Last week, I touched on the topic of authenticity, and if you know me, you know I could go on about it! Have you ever noticed a friend acting differently when their significant other is around? I’ve encountered many such situations, and my husband and I often joke about how we remain the same, regardless of who is present. True authenticity means being consistent no matter the environment or company.

Another example is when a friend asks for your opinion. I sometimes respond with, “Do you really want to know what I think?” If they say yes, I share my honest thoughts. If they say no, I might choose to stay silent, which often conveys everything they need to know!

A post by Stacy Havener resonated with me recently, beautifully capturing the essence of authenticity:

It’s not a mask.

It’s not a performance.

It’s consistency.

It’s consistency in who we are.

Why we are here.

Who we stand for.

What we stand for.

And what we won’t stand for at all.

So don’t change who you are or change your story, message, or identity based on who is sitting across from you.  Always embrace your true self!