The People You Bump Into

#215: When You're Ugly

Always look good. Because you might run into someone you wouldn't want to see you looking like a dish rag. I had a boss who always used to tell me this. I think I should remember to follow that more often.

Case 01:
Just got off the train. Looking like a hag. Tired. Can't be bothered to look decent. I just wanted to get home. Then someone crosses my field of vision. In that brief instant, there was recognition - in my head, probably across my face as well. It was her. The one before. And she was dressed in a nice blazer and a nice pair of pants. I must've looked like such a downgrade beside her. And my boss with angel wings while holding a pitch fork appeared on my shoulder. "What did I tell you? What do I keep on telling you about looking good???"

Case 02:
I promised myself I will look better today. Just before leaving the office, I re-touched my make-up and pulled my hair back nice and tight to look a little more polished and little less like shoe polish. I'm ready to run into anyone today. ANYONE. Then there he was, standing by the elevator doors. A hint of recognition lit up in my brain but I couldn't peg where he was from. He smiled as if expecting that I would naturally know him. Then as the elevator doors opened and he motioned for me to go in first, it hit me. It was the President of the company - of the Oceania region. Elevator pitch. Who are you? What do you do? What can you leave for him to remember you? Oh shoot. "Eherm... How are you doing?"
"Good, how about you?"
"Doing great...(awkward silence)... uhm.. I.. I'm an intern." (As if he asked.)
"Really? Under which department?" (He's probably thinking, we have interns??? That's OPEX!)
"Corporate strategy...."
"I see"
"I recognized you from the company newsletter"
"(Well you should because I'm only the President of this company.)" He nods.
Then we thankfully hit the ground floor. I give him a goodbye nod. (As if I really accomplished something by looking decent and engaging in an awkward exchange.) And I walk away thinking... thinking about how handy that advice was for today. I mean, if he won't remember me for being brilliant, at least he won't remember me for being such a dog.

I will always try to look good everyday.

Try.