Balancing Independence & Connection

The secret to balancing independence and connection in relationships is by being the most concentrated version of yourself. To have the most significant connections with people, they must learn the real you. If you dilute yourself, your humor, your anger, your idiosyncrasies, etc., you may connect with more people, this is true. However, more people like you simply because you are more palatable.

If we take the cheese analogy… everyone loves mozzarella. It is the cheese on all the pizza we eat. It’s definitely the most palatable, but is it the cheese individuals would call their favorite? And does mozzarella have the most die-hard supporters compared to that of smoked gouda or Gruyere?

Keep your pungent flavor. Bear in mind, this will reduce the quantity of connections. Not everyone is going to like your cup of tea. Unless your objective is to create endless connections with people who know limited facets of who you are, then continue to reveal all facets.

If your objective is to feel like yourself around others while participating in activities you enjoy, and not just accept resentfully, then authentic expression is a requirement.