Today I went shopping for a new jacket, and it struck me that a lot of what I saw and didn't like, I disliked for reasons of association.
I would see a coat, or jacket, and shake my head at it, because it reminded me of some one... or because I thought it would make me look like some one I did not wish to be.

Since I've always been an introvert, I find this most amazing. Why do I care so much about how other people perceive me?

Question; how much of our self perception is influenced by our exterior?

Quite a lot.
I know that when I'm wearing something I think I look good in I'm a lot more outgoing, even when dealing with people who can't see me (as now). When I think of myself, it does make a big difference how I look and what I'm wearing- when I'm out of shape it effects the way I feel about myself in ways that are totally unrelated to physical health...