We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Whitehaven
Definitely not. We’re different people when on and off-stage. If anything, the versions of ourselves when acting as performers is the most authentic representations of ourselves; we’re doing what we truly love. Our bassist, for example, is a quiet person outside of the stage. Yet, whenever he’s on stage, he moves around, interacts with the audience, and effectively acts as a second frontman. Read more>>
Carl Wesley Jr
Yes ,the public version of me is real, but it’s not the full picture. I don’t believe anyone’s personality should be confined to a single angle. What people often see, especially at public events or on social media, is the more lively, extroverted side of me ,and that part is very much authentic. Read more>>
Celso Olmos
Yes—the public version of me is the real me. Through my Catholic formation, I’ve come to deeply value what’s called the Unity of Life. It means living with integrity and consistency across every part of who you are—whether at home, at work, in social settings, or in business. We’re not meant to live double lives. Read more>>
Nyelle Blount
Partially. I feel like there’s so much more to me than what meets the eye. The version of me people see — the one on stage, in photos, or at events — is real, but it’s just one layer. I’m going through a lot of personal growth right now, and most of that isn’t visible from the outside. Read more>>
Amanda Vlastas
I’d say the public version of me is definitely real but it’s just one part of who I am. What people see online or in my work is the side of me that knows how to put myself out there, connect, and create. Read more>>
