Long before Bernie Madoff, I’ve always tried to look beneath the surface for the truth about people. Whether I was impressed or not, I’ve compared my gut reaction at first meeting with later perceptions once I’ve come to know them. Some people are not great at the first meeting, but are really cool later. Others make a great splash, but then wither on the vine after they’ve shown you all they’ve got.
I’m not sure what I would have thought of Bernie at first meeting. I suspect I would have been impressed. Like so many others. That’s why you can’t always go with your first impression. Some people are great actors, knowing exactly the right words to say at the right time.
Time reveals a lot. Actors run out of tricks while those who are truly authentic are consistently delightful to be around. Because they’re authentic, they’ve nothing to hide. The next time you meet someone, pay attention – if they blow you away, question why – and check your impressions against later interactions. And if they don’t impress, also check back. It could be shyness, or the situation in which you met.
Sometimes first impressions are not as they appear.
