First Impressions

I am overweight (not by a lot but according to all the "official" people I am).

I dress conservatively.

Despite being overweight I take the time to care about my appearance.

I like my hair to be done, my make up put on and to be dressed for the occasion every day.

Why am I mentioning this? Because for once, despite what I have always said, I have realized how quickly first impressions are made.

I went on a cruise out of Miami. A cruise that would be considered inexpensive to those that live within driving distance to the port. A three day getaway with an all you can eat feast, bars, entertainment and sun!

Seriously, what an interesting group of people on board. I was SHOCKED at how many of them dressed. SHORT skirts that barely covered their behinds, bikinis that showed so much they had to "tuck themselves" back in when they got up, pants that barely buttoned, shirts with so much cleavage it almost seemed like the shirt itself was an after thought.

Although I personally don't like to "show my stuff" I've never really minded when others do. Hey, its their body, they can do what they want with it. But these crossed the line. An over weight woman can find flattering clothes if she wants to and even if she can't she can certainly find clothes that fit. I felt like I had walked into High School where everyone was out to show what they've got and I wanted to be the principal who would enforce some sort of dress code.

My first impression wasn't good. The thought of "paid escort" ran through my head more times than I care to count. I just wonder if they know what their first impression was.

Now I have a good example when I tell my kids how important first impressions are. And I also know not to take my kids on a "short, inexpensive cruise out of Miami" (or most likely any other cruise port near a large city).