How do you think you come across to people when they first meet you?

A natural way to answer

I'd like to think I come across as friendly and approachable. I usually smile and ask people questions, so I hope the first impression is a warm one. That said, I'm probably a little reserved until I feel comfortable.

Key phrases to use

• stand-offish — unfriendly or distant in a way that keeps people at arm's length“She seemed stand-offish, but she's actually really warm.”
• sizing people up — quietly judging what someone is like before deciding how to act“He stood back, sizing everyone up before joining in.”
• wear my heart on my sleeve — to show your emotions openly rather than hiding them“I wear my heart on my sleeve, so you always know how I feel.”
• lay it on a bit thick — to exaggerate praise or emotion more than is necessary“He laid it on a bit thick with the compliments.”