Why are we so obsessed with making an impression?

rowdytiger said:Rosie, are you secretly some kind of astrological anomaly or what? 😉

So, what would an answer actually look like from someone who isn't just playing a part?
What does "acting" even mean in this context? I’m getting the impression that people use that word whenever they simply disagree with you.

Quinn:

Basically, people do things to get something out of it. It's all about self-interest. At its core, society is just a collection of individuals looking out for themselves.

That's been the case since the dawn of time. It's nothing new—old news at this point.🤷

edit: Looking back at the whole thread, you really went off on a tangent there.😕

restlesstiger49 said:I’m just taking the initiative to start this discussion.

So what, everyone who starts a new thread is just venting their frustration?

rowdytiger said:Why are people constantly on these massive ego trips? Why does everyone act like they’re the center of the universe? Why is there this desperate, pathetic need to force an impression on everyone else—like, love me or hate me, just please, for the love of God, acknowledge that I'm special? 😉Seriously?

What’s even the point? Who actually cares about making an impression? 🤷And why can't people just be themselves for once?

Nowadays, being a totally normal, regular person makes you special—which, I guess, is getting pretty hard to find. 🤷 😉

Eric Gray2 said:So, what would an answer actually look like from someone who isn't just playing a part?
What does "acting" even mean in this context? I’m getting the impression that people use that word whenever they simply disagree with you.

Quinn:

Basically, people do things to get something out of it. It's all about self-interest. At its core, society is just a collection of individuals looking out for themselves.

That's been the case since the dawn of time. It's nothing new—old news at this point.🤷

edit: Looking back at the whole thread, you really went off on a tangent there.😕

Look, not acting means me telling you right now how sexy you are just because you actually have some tolerance left for me. Acting would be if I sat here trying to win an argument just to prove I'm smarter than you and feed my own massive ego. But honestly? Right now, I'm just speaking from the heart.

Quinn:

It’s been like that since the beginning of time. Don't tell me something I already know.🤷

Well, then interest itself is built on nothing but acting.

Quinn:

edit: you basically made this whole post off-topic😕

Yeah, it's off-topic, because the rest of it sounded like absolute nonsense to me. And I can't stand nonsense. For God's sake, I read Bukowski!

rowdytiger said:hollowskipper15, maybe once Mexico realizes they aren't some powerhouse like Bismarckian Germany and finally drops these infantile delusions about a Greater Mexico, things might actually change. Once they realize that Mexicans aren't some heroic people, but just a bunch of cowards who only pick fights with smaller, weaker groups instead of facing actual giants, then—and only then—might we see some positive things written about them. Right now, the whole thing is just built on myths and deep-seated manipulation.

Look, Americans don't hate Mexicans. What we hate is that delusional, moronic dream of "Greater Mexico" that tries to swallow up our own land. It’s simple math. Once you finally shut down those parasites who act like they own our people, maybe—just maybe—things between us will actually change. If you want respect from us, try showing some respect to Americans first. It’s a two-way street. Until then, staying out of your business and quietly sidestepping your drama is the only sane way to handle this. Go fix your own house before you come around here trying to lecture us on how to live.

Because living a lie is straight-up toxic for both the individual and society at large. Sure, snapping out of an illusion is a painful, messy process, but in the long run, it's medicinal—it’s actually incredibly good for your character.

Heh... oh really? Who exactly is making that claim?🙂 Where are these "healed" people who supposedly walked that grueling, painful path you're talking about?🙂

Red pill or blue pill? (:matrix:) 😍

rowdytiger said:So what, everyone who starts a new thread is just venting their frustration?

Not necessarily, and certainly not for every topic. However, when someone kicks off a thread like this one, it feels like they're being rattled by everyone else's selfishness. It seems like they're looking for a fight online, probably hoping other users will just nod along and give them a pat on the back for their views. But let's stop drifting off-topic.

rowdytiger said:So what, everyone who starts a new thread is just venting their frustration?

Because it feels good.🤷

restlesstiger49 said:Not necessarily, and certainly not for every topic. However, when someone kicks off a thread like this one, it feels like they're being rattled by everyone else's selfishness. It seems like they're looking for a fight online, probably hoping other users will just nod along and give them a pat on the back for their views. But let's stop drifting off-topic.

Because it feels good.🤷

Look, nothing is "getting under my skin." Seriously. Have you ever actually heard of being curious?

restlesstiger49 said:Not necessarily, and certainly not for every topic. However, when someone kicks off a thread like this one, it feels like they're being rattled by everyone else's selfishness. It seems like they're looking for a fight online, probably hoping other users will just nod along and give them a pat on the back for their views. But let's stop drifting off-topic.

Because it feels good.🤷

What exactly is supposed to feel good?

Here’s an example for you.

Think about it—people brush their teeth, shower, shave, put on makeup, dress up nicely, and all that stuff. Isn't that basically just managing how others perceive you? Like, if you're heading into a job interview at a place like Goldman Sachs, you aren't showing up in gym shorts, right? You'll wear something more formal to control that first impression. It’s your way of signaling that you actually care, that you want the gig, and that you're a conscientious person...

Or even just going on a date. You probably wouldn't show up sweaty and covered in dirt. You'd take a shower, splash on some cologne, pick out a clean outfit... it's all just impression management. 🙂

P.S. Are you reading any Bukowski lately? 😍>

To put it bluntly—short and sweet—it’s all because of this.

I’m not even going to bother quoting anyone... Everyone is just desperate to make an impression. Even right now, while we're typing, we're all trying too hard to look smart, cool, charming, or funny. It's exhausting. ☕

Honestly, right now? I just want to get laid. I couldn't care less about making an impression or looking sophisticated.

rowdytiger said:Honestly, right now? I just want to get laid. I couldn't care less about making an impression or looking sophisticated.

🤣

Well, at least you're being honest about it. 😁

rowdytiger said:Meta, X, those online forums... don't you see what's actually happening here? The whole point of these social gatherings is to alienate people. They just want to dump a bunch of pseudo-intellectual psychology and sociology definitions on your head to make you feel small. It's all a setup to push everyone apart.

What kind of interest rate are you even looking at here? Seriously, what’s the play?

Look, let’s be real here—some things in life just aren't free. You want the good stuff? You gotta pay the price. Period.

How do people actually go about broadening their horizons and stacking up new experiences? Honestly, I feel like most people just stay stuck in their little bubbles, scrolling through the same three apps and talking to the same group of people they’ve known since high school. It’s easy to get comfortable, sure, but comfort is where growth goes to die. If you really want to shake things up, you can't just sit around waiting for life to happen to you. You have to go out there and grab it. For me, it’s about getting uncomfortable. Travel is the obvious answer—not just sitting in a resort sipping a drink, but actually getting lost in a new city, trying food you can't pronounce, and realizing the world is way bigger than your hometown. And don't even get me started on reading. People act like books are some chore, but if you aren't reading stuff that challenges your worldview, you’re basically choosing to stay ignorant. You need to dive into perspectives that make you scratch your head or even make you a little angry. That’s how you learn. It takes guts to step outside what you know. Most people are terrified of looking stupid or being wrong, so they just stick to the status quo. But if you want to actually *live*, you’ve gotta be willing to fail, be a beginner at something, and embrace the chaos. Otherwise, what's the point?

Is it because of some great acting? 🤷

If I were going to go full ad hominem on you, I’d tell you that even asking a question like that proves you’re just part of the unwashed masses. Honestly, that kind of "logic" is exactly what I’d expect from someone at your stage of life. You’ll either eventually grow up and actually wrap your head around how things work, or you won’t—and then you’ll just spend the rest of your life stuck in that category of people who are fundamentally incapable of grasping reality. But hey, let's not stoop to ad hominem attacks. That's not how a real debate works.

Look, I’m telling you right now—keep those spicy takes coming. Honestly, you’re way more fun when you’re actually being real with me than when you're sitting there giving me those empty, hollow lectures on how we're "supposed" to have a polite little debate. Just be yourself. 🙄

My goal was just to show how out of line that approach is; it wasn't about being "honest." I can't really be "honest" since I don't know you at all—I've barely read a few posts here. Totally intimidated by your massive intellect, so I surrender and I'm heading out with my tail between my legs. 😉

Everyone loves to brag about their own ride... mostly because nobody else is looking

Brandon Anderson542 said:My goal was just to show how out of line that approach is; it wasn't about being "honest." I can't really be "honest" since I don't know you at all—I've barely read a few posts here. Totally intimidated by your massive intellect, so I surrender and I'm heading out with my tail between my legs. 😉

"I can't be sincere because I don't know you?" 🤔 Seriously? How on earth are you supposed to get to know me if you're busy being fake? If you're just going to build up these massive walls and hide behind all these high-brow intellectual concepts?

My goal isn't to beat you down or win some argument; I actually want to reach you, to really get to know who you are. Why do you have to take this as a direct assault on your ego? These ego-defense mechanisms are incredibly thick—they basically live off doubt and projected fears... and honestly, I was just looking for some actual conversation. Just relax and let me get to know you. 😉 I'll even throw in a free massage. 😉

Modern civilization, at its very core, is built upon the art of performance and the calculated manipulation of public perception.

Why is there this relentless, almost primal urge within people to curate an idealized version of themselves for the world to see? It’s quite obvious, isn't it? This constant masquerade serves as a tool, helping them navigate social hierarchies and secure the specific objectives they deem essential to their success.

rowdytiger said:"I can't be sincere because I don't know you?" 🤔 Seriously? How on earth are you supposed to get to know me if you're busy being fake? If you're just going to build up these massive walls and hide behind all these high-brow intellectual concepts?

My goal isn't to beat you down or win some argument; I actually want to reach you, to really get to know who you are. Why do you have to take this as a direct assault on your ego? These ego-defense mechanisms are incredibly thick—they basically live off doubt and projected fears... and honestly, I was just looking for some actual conversation. Just relax and let me get to know you. 😉 I'll even throw in a free massage. 😉

Regarding that response—which some might call pointless—I already tried explaining in your DMs that I was being benevolently ironic. I was referring to your tendency to try to "prove" you're smarter than anyone who disagrees with you.
But seeing as you've decided to keep this performative vibe going here (a free massage, seriously?!?!), here's the answer you didn't ask for: go outside and try "acting" (aka having actual social contact) with women your own age. Try to grasp the fact that people seeing things differently than you doesn't mean they're being fake or "acting"; it means they are individual human beings with their own unique experiences and values. It's on you to learn their story and share yours. Who knows, you might actually learn something or teach someone else along the way. 🙂 If your inability to successfully "act" is what drove you to start this thread, maybe analyze your mistakes and move on. Or at least move on from my insignificance. 😳 Good luck!

Brandon Anderson542 said:Regarding that response—which some might call pointless—I already tried explaining in your DMs that I was being benevolently ironic. I was referring to your tendency to try to "prove" you're smarter than anyone who disagrees with you.
But seeing as you've decided to keep this performative vibe going here (a free massage, seriously?!?!), here's the answer you didn't ask for: go outside and try "acting" (aka having actual social contact) with women your own age. Try to grasp the fact that people seeing things differently than you doesn't mean they're being fake or "acting"; it means they are individual human beings with their own unique experiences and values. It's on you to learn their story and share yours. Who knows, you might actually learn something or teach someone else along the way. 🙂 If your inability to successfully "act" is what drove you to start this thread, maybe analyze your mistakes and move on. Or at least move on from my insignificance. 😳 Good luck!

Fine, fine. I guess I need to grow up. Maybe you're right. I'll chill out. I shouldn't let little punks like me get under your skin when you're such a poised, balanced, and mature lady with such clear principles and constructive views on life. My bad if it seemed like I was attacking your personal integrity—which, obviously, has been carefully cultivated over many years. Just as a gesture of pure courtesy toward you, I'm backing off and will steer clear of your greatness from now on. 😉

rowdytiger said:Honestly, right now? I just want to get laid. I couldn't care less about making an impression or looking sophisticated.

Well, you pretty much answered your own question there, because if you actually want to get laid, you're eventually going to have to make some kind of impression. It’s just how it works—people leave impressions. Everyone wants to be their best self just so they can have enough people around them, since humans aren't built to live in total isolation; if you look at nature or even just basic history, it's clear you have a better shot at surviving in a group, and to be part of a group, you either have to fit in or prove you bring something valuable to the table.

And deep down, you *do* want to make an impression, so let's not play pretend here. You're acting all tough, basically dancing on the edge of being disrespectful to other people on this forum, and whenever someone disagrees with you, you immediately take this high-and-mighty,wannabe-cynical tone... but really, you're just a kid going through a super typical phase for your age. Like, oh, you read Bukowski? Big deal. Nobody asked, so why even bring it up? You want to make an impression? Trust me, the whole world's already reading him.

The whole point of your post is totally lost.

@Almost Rosie, I hope you don't end up deleting this, because even though it feels a little personal, it actually ties back to the topic quite a bit. 🙂