A lot of people can relate to the concept of being a social “chameleon,” where one only shows parts of themselves that line up with what another person prefers, or would actually alter their personality to fit in. It is common for us to adapt ourselves to fit in, either by recognizing a better version of who we could be or by trying to survive [socially] from an evolutionary standpoint. It’s also one thing to find the common ground between family, friends, or lovers and bond ...

    Trying to fit in a chaotic, heavily cultured world can be messy. For an adolescent especially, acceptance is pretty high on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. But what is a person to do when their true nature conflicts with societal expectations? Lie, of course. You can have your cake and eat it too, if you do it right. I’m uncomfortably writing this post and exposing a very ugly skeleton in my closet in hopes that, if anyone who reads this finds themselves relating to any of it, they c...