Kayleigh
Hopey,I think we are talking about the same thing in slightly different terms. If I went into my workplace with new braces on my teeth, and someone mentioned it to me, I would probably feel like my boundaries had been crossed. (Even if it were a well-intentioned comment.) I don’t want comments on how I dress, beyond a “cute shoes” or “you look nice today” kind of thing. Privacy, introversion, independence, noncomformity—maybe all of these are factors.
Thinking about it, you’re right…it does discourage meaningful interactions, though.
In defense of us natives, sometimes newcomers can be insulting. I have been told many times how poorly Seattleites dress and how our work ethic isn’t as strong as “back East” (like a work/life balance is a BAD thing.) It doesn’t make me want to ask someone over for dinner if they think I dress too casually, don’t work hard enough, am not sophisticated enough, etc. It’s fine to have preferences, but not cool to look down on the place you are now calling “home.”
I’d be happy to meet folks for coffee sometime. I’m close to the very cool and funky C&P Coffee Company.