You do you.... that's what I love

Absolutely. Unfortunately a lot of us have spent a good part of our lives, especially in our formative years, feeling that who we are isn't good enough. Facing that truth can be painful and sometimes it takes a lot of insight and work to change that, and there can be many stops and starts in the challenge to move through that. In the long run though, it's definitely worth the journey.

It takes a lot of work to get there and some work to maintain this perspective or principle, but totally worth it IMO.

I'm still a work in progress, I care a little too much what some people think. Humans are social creatures, we need other humans and it can be hard to be a good, kind, compassionate person while simultaneously not wanting to please others a little bit.

The worst part is that you wind up surrounding yourself with people that your true self actually despises because they value all the traits you don't really have. In seeking acceptance by pandering to people who don't deserve our friendship, we set ourselves up for losing our own self-respect in the process. A lot of people do this, and it shouldn't make you sad - that is what they choose to do.

You can always block them. I haven't been here very long, but I've seen a couple of things that I absolutely won't put up with - a couple of clicks, and... Poof! Peace.

Hello beautiful

Wow

I had to forcibly train myself to be acceptable because I was told repeatedly that 'myself' was stupid, annoying, boring, et cetera. I couldn't find 'my people' until I became something worth getting to know.

Some of this comes from culture. I would say Western culture especially.

There is power in being our authentic selves, but this means mustering enough courage to resist the influence of our peers and our media.

No fake smiles or laughs. No feigned interest. No following fashion or trends. No following.

How many people have got the guts to be their authentic selves?

The problem with such people is that they really don't know who they are. That is, their self cincept is poor and their definition of self is diffuse.

I agree - but it feels lonely after being single for so long

I’m pretty much always me I think?? But I’m guessing this is why most people think I’m an asshole?!?

When I am who I am, I get castigated and reported. So what is the answer ?