I had a good friend at work tell me I was confrontational, which threw me for a loop because I will take a lot of crap from a lot of folks over a lot of things before I break and have to say something. I’ve been friends with inconsiderate asses for years before I got up the gumption to break things off. The only time I don’t think twice is when I feel someone is being unjust and/or racist, but that’s part of my job.
I asked him to think about it, and he concluded that when I felt challenged I didn’t back down, and he thought that was confrontational and aggressive. Then again, he’s Latino like I am and we have pretty traditional gender stereotypes, so maybe he’s just flummoxed that I don’t burst into tears or whatever.
I have recently heard from many sources that I am a great teacher when it comes to providing unit orientation and critical care training to our new nurses. I figure I’m good with one-on-one teaching, where I can individualize to the person, but I don’t think I could ever handle teaching a group or a classroom.
I hold my breath when I’m concentrating on a task. I learned this from a classmate when I was in middle school who sat in front of me and got annoyed with the small noise that occurs when I re-open my airway and start to exhale.
This is annoying, isn’t it? I am so tired of explaining to people that I only have two colors: white and red. Tan doesn’t come into it. Unfortunately, I did have to tell my super-shallow coworkers at an old job. And the Bulgarians were SUPER nosy and obnoxious about this because a. they’re mostly pretty dark and are unaware of the concept of Irish skin and b. the idea that sun exposure can cause skin cancer has not yet reached the Balkans. When I told one woman I didn’t tan because it causes cancer, she pulled her shirt up to reveal her breasts (we were sitting in a front yard, too!) so I could see the contrasts in colors and then she pooh poohed my crazy notions because SHE didn’t have cancer! And look how tan she is!
I’m a nurse, and at change of shift one evening the day nurse was giving me report on a patient who was particularly difficult and unpleasant. She told me, “It’s a good thing he’s assigned to you, because you’re abrupt and you don’t take any crap.”
I was floored. I know I have a temper but had no idea I come across as “abrupt” so consistently that that’s how people think of me. I polled my co-workers and most of them confirmed her assessment.
I’ve been told I’m opinionated, which was a surprise, as I thought I was reserved and diplomatic. Then again, the guy who told me that really is an asshole.
I’ve been told I say, “…but no!” a lot, which is odd – I really don’t know how or why that’s noteworthy or unique to me. Doesn’t everyone say things like, “I thought [the situation was like this], but no!”? Apparently, I do it all the time and my friends think of it as my catchphrase. shrug
I’ve been told that when strangers approach me and strike up a conversation, I often get a look on my face that says, “Stooooop taaaaaalking to meeeee.” This is exactly what I’m thinking; I just had no idea I was so transparent.
I’ve also been told I have beautiful eyes. That’s always nice to hear.
I’ve been told, out of the blue, by multiple sources, that I have really pretty eyes. It’s a nice compliment, but I don’t see it. They look like just plain ol’ eyes to me.
Along those lines, I apparently have a very recognizable face. During college I had quite a few people from my high school whom I never recalled meeting or even having any classes with recognize me. I always thought I was pretty plain-looking. Maybe I’m just bad at recognizing faces.
I’ve been told that I intimidate people, which I don’t understand. I see myself as mild mannered and somewhat quiet. In social situations I normally only speak if I have something pertinent to add that I’m pretty sure is correct. Usually I listen a lot before speaking.
I have a “natural ability to lead.” Also, several people agreed (after many, many drinks) that when I walk into a bar or social setting that everyone notices me, that I naturally stand out.
Which is weird to me, 'cause nobody comes to me for shit.
I tend to slur my words, even when I’m not drunk. My brother pointed this out to me. Apparently I’m in such a hurry to say what I have to say that enunciation is a low priority for me.
Also, I look cute in hats. I don’t consider myself a “hat person,” but this past summer I took to wearing a wide-brimmed hat when walking out to lunch to protect myself from the sun. I wear sunblock, but the hat, to me, was added protection - I still don’t want to go as far as certain women I’ve seen walking in elbow-length gloves and tinted plastic face protectors, like lightweight welder’s masks. A few people have told me I look nice in my straw hat. Same for the fuzzy black cap I wore recently when the temperature hit 40F, usually around the time I got off work. As much as hats get in my way, I decided I’d rather be warm or protected from the sun. The fact I apparently look decent while doing so is an unexpected bonus.
I’ve been told I have an “official” sort of demeanor to people. Apparently I am the one who the police will talk to, the one who ends up as a referee in disputes, the one who can reason his way through a bureacracy, etc… .
I honestly don’t see myself as any more thrilled to deal with things than anyone else, but I am viewed as the guy who does in fact get things handled.
After discussing my views on relationships I was told that I was, from the girls perspective, “good for nothing more than a cheap date or a cheap night” and that I “shouldn’t expect anything more than that”
It wasn’t really the best of conversations, but I guess it told me something…
I thought of another one - apparently I look like a retail sales clerk to other people. If I’m shopping in summer without a parka on, I frequently get asked about products in stores (like you would ask a sales clerk). I’m not sure what that’s about - maybe I shop with a surly expression, like I really don’t want to be there.
This hasn’t happened in awhile, though - maybe I’m too old to be a shopgirl now.
You are very sexy Zebra, trust me on this. You are so sexy that I’m surprised random ladies don’t climb in your lap and grind against you when you are on the subway.
As for me a number of people have told me that I sound very young. Like, 8-10 years old young. I don’t think I sound that young at all but apparently I sound like a kid, especially on the phone.
