STOP PRETENDING: HOW TO ACTUALLY BE AUTHENTIC

Let’s be brutally honest—you’re not "finding yourself." You’re hiding yourself.

Behind filters, rehearsed answers, and whatever personality you think will get you liked. And guess what? It’s exhausting everyone, including you.

This isn’t some fluffy self-help lesson. This is a wake-up call.

1. THAT "FILTERED" VERSION OF YOU? IT’S EXHAUSTING

You know the drill—laughing at jokes that aren’t funny, nodding along when you disagree, pretending to be "fine" when you’re not. It’s draining, and deep down, it feels like a lie.

Do this instead:
→ Start small. Next time someone asks how you are, try "Honestly? I’ve been better." See what happens.
→ Pay attention to when you’re performing. Just noticing is the first step.

2. YOUR "WEIRD" IS YOUR SUPER POWER

That thing you love but never talk about? That opinion you keep to yourself? That’s where the magic is. The right people will appreciate it—and the wrong ones? They don’t matter.

Do this instead:
→ Share one thing you usually keep hidden—a hobby, a thought, a preference.
→ Lean into your quirks instead of apologizing for them.

3. YOU DON’T OWE ANYONE FAKE AGREEMENT

Saying "yes" when you mean "no" isn’t being nice—it’s being dishonest. And it chips away at your self-respect.

Do this instead:
→ Practice: "I don’t think I agree, but I’d love to hear why you feel that way."
→ If you’re not feeling it, say "I’ll pass this time" instead of making excuses.

4. THE RIGHT PEOPLE WILL STICK AROUND

If someone only likes the performance of you, they don’t actually like you. And that’s completely fine! The people who matter? They’ll stay.

Do this instead:
→ Notice who makes you feel safe to be yourself. Spend more time with them.
→ Let go of relationships where you constantly have to shrink.

THE UNFILTERED TRUTH:

Authenticity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. The more you show up as yourself, the more life starts to fit.

So, where will you start? 

Reply and tell me one small way you’ll be more you this week.

If you have ideas for upcoming episodes, just reply to this email and let us know

See you in the next email,

By Unfiltered.