Situation · Yourself
“I pretend to be someone I'm not”
What could be going on
False self (Winnicott): A compliant self built for others fits; check what you'd do if no one watched.
Masking (camouflaging): Suppressing traits to fit in fits; check whether it's tied to autism or ADHD.
Persona: Everyone has a social role; check whether the role has replaced the person.
Self-monitoring: Adapting to each situation is a trait; check whether you lose yourself in it.
Authenticity versus attachment (Maté): Fits if showing real feelings once risked love.
Incongruence (Rogers): A gap between self-image and experience fits; check for tension and defensiveness.
Questions to carry
- The last time I pretended, who was I with, and what did I think they wanted?
- Which part of me do I hide, and what do I fear would happen if it showed?
Also said as
- I wear a mask around people
- my friends don't know the real me
- she acts different with everyone
- I perform all day and I'm exhausted
- I feel fake around people
- why do I act like someone else