We all say we want to be our most authentic self (and we want others to be theirs as well) so why does it tend to be so hard. Often we don't fee 'good enough.' Smart enough Pretty/handsome enough Thin enough Fit enough Positive enough Loveable enough Successful enough And these 'not enough' feelings keep us from showing up as our most authentic selves. So, first we need to acknowledge where we don't feel good enough and learn how to change that to enough. Accepting ourselves as we are (with all our perceived flaws and imperfections and things that could be improved) is one of the most important steps to 'feeling good enough' and is one of the fastest ways to encourage ourselves to make any improvements we would like in ourselves. And if we don't like ourselves then how can we expect another person to like us. And if we don't like ourselves we'll tend to be attracted to and attract people who don't like themselves and won't like us. I've learned that the limits we believe about ourselves creates a limit on the amount we can receive. So acknowledging and accepting who we authentically are is one of the most important steps to successful dating. Most people have trouble accepting themselves completely and I've found including coaching or therapy can be an important step to becoming your most authentic self.
Authenticity in the online dating world is like a breath of fresh air; it sets the groundwork for genuine connections and trust. When I use dating apps, I make sure to choose photos that represent various aspects of my real life, including my interests and everyday activities, rather than just polished, posed shots. This approach not only gives a more honest glimpse into who I am but also attracts individuals with similar lifestyles and values. Being authentic helps to manage expectations and facilitates meetings with people who appreciate the real you, not an embellished version. For example, if I mention my love for hiking and include a candid photo from a recent trail adventure, I'm more likely to connect with someone who shares that passion. This shared authenticity creates a more solid foundation right from the start, leading to more meaningful and enduring relationships. Remember, portraying the true essence of your personality and life experiences can lead to connections that enrich your life significantly.