One of things I wrote about yesterday is getting feedback that surprises you. Indeed, you sometimes receive contradictory feedback.

One of my friends said he could not imagine acting in a serious role, but it would be easy for me. I thought that was strange as I believe I have a good sense of humor. In fact, Trish said one of the things she liked about me when we met was my sense of humor.

It seems like only one of them could be right, but it’s not that simple. Viewed through the lens of other people’s perception, there is more than one reality. This is why you have to ask how the feedback applies to you.

A woman working at my regular Boston Starbucks once said, “You don’t smile much, do you?” There were also other occasions when people I did not know made comments about my overly serious expression.

This feedback coming from several people helped me realize I have RBF (resting bitch face). People assume I am serious because I do not smile by default. I worked on it for a while and I think I smile more. Hopefully it shows.

What feedback that surprised you has helped you understand how people really view you?