"Il vaut mieux être examiné qu'ignoré"

Sometimes in life, it's better to catch someone's eye, even if it means they're judging you, rather than blending into the background completely. The core idea here is simple: visibility matters. When you're seen, you have a chance to make an impression—good or bad. When you're invisible, no one even knows you exist.

This quote has been floating around for a while, often attributed to Mae West, the famous actress known for her wit and unapologetic attitude. She lived in a time when women were expected to conform to certain societal standards, but she broke those norms by being bold and attention-grabbing. It's a reminder that sometimes, making waves is better than staying silent.

Let's think about a real-life example. Imagine a marketing job opening. Two candidates apply. One has a stellar resume but sticks to generic cover letters and emails. The other has a decent resume but writes a cover letter that's engaging, shares a unique story, and even adds a bit of humor. The hiring manager might think, "Huh, this person is interesting." The first candidate is overlooked; the second is looked over—and maybe even gets the job.

So how do you apply this in your own life? Well, start by not being afraid to stand out. Whether it's at work, in your social circles, or even on social media—don't be just another face in the crowd. Share your opinions, let your personality shine, and don't shy away from being a little different. Yes, some people might not like it, but that's okay. The ones who do will appreciate you all the more.

Picture this: You're at a networking event. Everyone's making small talk, trying hard not to say anything that might ruffle feathers. You, on the other hand, decide to tell a funny story about a mistake you made early in your career. People laugh, they relax, they start sharing their own stories. By the end of the night, people remember you as the person who was honest and relatable—not just another face in the crowd.

So next time you're faced with the choice of playing it safe or taking a risk to stand out, think of Mae West. Being looked over might be a little scary, but it's a lot better than being overlooked. After all, life's too short to blend in.

Embrace your quirks, share your unique experiences, and don't be afraid to take up a little space. You'll find that when you stop worrying about fitting in, you start fitting into places and situations you never imagined possible. And that, my friend, is the real magic of being looked over.