Evidence

Congruence between inner experience and outer behavior can support clarity and reduce social ambiguity. This need may motivate transparent communication and value-consistent choices. Respecting authenticity preserves self-coherence and dependable signaling in relationships.

Details about the rewritten claim

Living and interacting in a way that aligns with one’s true feelings and values (i.e. being authentic) provides clarity for oneself and others. When our outward behavior matches our inner experience, it minimizes confusion or mixed signals in social faux feelings. This need for authenticity may drive honest, transparent communication and decisions that reflect our core values. Psychological research suggests that people who act authentically tend to experience greater self-esteem and more satisfying relationships, likely because others can trust that their signals are genuine. In summary, honoring authenticity helps maintain personal integrity and ensures more dependable, clear interactions in relationships.

Supporting sources

  1. meta-analysis linking authenticity with higher self-esteem and relationship satisfaction (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01052/full)
  2. research on how behaving in line with one’s true self reduces stress and confusion in social interactions (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-06108-007)

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Play a video game

There is such a wide diversity of video games out there. Calming exploratory games, puzzle games, combat, story, single or multiplayer, etc. Once I get in touch with the need that is alive in me it’s fun to look for a game or game genre that might tend specifically to that.

Nat • Missouri

Write

I like to get some kind of words on a page. Even if it's garbage I find the process can help.

Nat • Missouri

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