Hey, Queen B and DoD,
If we are talking 'that surface stuff' -- ie other people's perception -- well, it can be really funny what other people percieve that has absolutely nothing to do with reality.
I recieved a UPS package recently. I went at 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. to pick up my package. The only folks at the office was the guy in charge of maintenance and the woman who cleans the apartments when folks move out. She didn't recognize me and asked which apartment I lived in. He "explained" to her that I must have a second residence and that is why she 'never saw me'.
At first, I figured the guy was joking. We live on one income and probably have the rattiest car in the parking lot. For someone to think I have a bigger house somewhere else and I keep this little apartment in addition to my mansion and just stay here occasionally, was mindboggling. Then I realized: people hardly ever see me because I tend to sleep days, people don't see my kids that much in part because one of them also has serious health problems and does not play outside, people don't see my husband much because he works long hours and goes out of town frequently, and this guy -- as the maintenance man -- probably has no clue what my ratty car looks like, he only knows what awesome decor I have. (I have awesome decor in part because I am housebound a lot -- I am here "24/7", so it is really important to me that the furnishings work hard and look great.)
So, since I don't have a lifestyle like other people, don't have a schedule like other people, don't have the same priorities as other people and am generally 'out of step' with 'normal' people, I am this mysterious, exotic woman with this mysterious, exotic lifestyle. Rather than guessing the truth -- that I just hardly ever leave the house -- folks figure I am off elsewhere much of the time, living my exotic and mysterious life and apparently doing so with style and tons of money. Gosh, I am such an Interesting Individual -- until you get to know me. lol.
And this is hardly the first time in my life where a casual conversation with someone revealed perceptions of me that were completely erroneous and far more Interesting/exotic-sounding than my actual Reality.
Maybe we should start a new thread: do other people have 'alter egos' that make them SOUND like 'bad' boys or girls? Do other people get asked about their fascinating, jet-set lifestyle (that doesn't actually exist)?