I love many points in this piece. I know the feeling of being the chameleon, the ultra-charismatic, only to find myself back home and wanting to be alone for the next 24 hours.
As a friend once told me, people shouldn't exhaust you, you should feel enlightened and a connection deepened when you are with them. I understand being that bear in hibernation and it's not a fun place to be.
The way you describe the repercussions:
"Each time you choose to mold yourself to someone else’s liking—whether it’s in a personal, professional, platonic, or romantic setting—you add just a tiny bit of friction to the relationship."
That hits differently. I guess the trap of being the chameleon or the ultra-charismatic sometimes is just people-pleasing behaviors and not genuine authenticity. Unfortunately, if that's so, then ultimately it's just selfish behaviors coming from insecurities and masking as "being nice".
I agree with all of Zac's points, it's not always easy but I think we should believe in our abilities to go deep as well and build lasting relationships.
I love many points in this piece. I know the feeling of being the chameleon, the ultra-charismatic, only to find myself back home and wanting to be alone for the next 24 hours.
As a friend once told me, people shouldn't exhaust you, you should feel enlightened and a connection deepened when you are with them. I understand being that bear in hibernation and it's not a fun place to be.
The way you describe the repercussions:
"Each time you choose to mold yourself to someone else’s liking—whether it’s in a personal, professional, platonic, or romantic setting—you add just a tiny bit of friction to the relationship."
That hits differently. I guess the trap of being the chameleon or the ultra-charismatic sometimes is just people-pleasing behaviors and not genuine authenticity. Unfortunately, if that's so, then ultimately it's just selfish behaviors coming from insecurities and masking as "being nice".
I agree with all of Zac's points, it's not always easy but I think we should believe in our abilities to go deep as well and build lasting relationships.