That Dreaded First Impression

They say we only get one chance to make a good first impression. True. Of course, the word 'First' suggests one, right.
So it better be good, right?
But it's pretty much a 50-50 split, isn't it? Let's face it, it's not just your kind words, ready smile, correct response, etc that you have to battle.
It's also the other person's attitude. And that is something we can't control. You can be the nicest, kindest person, with the most ready smile, but if that other person is in a crappy mood, or prejudiced in any way, you're screwed. Plain and simple. There is nothing under the sun that you can do to change them or the bad first impression you are about to make, or have just made.
I know what you're going to say. Just do it anyway. All you can do is control yourself.
So, with that in mind, allow me to turn this whole idea of first impressions on its head.
You have just met a person who has made a crappy first impression. What are you going to do about it?
Here's a thought. Get them to make a new first impression.
Well, I'm not talking about going back in time, although if I could, there would be some major changes in my life. 
Nope, I'm talking about the next time you meet that person who left a bad taste in your mouth. It doesn't matter whether or not they were at fault the first time, or whether or not they even care that they'd made a rotten first impression.
Forget it.
Start over. Let them, whether or not they know it, to make another first impression. And if that one is crappy, try for a third. And a fourth. If first impressions are so important, they should come with do-overs. 
Do them over.
Start again.
And if you know you've made a bad first impression, let it go. If you can ask to start over, and if they say no, or look at you like you've grown an extra head, remember, this is also their do-over, too. And they may need a third one of them.
Or a fourth.
Or as one famous person I know said, Seventy times seven.
Do what you can about your first impression, but whenever you can, allow the others who screwed up to try theirs again.