Mistaken Identity

Sometimes when I hear what people think of me, I’m genuinely surprised. It’s like they’ve built this livelier version of me in their heads. I’ll hear things like, “You be outside a lot,” “You seem like someone who’s cheated before,” or “You talk to a lot of people.” And I’m just there thinking, huh? Where’s all this even coming from?

First of all, I’ve never cheated a day in my life. Not once. Why cheat when I can just leave someone alone? And this idea that I’m always “outside”? Half the time when I’m out, it’s because I genuinely have to be. I sometimes dabble in events, run the club, business, or just show face at a birthday or support a friend’s event. My personal choice is a quiet, intimate setting every time. I’m not always outside just for the sake of it. I’d rather go out to eat, hit a chill lounge, do something fun, stay home and catch up with a few friends, be productive, or explore somewhere new.

The “talking to a lot of people” one is the funniest though. If you took my phone for a week, you’d probably be shocked. It’s usually the same few people you’ll see pop up. I’m not as socially active as people assume.

What’s mad is how quick people are to build assumptions about your character from minor interactions, how you look, a post, or something they half-heard from someone who barely knows you either. They see you out twice, or catch a glimpse of your lifestyle online, and suddenly they’ve diagnosed your whole persona.

It takes so little for someone to think they’ve got you figured out. A few pictures, a few moments, and there’s a whole story running with your name on it.

Haven’t you heard? “Assuming makes an ass out of you and me.”