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.
Lindsay Marty
Yes — the public version of me is the real me. What you see is what you get. I don’t have the time or the energy to keep up with different personas. Whether I’m leading my team, meeting with clients, or talking with friends, I try to show up the same way: honest, direct, and hopefully a little bit fun. Read More>>
Yvonne Dellos
Yes, the public version of me is the real me—but it’s the most intentional version of me. I don’t put on a mask or pretend to be someone else; what you see is authentically Yvonne. But I’ve also learned to protect my energy, so I show up as the higher, healed version of myself, the one rooted in love, confidence, and purpose. Read More>>
Courtney Green
Until now, no. The world saw my performance, not my truth. I was programmed to survive by predicting what others wanted – over-functioning, fixing, carrying everyone else’s emotions, silencing my own. I played the good girl, the high achiever, the one who could handle it all. That version of me earned praise, but it wasn’t me. Read More>>
Jewel Mensah
I have no versions. Anyone who has ever had a conversation with me or encountered my work knows they are getting an undiluted Jewel every time. You might be confused at first, but if you sit with it long enough, you’ll know it’s all real. Read More>>
Queen Asharah
Yes the public version of me is the real me. I believe in being as authentic as possible. I also feel like being and independent artist and using my resources that are some times limited I have to create in a space of authenticity I don’t have a lot of room to go off and do something that doesn’t speak to my true essence. Read More>>
Kate Bergeron
Well, that depends on whether you believe what you see, or if you believe what I say! Because in truth, I am an introvert. People find it hard to believe that an actor can be an introvert but it’s not as uncommon as you might think. So much of this career is public-facing, requiring showing up and being ‘on’. But that is a learned skill. Read More>>
Joyce Layman
The public me and the real me aren’t that far apart. When I started doing trainings back in 2006 and then moved into keynotes and breakout sessions, I learned fast that the way to connect with an audience wasn’t just through data and stats. Those matter, but the real connection came from stories. Authentic ones. The funny, the awkward, the uncomfortable. Read More>>
Brittney Cabrera
Absolutely! I do not like being anyone else but my true self! Read More>>
Nicole DiTommaso
Foundationally, yes the public me is rooted in who I really am. I strive to inspire others by sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. I lead with raw honesty whether I’m in a public or private space. The part most people don’t see is that I’m actually an introvert. Read More>>
Kelsea Johnson
I would definitely say the public version of me is the real me. I want to show up authentically in every way—online, in business, relationships, publicly and privately. My Instagram (@kelseajmua) is a combination of my art and my life because each are intertwined and influence one another. Read More>>
Nassybah Touriño
The public version of me is a part of who I am, but not all of me. We always hide things that are true, but I try to be as honest as possible and share my reality. I love showing people that it’s important to create with what you have, wherever you are—don’t wait for the perfect studio, the perfect supplies, or the perfect conditions. Read More>>
Mark McCarty
Yes the public version is just me on 10! I am the same no matter what. When I am on stage it’s just an amplified version of myself. The inner me gets a seat at the table for at least 45 minutes!. Read More>>
Vincent Ledvina
Yes! I make it a point to share as much about my personal and work life with my audience as I can. I want people to connect with my work – my images, videos, and educational posts – but I love sharing what life as ‘The Aurora Guy’ actually looks like. Read More>>
Lucy Peru
Oh, yes, the public version is the real me, for better and worse! I love having a private life, but the real me is out there in all its silliness and humanity. Read More>>
Dedrick Weathersby
That’s an insightful question. I would say the public version of me is a part of the real me, but not the complete picture. The part you see—my artivism and my work to keep Black stories alive on stage—is a genuine reflection of my heart and purpose. My philanthropic efforts are directly connected to my past. Read More>>
Christine D. Gagnon
I love this question, because for me the answer is 100% yes. The public version of me is the real me. I just don’t have the time or energy to be anything but myself. Read More>>
Jacquiline Cox
Yes—the public version of me is the real me, but it’s not the whole me. What people see in public is my authentic heart, my passion, and my drive to inspire others. But like anyone, there are private layers of me that only my close circle sees—the vulnerable parts, the tears, the quiet battles. Read More>>
Mila Molinari
It’s definitely a real part of me, but not all of me. I keep my public persona a little more fantastical which is mostly tied to my work. I share my personal life only with close friends and family, not because I want to hide it from the world, but because otherwise I’d spend far too much extra time creating all kinds of content. Read More>>
Reyna Papotto
I would say I am authentically myself ALL the time, whether that’s being in a crowded room filled with people, or keeping myself company all alone in my room. Honestly, it’s quite exhausting trying to be someone that you aren’t, because the fact is that’s NOT who you are?! When you think about it, It takes little to absolutely no effort just to be yourself. Read More>>
Tori Gay
Absolutely. I value realness in people, the ones who stand on a platform and the ones who don’t. There is already too much fakeness in this world, and I have no desire to add to it. Besides, from a ministry standpoint, I want to connect with people, and most of the time, people can tell if you’re not real. Read More>>
ANDY ATKINS
This is something that has come up in conversation a lot lately. I feel authenticity is important. I can, at times, be an over-sharer, both in person and online. I’ve always found something special about being transparent with the broader audience around you. Read More>>
Samantha Sloan
YES!! I cuss like a sailor. I am blunt. I’m ADHD and usually say the first thing out of my mouth. I always say… I’m too tired and too old to be fake ha ha. I am definitely an ‘acquired taste’ as they say… but I’d rather authentically connect with fewer people being myself than having lots of fake friends. Read More>>
Christine Bridges
What you see is what you get! Just maybe clean hair and makeup. Read More>>
Michael McGoey
I believe it is. The chronic health issues I’ve battled through most of my adult life have forced a grounding truth to my life. This truth, for better or worse, is not built on illusions. I do not have the capacity to show up in public as anyone besides myself. Read More>>
Jon Meggison
I am who I am no matter the environment I’m in and no matter who I am around. What you see is what you get and I’ve came to a point in my life to where who I attract is meant to be in my life and whoever I don’t, that’s okay. Read More>>
Silvia Loney
I would say yes and no . I don’t think that a lot of us show our real personalities when we are dealing with the public. Mainly because we are business owners and sometimes are held to a higher standard. Read More>>
Cori Dunn
Lol this question made me laugh because I just had this conversation with my husband. The answer is yes and no. Read More>>
David Zilmer
My vow is to not lie to myself, I’m not for creating cognitive dissonance, how I appear to you, I can’t control, the opinions you make are yours and for you to hold. Read More>>
Javon Talley
The content I share reflects my sense of humor and hobbies, offering a glimpse into my personality, though I tend to keep these aspects somewhat reserved. I believe the authentic me is more introverted, finding greater joy in solitude, which helps reduce the stress of constantly ensuring others’ happiness. Read More>>
Angela Agia
normal day for me starts early in the morning, usually around 5:30 AM. I dedicate the first couple of hours to prayer and worship, because hearing God’s direction sets the tone for everything else I do. After getting my son ready for school, I pour into my ministry and business. I lead a global online women’s church where God moves powerfully each week through deliverance, prophecy, and teaching. Alongside that, I create faith-based digital content that reaches millions of people on social media, helping women grow spiritually and break free from limiting beliefs. Read More>>
Carl Lawson
What you see is what you get when you see me you see nothing but the truth I don’t have to wait until payday to put an outfit on for social media than you see the person outside and they look like trash talking about they got to get dressed 😭😭 lmao same thing spiritually I am the truth Read More>>
Lital Yohay
Sometimes. We are all in an unending self seeking and developing all the time. what is true to now may not be true for tomorrow. Read More>>
Emma Seo
No. I’m a very introvert and quiet person. I prefer recharge my energy when I’m alone. That’s why I’m a completely different person when I’m working outside. When I see others, I greet them warmly and talk to them first, and they will think I’m an extrovert. I rarely say a word in my house. Read More>>
Ezgi Karakus
The public version of me is very much the real me. I am an honest person – I don’t know how to fake things, and I am not interested in performing just to meet expectations or avoid discomfort. what you see is what you get, whether I am offstage or under the spotlight. Read More>>
Logan Harding
There is only one version of me, and that’s what people get. I think to be a truly honest, kind, successful person, you can’t live two lives. If you do, you’re going to have an ‘off’ day that ruins your reputation. So why not live to be the best person you can be to everyone you meet? Read More>>
Dana Watts
Absolutely and we feel that’s what makes us a great team. There’s nothing like having a good relationship on the business side and showing your sense of humor, which is a quality we both have. We believe people want us to be real and we want the same thing., it makes for an easier journey Read More>>
Abby Wathen
I think this is a really important question. There is so much pressure with social media. The filters, the glitz and glam. My husband and I talk about this a lot. I try to stay very true to what and who I am on social media. I also do not use it as a diary. Read More>>
Nicole L. Turner
The public version of me is absolutely part of the real me, but not the whole picture. I’m a multidimensional person, and what I choose to share publicly is just one layer of who I am. My core, my values, beliefs, and purpose, remains consistent no matter where I am or who I’m with. That part of me never changes. Read More>>
Jennifer Bond
Unfortunately yes lol would be a lot easier if I could just fake it But it ain’t in me. I spent way too long not knowing who I was and even longer faking it. This is me! Read More>>
