How much do people really notice?

I didn't read the original Michelle Obama article but I do get the point. There have been plenty of times that I have been out an no one seems to even notice me. Ok, I do have some things going on with me that don't make me stand out (5ft 4ins, 126lbs) but nevertheless, if people have read me or not, they rarely let me know that they have .... which is dangerous, as it makes me think I'm more passable than I am. Oh well ... who knows or cares. I'm totally ok with them reading me and ignoring me :)

Most of us when we go out are overdressed, compared to others that we might run into. If we are overdressed, then we will stick out and will be noticed. I have followed the advice of my wife and dress more casually.

How much do people really notice? Well...if your hair or dress is on fire... :D

How many details can you recall about the last three people you saw in public? Age, shirt, shoes, eye color, nails, jewelry, complexion, hands, moles, scars, belt color, gait, stance, gestures, emotional state, and items they were holding. See how many you can list.

This issue and the answer is one of those "debatable" issues heavily influenced by what we choose to believe or deceive ourselves into disbelieving, as we filter our perceptions and logic to the point of justifying doing the things we want to do.

The closest think to a "correct" answer is that it depends upon the person presenting and the person observing. Is it possible to "go unnoticed"? Yes. Is it possible to identify even the most "passable" M>F or F>M? Yes. Some people are naturally more perceptive than others and good at "reading people". Some are quicker learners than others. Many just don't care. It has a lot to do with the scenario and amount of time people have to observe.

The more knowledge you acquire about sensory perception, human behavior, body language and "deception", the more proficient you will become in "blending in" and/or "recognition". Your expertise is a reflection of the effort you devote to perfecting it.

When I had an art glass business, my partner and I would invent games to play while standing for hours at our tables cutting glass. One of us would identify a person, place or thing we both witnessed, and we would compete to see who could recall the greatest number of details. (Alternating back/forth, one non-duplicate detail per person, until we were both "empty").

I used to tell people how much the technology in those street cameras can invade privacy.
I can't tell you how many times I hear this "Oh, they can't do that!" I don't even bother mentioning it anymore. I know this is a bit of digression from topic, but...

Think you can "hide" in a crowd? Let this image of a crowd at the 2011 Stanley Cup load, and then use the zoom control on left. (Wait for image to focus after you stop each time).
http://www.gigapixel.com/image/gigapan-canucks-g7.html

:love:

This is a good post and I have enjoyed reading every ones comments.
I always notice when I see a CD or trans person MtF or FtM. I am expert level at clocking gay people too.

People notice, they even feel us on a soul level.(I am a Mystic, Really:)
I live right out side of NYC and am in there allot and see some great looking cd's and trans people...and not so great looking too.
But I for one extend xtra love to those I see, and know that there is a more highly evolved spirit before me.
What I mean by xtra is I will make eye contact and smile or see them and welcome them as they are part of me.

Aww ... I used to live about 15 blocks from the street corner that Eluuzion posted, many moons ago. I have many fond memories of the place. :)

Fascinating technology.

I'm sure I get read by some , but as for negative comments, no, never. Also, being read and being noticed, are two different things we soon discover. I often make eye contact with women while shopping, I smile and they smile back. I believe women take notice in how someone else is dressed nicely, or with a hair style/color they like, or makeup they appreciate, or shoes they love, etc. I believe as someone that is out regularly, more often than not, that is my case. People are too busy living their daily lives to concern themselves about anyone else anyway. They may notice, but don't have time nor desire to comment, compliment, or criticize. They just want to go home and relax.

Yeah, most of us saw the contrived photos of Michelle Obama shopping "incognito" in the Target. The AP photographer "just happened to be there". She looks like a slob in the pictures. Lesson learned: if you want to blend into a crowd without being noticed, dress like a slob.