle ways all their lives. Reputation is fluid and never 100% in your control.
Own your journey, “Yeah, I used to be quiet but I’m trying something new this year…” “I was me but a different side of me before, I’m seeing things differently now…” “I was so awkward last year, I couldnt even talk to myself?!”
Keep some stuff up your sleeve and ready to go, people work with headlines as full explanations in many cases. Mental heuristics loom large. Also changing people’s minds is tough, changing yours is tougher but more rewarding. Sending strength.
There will always be external factors that signpost to people:
Change your clothes/outfits/makeup
Boost your vocabulary
Obsess over a different author/director
Double down on a new catchphrase
Experiment with a new smile/frown/grimace/pikachu face