41) Impressions

Some say, never judge a book by its cover. But what if glancing at the cover is all we have time for? In a world with ever-increasing amounts of information and stimulation, first impressions are inherently important because they are often the only impression.

If we are constantly being judged by snapshots of ourselves - one blog post, a one-time meeting, one friend of a friend's picture on Facebook - presenting the true self requires a certain level of vigilance. The logic stands that someone who is always their best self, always putting their very best foot forward will more often be judged favorably by quick-draw conclusions.

But always perfect isn't realistic (or likeable). The complexity of what's bound between the covers - good and bad - are what makes us human. The irony lies in the fact that people who only have time for first impressions want perfection, while those who see more of what lies below want imperfection. At first glance whether we judge a resume or an apple pie contest, we want to see the best. But when we interview the candidate, or speak with the apple pie baker post-victory, we feel more comfortable with a human being with flaws to complement their greatness.