On various occasions over the years, complete strangers have approached me and asked me (either directly or indirectly) if I was (A) a vicar (B) one of the 12 disciples of Christ (C) a trainspotter. All of them appeared quite serious.
The truth is, I was a railway worker when they thought I was a vicar, and Ive never been (B), but I have been trainspotting for 36 years now -so on that occasion they were spot on!
My friend is always getting mistaken for a doctor. He isnt one, but he does work in a hospital on the computers, so they were half right.
So my question to you is: Who or what do complete strangers think you are? Were they right, or miles out?
2007-12-02 10:14:38 · 17 answers · asked by dontknoweither 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
lol -some interesting answers here. simon267... I agree its not clever to take too much notice of what others may think -thats why I dont mind admitting the spotting (lynne). Nor do I link my self-worth with job -That wouldnt be smart either as Ive been a 'paperboy' for the last 15 years!
However, some cultures do seem to put emphasis on just this. Eg theres a Scandinavian country I believe which lists people in their phone directories under their occupation, would you believe. What does that say? And if youre unemployed, what then? Would you be in an under-the-counter supplement perhaps? Perish the thought!
2007-12-04 08:29:45 · update #1
a couple of people have thought i was this woman called Tracy, they started a full blown conversation with me asking how the kids were, family etc.... then went on to tell me about what they were planning to do at xmas etc...they chatted to me for about 20 mins then i had to tell them i wasn't who they thought i was they were so embarrassed they just turned and walked away from me! but i have been told before that i have a couple of doppelgangers where i live now, i've still to see them tho! hope this counts.
2007-12-02 10:38:52 · answer #1 · answered by lady p 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had 2 elderly ladies in Manchester, England come up to me wanting an autograph, after following me around for about 30 minutes, convinced I was Olivia Newton-John...never mind that I'm 15 years younger. I did take it as a compliment but set them straight.
I have also been told several times over the years that I look "European" (I'm American). I'm not even sure what that is supposed to mean. I'm a 2nd generation American on my dad's side (Sweden) and 2nd-generation American on my mom's (France) but as those are both western European countries, the physical characteristics are "blandly" Caucasian. When I ask what they mean, no one can seem to put their finger on it. Odd.
2007-12-02 10:29:55 · answer #2 · answered by thenightscribe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My grey hair indicates that I'm an old woman--that means "of no worth". Yet I've had a fascinating life--full of learning, accomplishment, joy and thankfullness!! I've been put "out to pasture" due to my age, but have a life-time of understanding and some wisdom to contribute. Yet, we cannot just wait nor bow to what people see! There are STILL wonderful things that we can contribute. We just have to HUNT for the opportunities!!
2007-12-02 10:28:18 · answer #3 · answered by Martell 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not even sure who I am, so it's not really important what anybody else thinks. Do you measure your value or status, or validate your identity by what you do for a job? I've been taken for a university lecturer but I'm a construction worker. I also play the banjo, so am I a banjo player? In 40 years I'll probably be dead, who will I be then?
2007-12-02 10:51:32 · answer #4 · answered by simon267901 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
once you're in London this is a cardinal sin to even look accidently at yet somebody else on a convention/tube - stay away from all eye touch in any respect expenses. I could think of commencing random conversations could deliver the international to a stop...
2016-09-30 11:25:39 · answer #5 · answered by bardin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A student at Oxford University (this always happens in shops). It's quite depressing sometimes because, obviously, I'm not, but I suppose flattering because I'm two years younger than most undergraduates and only starting A-levels.
So yes, I'm a student, but not there, so I guess their rough estimate is accurate enough.
:(
2007-12-03 05:37:33 · answer #6 · answered by Clare 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Either: Psycho Killer, Someone with The Answer or Adonis. Honest truth
2007-12-02 10:25:06 · answer #7 · answered by ret w 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
alot of it has to do with the energy in which you project; as for myself i'm quite interested in psychology as well as the medical field, therefore majority of the people think or rather assume that i'm in the medical field or counseling. the truth is i'm neither, i'm actually very well read in those areas as well as haveing parents in the medical field. but for the most part my deep inner interest is what perhaps leads people to believe that i may be in that line of work.
2007-12-02 10:40:05 · answer #8 · answered by joni 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im a pharmacy dispenser but people I meet for the first time think I am a therapist/psychologist or nurse.
2007-12-02 10:25:23 · answer #9 · answered by lozzielaws 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i've never been asked. they prob think im a weirdo though cos if im travelling on a bus or something, i jst stare into space lol
2007-12-02 10:22:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋