[27M] People always tend to get a similar first impression of me and many times they have told me. People I’ve met (coworkers, dates, friends, and other random acquaintances) have described their first impression of me and here is what I’ve heard from people over the years:
* mild mannered
* nice guy
* chill
* sweet
* docile
* laid back
* agreeable
* shy
I’ll be honest and say that I am annoyed by this. I want to be seen as outgoing, confident, assertive, and fun. I sound like a wet mop. Just no substance or character, completely forgettable. The worst part is I don’t understand why I come off this way. In my head I make jokes when possible, I challenge opinions of others, and I try to have a good time but I still have people tell me this. There’s clearly a disconnect between what I feel I do and what people pick up.
I need advice – how do I become the person I want to be instead of what people see?