Authenticity isn’t about rigidly “being yourself”; it’s about knowing your values, what gives life meaning, and choosing how to show up. We contain many selves, and adapting to different roles can still be authentic when it’s conscious and aligned with our core identity. 

Authenticity supports well-being, confidence, and healthy relationships, but masking to fit in can be costly. Building authenticity starts with clarifying values, increasing self-awareness, and embracing the discomfort that often comes with genuine growth.