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.
Miagney Ripley
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I strive to show up authentically in every space I’m in. What you see is a reflection of my true values, personality, and character I believe in being genuine no matter the setting. Read more>>
Khyrie Neveaux
Absolutely. I once heard Kobe Bryant say, “You are who you are depending on the situation you’re in.” That really stuck with me. We show different sides of ourselves in different settings, not because we’re being fake, but because we’re adapting to what the moment calls for. So yes, the public version of me is the real me. Read more>>
Kesha Sonny
I don’t put on a mask for the world—I show up as myself. The way I laugh, the way I love, the way I work, the way I create—it’s all me. What you see is a reflection of who I truly am. Of course, some parts of me are private, sacred, and kept for those closest to me, but the core doesn’t change. Read more>>
Zara Tariq
Yes and no. The version of me people see on social media is often polished and curated, but that doesn’t show the full story. Life is messy, and I’ve learned that true connection comes from embracing both the highs and the struggles. Sharing the real, imperfect parts of myself whether it’s my journey through motherhood, postpartum recovery, or personal growth has been empowering. Read more>>
Anthony Borjas
Yes, I always try to be a real and 100% honest person with those around me, I think there is nothing more important than loyalty to oneself and inspiring others to be their best version always being faithful to their personality and style, because that is what makes us unique and different. Read more>>
Angela Jones
Yes and no. The public version of me is real, but it is not the whole story. What you see is my voice, my truth, and my purpose. That part is honest. I show up with heart, I speak from experience, and I don’t sugarcoat the realities of life, especially when it comes to healing and relationships. Read more>>
Theresa Maria Villarreal
Yes, absolutely. What you see is what you get. I try to show up as my true self in everything I do, whether it is through my writing, my podcast, or how I live day to day. I do not believe in creating one version of myself for the public and another behind the scenes. Read more>>
Yulia Sharapova
Is the public version of me the real me? Haha — yes, painfully so! You can usually tell within the first 30 seconds of one of my Facebook Live streams that I’m an introvert. Read more>>
Keston Meighoo
Funny enough, I was just talking about this with a friend the other day how social media has warped our sense of reality. It’s like another version of school: you go through high school, college, whatever, and each stage shapes you in some way. Social media’s just another stage now. Read more>>
Adriano Dolce
The public version of me is real—but it’s not all of me. It’s the version I’ve shaped through strength, passion, and resilience. What people see is the energy, the creativity, the confidence—but behind that is a story of growth, pain, doubt, and healing. I don’t hide who I am, but like anyone, there are parts I protect. Read more>>
