Are these two things the same, that is the way you see yourself versus the way you believe you are seen by others?
How do you know that people see you the same (or how do you know that people see you differently from the way you see yourself)?
Why do you think it even matters, that is, how you see yourself versus how you are seen by others?
Don't you think that you can answer these questions better than a retired octogenarian?
What does your text say about this topic? This is a very complex issue that has been studied. There are several ways of looking at it. What I studied when I was in school might be considered incorrect by your teacher or the people who wrote your text materials. Us your assigned materials and class notes to answer.
Do others make comments about you to you? If so, do you agree with those comments?
The way you see yourself and the way you believe you are seen by others are not necessarily the same. It is important to understand that perception can vary between individuals, and different people may have different interpretations of who you are.
To determine whether people see you the same or differently from how you see yourself, there are a few methods you can try:
1. Self-reflection: Take some time to reflect on your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and compare them to how you think others perceive you. Are there any inconsistencies or discrepancies? This self-analysis can offer insights into how you perceive yourself versus how you believe others see you.
2. Feedback: Seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues who know you well. They can provide valuable perspectives on how you are perceived by others. Ask them for their honest opinions, and be open to constructive criticism.
3. Observing others' reactions: Pay attention to how people react to your behavior, communication style, or appearance. Nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can reveal whether someone agrees or disagrees with your self-perception.
4. Cultural context: Keep in mind that perceptions can be influenced by cultural norms and expectations. People from different cultural backgrounds may have varying views on certain traits or behaviors.
Why does it matter how you see yourself versus how you are seen by others? Here are a few reasons:
1. Self-awareness: Understanding how you are perceived by others can enhance your self-awareness and help you align your self-perception with reality. It allows you to identify areas for personal growth and self-improvement.
2. Relationships: Perception plays a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships. If there is a significant disconnect between how you see yourself and how others see you, it can lead to miscommunication, misunderstandings, and strained relationships. Being aware of others' perceptions can help you navigate social interactions more effectively.
3. Personal development: By understanding how you are perceived, you can work on enhancing your strengths and addressing any areas that may need improvement. This self-improvement journey can contribute to personal growth and help you become a better version of yourself.
In summary, while the way you see yourself may not always align with how others see you, it is valuable to gain insights into others' perceptions for self-awareness, relationship building, and personal development. Self-reflection, feedback, observing reactions, and cultural context are all useful tools to gauge the perception gap between yourself and others.