We Get Treated the Way We Allow

Okay, brace yourself—this might make you a little uncomfortable, but stick with me. From my own experiences, those of my friends, and just plain common sense, here’s my take on things:

Everything we do—what we say, how we dress, how we act, how we talk—sends a message. Whether we mean for it to or not, it’s out there.

Let’s talk about costumes for a moment. Ever notice how some people react to certain outfits? A guy in Renaissance-era tights might draw a few curious glances, just as a woman in a belly dancer or wench costume might. The intent behind these choices isn’t always to provoke, but that’s often how it’s perceived.

I had a little wardrobe mishap recently. I adjusted a dress to make the neckline more comfortable but ended up lowering it a bit too much. It’s not exactly scandalous, but it’s not what I intended. I’m planning to add some lace to raise the neckline back up to keep things modest yet flattering. Why? Because I want my clothes to match who I am and what I stand for. I don’t want my outfit to say one thing while my words and actions say another.

It’s all about aligning your appearance with your values. I don’t want my everyday clothes—or any outfit I wear—to give off the wrong impression. I’m not looking to make anyone think I’m something I’m not.

If you want to be treated with respect, dressing and acting in a way that reflects that respect is key. Whether you’re at a Renaissance fair, school, work, or anywhere else, how you present yourself matters.

So, let’s dress with intention and act with integrity. It’s the best way to ensure we’re treated the way we want to be.