The Pathological Need to Be Seen a Certain Way

Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash

Impression management is a psychological device that we use to influence the ways that others experience us. You can use this device consciously, subconsciously, or some mixture of both.

This device is not inherently evil nor is it limited to use by psychopaths masquerading as trustworthy people. We all conduct some form of impression management. When we meet someone, we try to make…