By SheelaR

Let’s talk about something that’s bugging me lately. It may or may not be personal…so don’t read too much into it: the performative aspect of relationships. You know what I mean? Sometimes it feels like we’re all just putting on a show, acting out of character to keep the peace and avoid stepping on toes. It’s like we’ve traded our authentic selves for a version that’s more palatable to our interpersonal relationships. 

Think about it. You find yourself holding back your true opinions, laughing at jokes that aren’t funny, or even dressing a certain way just to make someone else happy. Sure, there’s compromise and consideration in any relationship, but when does it cross the line into straight-up performance? It’s exhausting! 

I’m not saying we should unleash all our quirks and flaws at once like a bomb just waiting to go off. But it’s crazy to think how much we modify our behaviors to fit into what we think our partner wants. What happens if we stripped away the facades and just let our real selves shine through? Scary thought, right? You might even realize that people would be turned off by the unfiltered you. That’s a pretty wild notion: the idea that the person who’s supposed to love us most might not even vibe with the raw version of ourselves.

It makes you wonder—are we really in it for love, or are we just trying to avoid conflict? The fear of rejection can turn the most confident people into caricatures of themselves. We start to believe that our worth is tied up in how others perceive us. But at what cost? Relationships should ideally be about acceptance and growth, not tiptoeing around each other’s sensitivities.

I guess I’m just saying, maybe we should embrace our authentic selves a bit more. Yes, there’s a time for tact, but there’s also a time for honesty. If we can’t be real with our interpersonal relationships, can we ever really open up and build that deep connection we’re all searching for?  It’s a delicate balance, but I’m convinced that authenticity is key. Let’s try to foster relationships where we can be our true selves, even if it feels a bit messy at times. Because honestly, who wants to live a lie?