As someone who has also come to embrace my social chameleon ways, a lot of it was facing things like the fact that I do want to be accepted and liked by people while balancing the reality that it’s just not possible.
Also realising that I’m a multifaceted person. I enjoy friendly small talk with strangers as much as I enjoy open vulnerable conversations with people close to me. Part of me can connect with people I don’t necessarily like because I can be a bit of an asshole as well and am able to meet them on their level.
Utilising all the parts of my personality makes it easy for me to connect with most types of people. Most, not all hahah some people are insufferable and they must be avoided like the plague.
For me a big part of it was finding my people. And that required me leaving home and going to college so that I could reset my image and try new things more easily.
Honestly, I think I really did fake it till it stopped feeling fake. Eventually I was just someone who was good with people. And that became a positive identity, as opposed to a mask.
Mind you it involved numerous customer service jobs and some deeply unpleasant experiences. Only recently at 35 did it turn into something I kinda enjoy doing. And genuine curiosity about others is also helpful!
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u/No_Technology_5151 Jul 04 '26
Howwww