Advice Column #3

Dear Dude: Why do people constantly compare themselves to others? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Comparing in Cabri

Dear Comparing in Cabri: It is normal for people to compare themselves to others because it is a natural human instinct to fit in. When people compare themselves to other people they are making sure that they fit in with the group they wish to be associated with. However if you are comparing yourself in a way that makes you look bad, you are likely to have drop in self-esteem. In this way it would be a bad thing so you should probably limit how much you compare yourself to others, that way you don't have to worry about having to be better or worse then someone else.
Sincerely, Dude
http://zenhabits.net/lifes-enough-stop-comparing-yourself-to-others/

Dear Dude: I recently read an ad in the paper that was looking for a sales associate position. At the end of the ad it said to make sure that you show up in dress clothes when applying. I found this rather odd. Why would she specify that in the ad? Does this have to do with making a good first impression? How important is a first impression anyway? I have good references, isn't that enough?
Perplexed in Ponteix

Dear Perplexed in Ponteix: Well first off, let me say that first impressions are important because the first few moments when you meet someone is how they are going to see you until they know you really well. This is natural instinct from when we had to decide quickly if someone was a friend or a foe upon first sight since survival was an important aspect of life back then. Also to be a sales associate you would need to have a certain amount of professionalism. So wearing snazzy clothes would be important for this position. Besides who wants to work with a slob?
Sincerely: Dude

www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200405/the-first-impression
www.psychologytoday.com/basics/first-impressions
http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar05/slices.aspx