Malcolm Gladwell explored it in Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, which talked about how fast we think–even when we hardly think at all. The brain compiles so many data points and makes so many conclusions in mere seconds that one never really does get a “second chance to make a first impression.” Business Insider cites a number of scientific studies to support a list of nine powerful first impressions that even subsequent experience doesn’t help to override. Here are the nine things people decide about you right away.
- Whether You’re Trustworthy
- Whether You’re High Status or Low Status
- Whether You’re Gay Or Straight
- Whether You’re Intelligent
- Whether You’re Promiscuous
- Whether You’re Dominant (a la Fifty Shades)
- Whether You’re Successful
- Whether You’re Headed For A Promotion (so successful, but not yet!)
- Whether You’re Adventurous (not to be confused with promiscuous!)