Learn to be yourself, trust yourself

Some people live as if they are playing a role. They create an image that ignores their feelings, strengths, and insecurities. That role keeps people from knowing who they really are.

Certainly it's good to put your best foot forward. But if you are pretending in your relationships, you can't actually talk, trust, and feel in a way that reflects your true persona.

A man or woman may maintain an image of strength and hide disappointments and needs. By not actually expressing themselves and showing their feelings, they (and others) may be unable to identify what their needs actually are, according to Indianapolis Psychiatric Associates.

As a result of not getting what they really need, people may overcompensate by over-working or medicating their feelings with drugs, alcohol, or other compulsions. They begin to believe their worth is based solely on their achievements because they have so little sense of self-worth.

Human beings have the same needs, say doctors at Indianapolis Psychiatric Associates. But some people need more than others. It is their upbringing that helps to determine the intensity with which they need attention, affection, love, and nurturing.

If you believe that your life will be better when you face who you really are, it will happen. Resolve to become the real you with all of your courage, talents, vulnerabilities, and needs.