The hardest thing about being alive is that people never really know the real you. Most only remember small parts—a few memories or stories—never everything you feel and think. You might try to show your real self, but others fill in the missing pieces with their guesses. They give you a label or idea in their head, and you can’t always change it.
You think people get what you mean, see your real feelings, or hear all that’s behind your words—but often, they don’t. They decide what you’re like based on small things, like a tired moment or a quiet day. You can’t fix these ideas, so you just live with them.
This can feel lonely. Maybe you act confident, but people think you’re cold, or they miss your real reasons for being quiet or honest. You might want to say, “That’s not me,” but it’s hard to change someone’s mind. Sometimes you worry they wouldn’t accept the true you.
Because of this, many people start to hide parts of themselves. You pick your words carefully. You don’t explain much. You stop sharing your feelings to protect yourself. Being misunderstood starts to feel easier than being left out for who you really are.
Still, you wonder: What do people say about you? Has anyone ever truly seen you for all that you are, not just the simple version in their mind?
Most people don’t look closely. They make up their minds, and you become a short story to them. When you notice this, you hide more and more. You act like everything is fine, but deep down, you wish someone would see you fully.
Everyone feels this. We all live with hidden thoughts and hopes that others might miss. And we all do this to others, too—guessing, thinking we know more than we do.
Even the people who love us often only love a part of us—the part they see. You might let them, afraid that showing your full self will scare them away.
So we pretend. Not to be fake, but to protect ourselves. We become good at acting like someone people expect. But inside, we wish to be understood.
Sometimes, someone does see more. They notice a true part of you, and it feels good. You feel less alone for a moment, seen as you really are.
All of us want to be known and accepted. We worry about being misunderstood, which makes us careful and tired. But if we keep trying—letting people in, even if they don’t get everything—there can be comfort. Maybe being a little understood and still loved is enough.
So yes, you care about how people see you. But it’s more important to remember: everyone you meet is more than what you can see. Being misunderstood isn’t failing — it’s just being human.