Can people truly be themselves?

Question

How can a person truly just BE THEMSELVES. Does that mean say and do what you truly feel deep down because I wouldn't have a job, friends, or family.

Answer 1

In theory, everyone should be him or herself. And in theory everyone should be accepting of every way in which a person is him/herself.

But reality isn't that way, and I think that's the way it should be. It's easy to be like everyone else, its tough to stand and be what you want to be in the face of opponents. And standing tall in those situations builds the strength to continue to stand tall.

That said, you can be true to yourself and work within the world; why does being yourself mean you need to antagonize everyone around you so that you don't have them?

For example, I think tropical fish are great. I can't get enough. But I know most of my family (parents, brother, etc) doesn't care to hear about that passion, so I find other things to bring us together and I just don't discuss that any more than I discuss knitting with my mom, or "home improvements" with my brother.

In contrast I have a cousin who is gay and an activist and feels that the only thing in life is discussion about one of those two topics. That inability to find common ground has damaged the relationships in our family. It's not that he's gay--no one cared to hear about his romantic life before it either-- but that he chooses to hold himself separate from the rest of the world.

A guppy can thrive in water completely different from its origin. It just needs to be acclimated: if you dump a fish from the amazon into 60 degree water, it will die immediately from shock. But if you slowly integrate it into the new system the fish remains the same fish, but able to exist in its surroundings.

People can absolutely be true to themselves if they are interested in being themselves in the confines of their society. If they are only interested in "being true to themselves" at the expense of everyone else, they can't survive the shock, nor will the people around them.

Answer 2

It's difficult being openly homosexual. It's even harder if you are effeminate or flamboyant by nature (butch for girls), and hardest of all for TG/TS people. However, you will have a job, and friends, and hopefully a family, you just need to exist in a place with people who think like you. No matter what you're like, there are others like you. You are not alone, or a freak, no matter what it may seem like. Besides, don't let the ignorant masses oppress you into being something you aren't, because it's stupid to remain miserable your whole life just so close-minded idiots who get their whole world view from reality television can feel comfortable around you. You're doing the world a favor by letting people know "Hey, I really can think for myself and be my own person!". Being of a different sexuality will probably limit you in the career world, even if you are totally "straight-acting", but what's more important? Would you rather have money at the expense of suppressing yourself and adhering to a false personality? What good are all the shiny new cars in the world if you have to live a fake life just to drive them? You only get one life, don't let the ignorance that surrounds you cheat you out of enjoying it to the fullest.

Answer 3

A lot of times unfortunately we can't be ourselves. Especially while we are working for someone else. We must abide by rules that are in place on the job site. In our personal lives if we were to be totally honest about everything we would hurt people's feelings. Therefore we would have less or no friends at all. Most, if not all of us, want others to tell us "WHAT WE WANT TO HEAR". We tend to hang with those that agree with us. Most cannot accept constructive criticism. THAT'S LIFE AS I SEE IT."

Answer 4

You want acceptance from people… that is the real deal behind your question. I am sorry to say that I find it difficult to understand your mindset… only because I have a normal mind set. But from a normal perspective it takes time to accept. My advice is… is your true self really your true self if so It is time to find a new job friends and so on

Answer 5

It doesn't normally refer as much to what you say as to what you do.
Yes, you might lose your job if you say what you think deep down.
But when people refer to "being yourself," they usually mean the bigger picture. For example, if you don't enjoy your career to begin with, you should try to change it and do something that fits your own passions and not someone else's passions that you've tried to take on as your own.

Answer 6

Most people at some point hide behind a mask as to who they really are, IE makeup or the way they dress etc. I think it's very hard in this society to really be yourself to others you don't know

Answer 7

Your are still being yourself, just a modified version. Think about it; it is YOU who decides to modify how you might say something in the work place. SO even though you modify your original thoughts to reflect the situation it is still your words, your modification and your final presentation of the words.

Answer 8

i won't truly be myself until i have a sex change.. it's certainly not something i can just do. it takes time, money, etc.. plus you are correct, i will need to work for a company that will be open and accepting of me going thru transition while working for them...

Answer 9

I always be myself. Maybe thats why I'm alone.