When we’re kids, we want to be loved and accepted by the people around us—our family, friends, and teachers. Sometimes, to get this love and attention, we do things we think will make others happy or impress them. For example, we might tell jokes, try to be good at sports, or do what others want us to do, even if it doesn’t feel quite right for us. This is like wearing a mask; we’re not showing who we truly are inside, but we’re trying to be who others want us to be.
As we grow up, we might continue to wear these masks to get approval or praise from others. We might focus on being what others expect instead of being ourselves. But the truth is, we’re already enough just as we are. We don’t have to pretend to be someone else to be loved or accepted. We should try to embrace who we truly are and not worry so much about always pleasing others.