Your Recovery Playbook

When you have blown a first impression, follow this sequence:

• Acknowledge — one honest sentence, no over-apologizing
• Reintroduce sooner — act before the bad story hardens
• Change the context — a new, lower-stakes setting
• Make it about them — open with genuine questions
• Show consistency — aim for three good interactions in a row

The worst move is avoiding the person entirely, which locks the bad impression in place. Lean in, show up differently, and let time do the rest.