Why do we feel a need to be someone we aren’t? Do we shape ourselves in certain social environments to find a sense of acceptance? Or do we do it because we believe our true self doesn’t measure up? Regardless, being fake will eventually catch up with you. People can usually read between the lines, eventually leading to torn relationships and a damaged reputation.

Personally, for me, I limit social interaction with anyone that I deem to be phony. For me, why engage with someone who isn’t true to themselves? I find them to have underlying issues they aren’t willing to address. They haven’t figured out that suppressing them will only create more problems long term. It’s better to face them and fix them. You can’t build a healthy relationship if you aren’t willing to display an actual image of yourself. That leads to an empty life.

Some people are doing it just to fit in. This is just as toxic because people will never know the true you. You should be proud of who you are. If you can’t find acceptance, move on. They are not your people. Why would you want to be around people who don’t appreciate you? People need fulfilling relationships in their lives. You can’t have this if you can’t be yourself. It’s okay to have a difference of opinion or a different background, etc. If you are respectful, most people can appreciate the difference in opinion. Though you can still have those that choose to be hasty but don’t let that minority group of people influence you to be someone you’re not.  

Authenticity is good for your mental state of mind. Because you have accepted yourself, this will lead to higher levels of happiness and fulfillment. This doesn’t mean you can forget about how you treat someone. Work on your flaws and become the best version of yourself. One of the main reasons people are depressed is that they feel they can’t be themselves. They suppress every aspect of who they are. Views are often negative, leading to further demise. When you live authentically, you don’t have to worry about what you said (or didn’t say), how you acted, or whether you did the right thing. Living authentically means you can trust yourself and your motivations completely.  

Realize you can’t get everyone to like you, so stop trying. Fix things that you don’t like about yourself. Love yourself, and have the courage to be you, thus following a path to be kind and respectful to others. I guarantee you will find life so rewarding if you see the value of being authentic.