I've always been a quiet person and I really want to befriend new people at this coming school year. But I just don't know how to act around my classmates. And when I'm around friends I been with for awhile, I feel like I'm not truly myself.

Everyone feels like they don't belong or that their just a stranger in their own skin. It's just part of being human.

I just felt like a shell with a conscience. The people who I met... I feel like a took a certain "form" in order to please them--to accept me. Now... Why does everything I do and say seem fake to me?

Just look around and do things you injoy indulge yourself in some new clubs and see what you like and youll make friends in no time.

Most people want to be accepted. I mean this generally. And I can relate to that.

Putting on a 'mask' is an easy way to make friends. Masks make it easier to live around people. But in doing this, you're losing sight of yourself.

You most likely feel this way because you've lost sight of who you are. The urge to become accepted socially, within your circle is killing of your sense of self and who you are.

I also have this problem and i find it hard to open up to people and trust them. The way i am now around my friends is a complete facade but slowly i trust them more. But the fact that some of them are guys makes it a bit harder. ^_^

Oh I see. It's reassuring that I'm not the only one that feels this way.

I have only one friend that I can actually 'form' myself the way I wanted and she doesn't judge me at all. It would break my heart if I ever loose her. She's practically a older sister to me.

I have a lot of friends older than I. I could never really get along with people in my age because I'm a bit mature, yet childish looking to them. I was branded the name "Child lady" since I look like 12 year old when I'm actually older.

aha. i have older friends too . Not to boast or anything, but my school started today and to be honest, the facade i put on made me popular . Honestly, i don't hate it, but i hate how i put on a bunch of fake personalities . I was rude to alot of guys to day, i swear a lot, but i acted all girly and this isn't me . But when a situation comes up, it feels common to react like this but its not me . A lot of people are starting to hate me too because i use to be shy and have low self-esteem , so i began becoming conceited about my looks and now all the girls hate me ..

It's the same for me. I always seem to put on a mask in front of people and I hate it. Something is stopping me from being myself. I'm trying to pull my real self out in front of other people and my friends and while I'm trying to do that realization that I don't quite know who I am is consuming my brain. I fell awful since It's like I don't exist, like the masks make me a person who I am. I came to this website hoping I'll be my true self with you people but I'm so confused and I don't know anything anymore. But while writting this I reflected upon everything and I realized something new about myself and I hope It will help me get myself back. Ifyou haveany advice or words of encouragement It'll be very helpful :)

well..there's many people who feel the same way...like me
when i was in elementary, i have lots of friends, being me, loud and noisy. but when i transfer school my parents want me to be quite and shy type w/c is not really me so until now i have to put that face but that didn't gain me many friends, so when i'm with them, i don't know my self anymore. even my parents and relatives don't know my true self. thankfully i have this few friends(4) i hang out with when i'm high school that knows my true self.

>>blueish ( is that how you tag..) Anyways, i realized that being the shy type restricted me from doing anything . When there was a chance for me to speak up, i didn't, so as a child , i do regret many things . But come one . YOLO . lol . So i started becoming all loud , and even though there's a lot more going on from watching in the sidelines, i do like it more now .

>>1 Well I was that way, but I soon found out that if you act as you're true self, true friends will come along despite what you may be, don't try to make friends, try to be you.

you see in life... you really may have friends... but there will always be a big BUT there because if you yourself tell that you don't feel like the real you when you're with them then they may become your friends but not the real ones...

just do what you are living up to, your purpose in life, be true to yourself and if you won't be gathering that much friends because of that well, then they're too blind to see your worth... still don't worry, at least we're here for you... ^^

awww.... It's ok! Just remember you're not alone. Your friends will only be true friends if they accept the person who is you. I hope you are able to bring yourself to have more courage! I'll be rooting for you!!

Well if you don't feel like yourself then remind yourself what you want and friends spring up when you need them most so be patient but not so shy you don't get to know people.

I actually have almost the exact same problem as you >>1
I seem incapable of making friends this school year. Idk if it's because I am in a different setting or if I look like a creepo to them. I'm trying to conform to them to see if I give a little they'll give a little back.
Idk how this is gonna turn out, in your case I hope you make friends. My personal experience has shown that if you just wait good things will come but as of now I'm trying the "If I want something take it" approach. Use either, I'm almost positive you can tell how to proceed with either.

GOOD LUCK!
-Tatsuo

I've been having the same problem...I've been looking for some advice so far the only things people have said is stick it out. Being yourself can get lonely because only certain people are willing to be with the real you. I've only found a few of those people. And I've had to move away from them. I don't know anyone where I am now. And making friends has been hard. Being outgoing with people who you don't know and who may not even like the same things is really hard. But finding one person you can relate to is worth it. I'm still looking. But I'm hoping you found that person or group where you fit. It'll come. It takes some time and searching but you'll find it.

Good luck, I'm around if you ever need to chat.
-Chai

Well . For me, It's already been 2 weeks into school, and this guy just said that i would be a hooker when i grow up, just cos i like being pretty and the last test i got was 48% though i have never gotten lower then 94% . this year.. Then i ended up cutting myself . anyway, my goal is to go to M.I.T. and a lot of people don't realize that. Just because i swear and like being pretty doesn't mean i'm a slut. Yah, i am like a typical girl who just wants those romantic relationships, so i am looking for a guy, but im not a slut. Well , ranting has made myself feel better, but what would be better is direct advice . help anyone.? And not just be yourself , cos i can't. I want to be nice to people and not cry over every little thing, but in the environment i was raised in made me kinda bully people.. but i don't want people to think of a scary girl with a terrible personality. And i don't know what to do..

Because meeting new people makes you happy. Because the unexpected thrills you. Because it is hard to fit into established groups. Because you want adventure. And most of all, because you do not know what you want to be in life.