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How to not look aggressive

As live-in carers we are normally a self-assured group of people who adapt quickly to different situations that we face. We manage very effectively to get ourselves from other countries to the UK and then move all around to our placements.

Not only are live-in carers self-assured, but we are independent. Once we are at our placements it is out job most of the time to assume the role of organizer. We organize doctor’s visits, order, and collect medication, ensure that it is taken on time, all the time, and generally try to make the placement run as smoothly as possible.

All this can sometimes give other people the impression that live-in carers are firm to aggressive. With clients, some of whom are weak and ill, this may not be the best impression to give when you arrive.

There are several things which can give the appearance of being more self-assertive and aggressive than we truly are, but one of the easiest to change may be clothing, so let’s look at colors of what we wear.

Science has shown that the clothing we wear affects our behavior, as well as our attitude and moods. It can also affect our self-confidence and the way we appear to other people.

A group of volunteers was asked to comment on people dressed in different colors. Interestingly, the people dressed in red and black appeared fiercer and angrier than those dressed in other colors.

While we can all relate to waving a red flag at a bull, it seems that this is carried down into the way people perceive our characters to be, based on the color we wear. There is a clear association between red and the perception of anger.

Additionally, people who dress in black are also seen as more aggressive, and while this may be perfect for a fast-paced job, it may not suit working with a timid client.

Do the clothes you wear affect your behaviour?

Researchers have studied this and concluded that there are some psychological changes that happen to us when we wear certain colours. Clothes and their colours affect our attitudes, moods, and personalities to a greater degree than we may realise.

What colours will make us look friendly?

In clothing that has a lower degree of contrast such as grey and blue, instead of black and white, people appear more friendly and approachable.

Let’s look at colours

  • Dark colours are seen as dominant
  • Light colours make the wearer appear friendly and easy to approach
  • Bright colours will convey confidence
  • Muted shades will always appear less threatening

Picking your colours

Blue

Blue has always been regarded as a colour for calming a situation. It is seen as one of the most stable colours which means in an atmosphere where there is tension and strife, blue may work to counter the tension and calm things down.

Green

Whether these are deep greens or rich olive greens, this colour delivers a therapeutic feeling in a space. In turmoil it is an ideal colour to calm things down.

Yellow

While yellow is always associated with happiness and joy, it is also classed as an unstable colour because it brings too much energy to a situation.

Red

Red is the colour of aggression and passion. Great for a first date but may not be suitable for meeting a client for the first time. It can also be seen as a hostile colour; it raises blood pressure and increases metabolism.

Black

Black in the office can convey mystery and suspense, but to a client wearing black may mean that you are somewhat more aggressive and assertive.

Final thoughts

If your favorite colors are red and black then you may want to think twice about wearing them with a client who, possibly due to dementia, is already aggravated and stressed out, as they may see these colors as a sign of aggression coming from you.

While it is perfectly fine to wear any colour you like when you are at home or go out, working with a client where you want to keep things as calm as possible may mean that you reconsider our color chart and opt for calmer colors like blue and green.

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