One of the struggles I hear about often from my Highly Sensitive clients — and one I’ve experienced myself — is something I like to call “chameleon syndrome”.
We are so tuned in to others’ emotions and needs that (usually unconsciously) we start to anticipate them and become the version of ourselves we believe they expect us to be.
Makes sense, right?
If I am their vision of me already, I won’t make waves . I won’t experience the discomfort of conflict, or of disappointing someone I care for.
Right?
WRONG.
Being a chameleon may be fine in the short term, but in the long term, if we don’t show up as our authentic selves, our relationships suffer.
Moreover, it’s not particularly satisfying to constantly have to morph into multiple selves (unless you’re a Power Ranger).
Is showing up as ourselves risky? Hell yes.
Is it scary? You know it.
And sometimes it’s difficult – we have gotten so good at wearing various masks, we don’t have the foggiest idea who we really are (I get it. My younger self had no CLUE).
But I can guarantee – authenticity enhances connection, with the ones who are meant to be in your life.
Bonus: it’s a pretty quick way of figuring out who ISN’T supposed to be there, too.
So, make the choice to show up. As you.
Just you! You are inherently lovable, just as you are, even if that goes against what you think others expect of you.
You ARE. I promise.