My best friend group from college has this unspoken rule that we all need to be progressive and politically aware and I've been pretending to care about things I don't actually care about for years now because I'm terrified of being cast out. We're planning our annual reunion and I keep thinking about how exhausted I am from performing this version of myself but I also can't imagine losing them.
More people experience this than they realize.
The exhaustion of performing an identity to maintain inclusion reveals the difference between belonging authentically and fitting into others' expectations.
“Where Are You with Belonging vs. fitting in — the distinction that matters?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.