You know what is an interesting exercise? Hearing yourself described by a person who is just getting to know you.

It gives you a glimpse of what kind of first impression you make, and sometimes it can provide clues as to how people perceive you, as opposed to how you think you are perceived.

Perception versus reality: they are not the same thing, but you think they are.

You know what else isn't quite the same? What you're saying and what you think you're saying.

Few people can be as objective as the lens of a camera when looking at and listening to another speak. And even with a camera lens, there are things such as distortions and aberrations; so it's actually a wonder we humans can communicate and make points at all, considering that we are dealing with flawed and selfish and downright WRONG ways of communicating and understanding each other.

Honestly, I am writing this and thinking about it and it just exhausts me.

Yes. I am going to therapy.