who do you protect by lying about how you are?
the lie is small and practised. you say you're okay because the truth would worry someone, or burden them, or change how they see you.
every day there's one live question, the same for everyone. answer it anonymously, see what other people said. it's all gone in seven days.
answer today's question →write down the names of the people you lie to about how you really are. next to each name, write what you're protecting them from. your sadness, your anger, your need, your mess. then write about what it costs you to keep that protection running. notice whether you're protecting them or protecting the version of you they're comfortable with. those are different things. pick one person from the list and write the honest answer you'd give if you weren't managing their feelings. you don't have to send it. just let the real words exist on paper, unedited, for once.
- write about the specific moment you decided this person couldn't handle your truth.
- consider whether they've ever asked you to be fine, or whether you assumed it was required.
- think about what it would mean to let someone be uncomfortable on your behalf.
for anyone who edits themselves to keep the peace. for the person who is lonely inside their own protectiveness.