I hear you, & I understand why you feel the need to pretend. You are pretending to look strong so others don’t label you as “too sensitive,” which could hurt you even more. This struggle is valid, & many of us feel the need to put on a brave face to avoid judgment or criticism.

Now that we understand the reason behind it & acknowledge that it’s hard, let’s delve deeper.

Why Do We Pretend?

Often, there’s a pressure to conform to others’ expectations. If we don’t, we might be judged by our own friends & people around us. However, conforming to their expectations without fulfilling our own can make us feel even more disconnected & misunderstood.

Pretending to be happy can feel like wearing a mask that hides your true self. In social situations, this might help avoid uninvited attention & judgments. But as humans, we still need to process the emotions & feelings that get triggered.

At this moment, consider having this conversation with yourself:

“I am sorry for forcing myself to hide my true emotions. I feared judgment and wanted to fit in, but in doing so, I neglected my own needs. It’s okay to be sensitive and to feel deeply. Dear self, can you forgive me for not allowing you to be authentic, to be you?”

And let yourself feel the feelings that are there.

Remember, it’s okay to be sensitive & to show your true emotions. Being genuine with yourself & others is crucial for your well-being. You deserve to be understood & accepted for who you are, not for the mask you wear.

I am also a very sensitive & emotional person, & thanks to that, I am able to write these kinds of posts & assist those who seek my help.

If you are seeking someone to talk to, I’m here to support you.  Let’s have a 1:1 conversation to help you process these overwhelming emotions & find ways to be authentic while maintaining your well-being. I’m just one ‘Hi’ away.

With empathy and understanding,

Ambidextrous Anmol,

Psychology Professional Propelled by Passion, Positivity, & Purpose.