Surviving in this world #2: Suppression
Since childhood we have had to adapt to others. In many cases, we couldn't express our feelings properly because our parents didn't allow it. They likely couldn't express theirs either.
We became quite good at keeping our emotions inside and hiding them. By doing so, we guaranteed ourselves a certain degree of safety and love from our parents and later, from friends, partners, and relatives.
We learned to suppress our real feelings by wearing a mask, becoming whatever others wanted us to be. That is the fake self at work.
Suppressing feelings is harmful. It negatively affects our mind, body, and life decisions, and it deprives others and us of authentic connection. They end up interacting a mask rather than the real you.
This is a waste of time.
Clear communication with others is key. Just like building any new habit, start acting authentically without suppressing emotions.