Why do people hide their true selves?

[carefulwywf]

[Summeroflove]

Some do it because they’re simply insecure as where others do it for more nefarious reasons. Insecure speaks for itself. They are ashamed of their true self and don’t want to be rejected.

Nefarious people want to hide their true intentions because being honest about what they want will make most people run away from them. In romantic relationships for instance if someone wants someone for financial reasons chances are they aren’t going to be honest about that.

If a friend wants you for reasons that are financial or social status. Again, they will pretend to be your friend. It’s things like hiding your true intentions.

Other things people want to hide is criminal records, sex offenses, mental health issues, things they have done to other people such as lying, stealing, cheating, or anything else really. Hiding things such as the real way they think about people and talk behind their backs.

[sawno]

I don't, I am always true to myself unless backed into a corner. But even then I remain as true as possible.

[SueShe]

Most people hide their true selves.

Go on a date with a person and you will realize that people are hiding a lot of things about themselves. I bet you anything that nobody will tell you that they have a criminal record, that they have some kind of addiction or that they have some kind of health issues.

Why do people hide their true selves? Because they want to mislead those that they have devious intentions with such like dating someone just for the fornication but that they don't have any intentions whatsoever to have a lifelong (40+ years) relationship.

People are cheaters deep inside but don't want to admit it and that is exactly why I don't date. I don't want to be lied to.

[Genie23]

There isn't one reason. There are different reasons why some people do that.

Some do it to get accepted and liked/loved because they feel people wouldn't like them if they show their true self. So, I'd say it has to do with self esteem issues.

In some cases, people hide their true self as they are cunning and would rather deceive people and make them get attached to you before they reveal their true self for their selfish, twisted reasons.

In other cases, it's just that people want to protect themselves because they believe transparency will make them vulnerable to harm and they don't want to get taken advantage of.

[7Phoenix7]

Perfect answer right here. 👌

[Genie23]

[7Phoenix7]

LOL 🙃

[EzraIsShy76028]

Most likely for protection. Open yourself up to the wrong people and suddenly you're in a world of hurt of people using your weaknesses against you.

Until you get to know someone properly to know they won't betray you it's probably best to just portray yourself as a sort of "boring, normal, default" human being. Aka not going beyond the small talk phase. People won't really wanna hurt you if you're just average and/or reveal very little about yourself.

[Greek_goddess_Iris]

How will they be able to trap you if you know from the beginning that they are a monster.

Other option is that they are shy or insecure bc someone in their past could have said something insulting to them.

[OreosAreLit]

People don't feel like their true selves are good enough, or maybe 'wrong/bad' in some way. And sometimes people hide who they are to get what they want. Mind you some people are really good at that.

Either way, it's not beneficial for the person themselves nor those around them.

[Starredup]

Shane, guilt, pride or they are realists. It’s good to have your guard up around people but showing your while hand isn’t always a good thing, a little mystery goes a long way. Varies by person but one can usually tell it’s usually one the norms such as insecurity or fear. Nobody likes being judged.

[Apple1996]

Because not everyone deserves my true self. Im very soft and kind but only select people get that side of me. If I was that way to everyone id get walked all over

[FreyaRed]

Because I have nice facade, the person below is only for my enemies of interest.

[TheSpaceGnome]

I don't. I just cut people who don't like the real me out of my life instead of hiding who I am.

[PBandJ_Nerd]

Some people do because it's too hard to be vulnerable with another person.

[SotiCoto]

My true self is illegal. Why wouldn't I hide that?

[Emmytexrex]

Because they are afraid and insecure also past experience most of the times

[Charliefretz329]

It’s a defensive mechanism.
To hide the vulnerable aspects

[fonduegirl]

Because nobody likes the real me

[Anonymous]

Past hurts and defensive measures installed.

[melis765]

Because nobody likes the real me 🔥❤️

[Flowersareawsome22]

Narcissistic.

[Bunnybuny]

They are insecure

[Abbiii]

Bc they do