Authentic people are rare. Most are pretending. They follow trends. They say what they think they should say. They avoid real opinions. They hide their doubts. They seek attention. They want approval. They don't speak honestly.
When you spend time around authentic people, the difference is profound...
You feel calmer. You feel peace. You don't have to filter your sincere thoughts. You don't have to impress anyone. You can think clearly. You can be fully present.
Authentic people are not perfect. They are self aware. They are curious. They actively listen. They tell the actual truth even when it's uncomfortable. Always respectfully. They are not reactive. They are not trying to "win" in any way. They are not trying to be liked. They value integrity more than social approval. They ask real questions. They don't hide behind excessive nonsense. They know who they are and they respect who you are.
Most do not know how to do that. It takes a certain kind of character. A certain kind of maturity. A certain kind of stillness. And it takes effort to become someone who can appeal to those people. You have to filter and curate. You have to let go of shallow connections. You need firm boundaries. You have to walk alone sometimes. You have to value quality over quantity.
I know what it’s like to feel alone because of my past. I know what it’s like to talk to a hundred people and feel completely misunderstood. But I also know what it’s like to meet someone authentic. Someone grounded. Someone honest. Someone who sees you. Someone who speaks from the heart. And those people make everything worth it.
Authentic people gently and respectfully challenge you. They don’t flatter you. They hold you to your standards. They help you remember what matters. They support you without trying to control you. They want your best without pushing their own ulterior motives. Being around them makes you more of who you really are.
That’s the kind of life I want. That’s the kind of person I want to be. That’s what I give to the people I care about.
I need real connection. I don’t need constant entertainment. I need depth. I don’t need people who agree with me. I need people who are honest and kind with me.
If you want peace, growth, and clarity, look at your environment. The people you talk to daily affect your mind. If you're constantly around people who lie to themselves, you'll start lying to yourself. If you're constantly around people who numb themselves, you’ll start feeling numb. If you're constantly around people who think everything is a joke, you’ll stop taking your own life seriously.
Choose wisely. Protect your time and attention. Stay kind, but firm. Let go of anyone who pulls you away from your values. Welcome those who bring you closer to reality. Live the highest quality life available to you.
Life is too short to waste it pretending. Strive for authenticity and excellence. Be around people who actually care. It’s not always "easy." But it’s always well worth it.
Read: We only have so much time, energy, and attention.