We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Terrance Williams
That’s an excellent question, and my answer is both yes and no. I’m not entirely sure how the public truly feels about me; I personally believe that if you were to ask ten different people how they view me, you would get ten different responses. The most important thing is honor, and I believe that’s what has been lost in our generation. Read more>>
Cindy von Ahlefeldt
Yes, it is. I’ve made a conscious effort to show up the same way everywhere — whether I’m teaching, posting online, working on charity events, running around the hospital or just living my life. I don’t have the energy to split myself up into versions. What you see is me — sometimes confident, sometimes figuring it out. Read more>>
Marley Desinord
Yes — but it’s just one part of me. What you see on stage or online is 100% real: I love the energy, I love the music, and I love connecting with people through what I do. That’s all me. But there’s also the side of me that’s chill, focused, always learning, and sometimes just a regular teen figuring things out behind the scenes. Read more>>
Mariana Darzi
Yes, 100%. This is one of the thing I love most about myself, I don’t have different versions of myself, what you see at home, around close friends, it’s what you’ll see in public, I’m always myself. Read more>>
Donna Muccio
I would say the public version of me is the real me but there is also a lot of pain and suffering that I endure on a daily basis that no one will ever be able to understand without living in my body. In 2022, I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which I went 21 years living with undiagnosed. Read more>>
GREGOIRE DEVIN
Yes, I believe the public version of me is the real me. Over the years, I’ve worked to close the gap between how I present myself to others and how I am in private. I’ve learned that trying to appear perfect or always in control isn’t honest—and it’s not sustainable. I try to be the same person in public and in private. Read more>>
Talia Lopez
Yes! I think people really connect with genuineness, and that’s something I always try to build into my business. I like to bring as much of myself and my personality into everything I create because I believe it naturally draws in the right people and filters out the ones who aren’t meant to connect with it. Read more>>
Tre Forte
Absolutely. The public version of me – whether it’s through my work, my social content, or even what you’ve seen on TV – that’s authentically me. What you see is what you get. I truly believe in living with integrity and that means showing up consistently as the person I am, both professionally and personally. Read more>>
Trevor Jones
I try to be my most authentic self at all times. I can be loud and boisterous at times, and I know when to dial it back. I also have a side to me that cares for others, whether I know you or not. I try not to make too many assumptions as I would want others to view me the same. Read more>>
Destynee Turner LDO
Yes—what you see is what you get. The version of me you meet at The Optical Experience is the same me you’ll see at home or out with friends. I’m just a happy, smiling girl who’s genuinely living her dream. I show up every day as myself—passionate, energetic, and full of love for what I do. Read more>>
Molly Williams
One of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received is: “You are exactly the same person that you are online.” Authenticity has always been one of my core values. From the beginning, I promised myself that I wouldn’t create a version of me just for social media. I wanted everything I shared to feel real – to come from a place of truth. Read more>>
