Rules for Making a Positive Impression
Principles of Similarity and Contrast
The quickest way to understand the person in front of us is through our schemas. For example, when we see a person helping an elderly person on the street, we think they are helpful. Our schema for helpfulness immediately kicked in. Another characteristic is gestures and facial expressions. The fastest and most striking are gestures and facial expressions. This also comes into play when forming first impressions. Speaking kindly, leaning forward while talking, making eye contact or not... These are also processes that affect the first impression. Other important characteristics in forming impressions are the principles of similarity and contrast. For example, if you have a friendship with a beautiful girl, after a while, you will also be perceived as beautiful, attractive, or handsome; this is a feature of the principle of similarity. If Oğuz and Reha Muhtar (there is also an age difference between them) hang out together, Oğuz will be perceived as more handsome than he is. This is a characteristic given by the principle of contrast. Oğuz and Reha Muhtar have very different physical characteristics. Later, if Oğuz and Ahmet hang out together, Ahmet will also be perceived as handsome because Oğuz is handsome (due to the principle of similarity).
