The first impression I want to give people is that I’m warm, kind, and approachable. People often see me as shy, quiet, or soft spoken at first, but that’s only one layer of who I am. I used to be that way when I was younger, before I found my voice and grew into myself.

I may be sweet. I care deeply and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt because I believe in giving others grace.

But here’s the spicy part. I can’t stand when people lack common sense, and I don’t take shit very well. Especially not when someone does me dirty after I’ve only ever done right by them. I don’t tolerate disrespect, and I don’t shrink myself for anyone’s comfort.

I want this to be my first impression because any time I’m anything other than soft spoken, people assume I’m upset or argumentative. In reality, I’m simply being honest, standing up for myself, or speaking with the same energy I’m given.

So the first impression I want to leave is this: sweet, with a little spice. Kind, but not a pushover. Soft when I choose to be, strong when I need to be, and always unapologetically myself.