Chapter One:

Self-image interests my very much, but not in the usual sense. I've often found that just by looking at people, I can tell a lot about them. I can tell if they prefer socializing, or to remain aloof, as well as other personality aspects. So what about me? Well, that poses an interesting problem.

I don't really think that my appearance matches my personality. When I looking the mirror, I see a textbook nerd, bent on absorbing every fact it can find. I, on the other hand, I consider myself a visionary, someone who sees the world not in its current form, but as what it can turn into. Maybe I just need to spend more time with other people, but I often feel as if I exist at a higher level than everyone else‹a higher plane of reality, if you will. Then again, maybe my height has something to do with it.

Fortunately for me, my personality negates my appearance. I have a very cheerful attitude (mainly), and often speak my mind. I also like to tell jokes. I think that greatly helps me keep my self-image afloat.

A saying goes, "laughter is the best medicine." Actually, laughter is the best antidepressant. I may not look like John Belushi or Chris Farley, but I want people to associate me with humor. I want people to look at me and say, "There's a funny guy!" Then again, I also people to take me seriously. They should look at me and say, "There's a guy who knows what he's talking about."

So obviously, self-image depends on what others think of us (to a certain degree). After all, no one does anything for themselves these days.