Do I give off a bad impression?

Question

There's an older woman I work with who's friends with my mom. I don't really know her very well. She told my mom that when I pass by her, she barely gets a smile or wave outta me and I'm really quiet. Another woman said that I'm sweet but the other one said that she barely gets anything out of me - only sometimes will I give a small wave. My mom told her that it takes me a while to warm up and basically until I get to know people, I don't talk or open up and I'm just shy.

After being told this, do you think the woman thinks badly of me now?

Answer 1

No.  What it sounds like to me is maybe that this woman has her own expectations of how you should be responding / acting to her...especially if she knows your mom.

For instance, she probably expects you to be very outgoing and friendly; stops to say hi; greets her w/a smile or always giving her one.  Based on that reason.  That's just my guess.

But you have to realize something:  if she does have certain expectations of you (as your example to me sounds like), it has nothing to do with you.  They are her own expectations she owns and not fair to project on you.  So, no - I'm sure you're not giving off a bad impression.  To me, it sounds like her expectations may be what the problem is.  I don't know...just a guess. :)

Answer 2

No you don't. You're just shy.

Answer 3

I wouldn't worry about it. All you can do is be yourself and people will either like you or not for who you are.