Perception

Countless forwarded quotes are exchanged.  It could be a message that cannot be expressed directly to the other party, and can be construed as half meant.  Or it could simply be just a forwarded message, for the sake of forwarding.  A simple message can bring too many conclusions.  A guy who receives sms regularly, assumes that a girl is interested in him, not knowing it was a mass sms.  I heard too many stories like this (hindi lang pala babae ang assuming!).  Forwarded quotes could also shape the sender's personality;  one who sends bible verses can be perceived to be religious, one who sends some serious stuff can be perceived to be going through some issue; one who sends green jokes can be perceived to be naughty. Guilty?

In the era of facebooking, a one liner status update or a quote can bring too many conclusions as well.  Vaguebooking stirs the curiosity of your lurkers.  It somehow reflect the personality of the person but may not necessarily always reflect their thoughts.  Undeniably, others assume the message you wish to convey based on how they perceive you.  It could also be interpreted based on your last conversation or an incident which happened ages ago.  In the same way, we assume some things with their responses and the absence of emoticons, can be read differently.

Uploaded pictures can also shape the lifestyle of the owner, leading your contacts to think that those are the norm rather than an exception.  Too many times, I've been approached, especially by lurkers, I'd be surprised at how they perceive me to be, through my posts.  Looking at things differently, it becomes a good way to start a conversation and catch up.

"Marami ang namamatay sa maling akala." and I leave you with this quote:

Our thoughts are unseen hands shaping the people we meet.

Whatever we truly think them to be, that's what they'll become for us.

~Richard Cowper

Things may not always turn out how we want them, but the journey makes life worth living.  Have a great week ahead! :D