If I laugh out loud in a quiet room, do you cringe? If I dance in the middle of the street, do you squirm? Welcome to the world of authenticity.
You see, most people go about their daily lives maintaining a certain decorum, a level of conformity which they deem socially acceptable.
But then, there are those who aren’t afraid to be themselves, regardless of where they are or who’s watching. They have this uncanny ability to do certain things in public without feeling the slightest bit uncomfortable.
It may seem trivial, but it’s actually a clear sign of authenticity. It’s a sign that they are comfortable in their own skin and not afraid to show the world who they truly are.
Honestly, if you can do these 8 things in public without batting an eyelash, you’re more authentic than 95% of people out there.
And that’s what we’re going to talk about today.
So buckle up, my friend. You might just discover that you’re more authentic than you think.
1) Laughing out loud
Ever find yourself stifling a laugh because you’re in a public place?
Well, authentic people don’t. They feel a hearty laugh bubbling up and let it out, regardless of where they are.
You see, laughter is a natural human response. It’s how we express our joy, our amusement, and sometimes, even our nervousness. It’s one of the most genuine forms of expression we have.
And yet, so many of us hide it away, afraid of what others will think.
If you can laugh out loud in public without feeling self-conscious or embarrassed, you’re showing a level of authenticity that many people lack.
It’s more than just not caring about what others think. It’s about being true to your feelings and not being afraid to express them.
Go ahead, let that laugh out. It’s a testament to your authenticity.
2) Singing your favorite song
I’m the first to admit that I’m no Adele. But that doesn’t stop me from belting out my favorite tunes in public.
Whether I’m in the car, at the grocery store, or walking down the street, if a song I love comes on, I can’t help but sing along.
Initially, I used to feel embarrassed. People would stare, some would laugh.
But over time, I realized that it wasn’t about them. It was about me being comfortable with expressing my joy and enthusiasm.
Now, I don’t just sing; I perform. I let the music move through me, and I express it without any fear or hesitation.
If you can do this – if you can sing your heart out in public without a care in the world – you’re definitely in that 5% of truly authentic individuals.
Because at the end of the day, life’s too short to not sing your favorite song out loud.
3) Crying openly
Here’s something you might not know: crying is actually good for you. It’s a natural response to a range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, and it can help your body recover from emotional stress.
However, society often views crying, especially in public, as a sign of weakness. But is it really?
Authentic people don’t think so. They aren’t afraid to show their emotions, even if it means shedding a few tears in public.
They understand that expressing their feelings is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you’re someone who can cry openly when you’re moved or upset, regardless of where you are or who might see, consider yourself among the authentic few.
4) Dancing freely
There’s something truly liberating about moving to the rhythm of your favorite tune.
Authentic people get this. They don’t need a dance floor or a party to start grooving.
If they hear a beat that moves them, they’re not afraid to sway, shimmy, or even break into full-on dance, regardless of who’s watching.
This isn’t about being a great dancer. It’s about being comfortable enough to express yourself through movement, without worrying about judgment or criticism.
If you can bust a move in the middle of the grocery store aisle or at a bus stop without feeling self-conscious, you’re displaying a level of authenticity that is truly rare in today’s world.
5) Expressing your opinion
I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of words. I believe that our voices are our most powerful tools, and it’s through expressing our thoughts and opinions that we truly show our authenticity.
In today’s society, voicing a differing opinion can be scary. It’s so much easier to nod along and blend in with the crowd.
But I’ve found that speaking up, especially when my opinion goes against the grain, is incredibly liberating.
It’s not about being confrontational or argumentative. It’s about standing up for what I believe in, even if it might be unpopular.
If you can express your opinion in public, even when it’s different from everyone else’s, without feeling uncomfortable, you’re definitely among the 5% of people who are genuinely authentic.
Because true authenticity means not being afraid to stand alone sometimes.
6) Admitting you’re wrong
Nobody likes being wrong. It’s a blow to our ego, a dent in our pride.
Yet, the ability to publicly admit when you’re wrong is a clear sign of authenticity.
It shows that you value truth over appearances, and that you’re not afraid to take responsibility for your mistakes.
It’s easy to deflect blame or make excuses, but it takes real courage and integrity to say, “I messed up”.
If you can swallow your pride and admit your mistakes in front of others, without feeling humiliated or defensive, consider yourself more authentic than most.
Because being authentic isn’t about always being right; it’s about being real.
7) Being silent
It’s often said that silence is golden. But in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, silence can be uncomfortable.
Yet, there’s something incredibly authentic about being able to sit in silence, especially when you’re in public.
It shows that you’re comfortable with your own thoughts and that you don’t need constant noise or chatter to fill the void.
You see, authentic people know that they don’t always have to fill the silence with words. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.
If you’re someone who can sit quietly in a bustling coffee shop or on a crowded bus without feeling the need to pull out your phone or strike up a conversation, you’re demonstrating a level of authenticity that’s pretty impressive.
8) Being yourself
At the end of the day, authenticity boils down to one simple thing: being yourself.
It sounds straightforward, maybe even cliché, but it’s surprisingly difficult for a lot of people.
We’re so often swayed by societal expectations, peer pressure, and the fear of being judged that we forget who we truly are.
But authentic people? They don’t let these things get to them. They are who they are, unapologetically.
They embrace their quirks, their passions, their strengths, their weaknesses – everything that makes them unique.
If you can be yourself in public – really, truly yourself – without feeling uncomfortable or like you need to put on a mask, you’re more authentic than 95% of people out there. And that’s something to be proud of.
Embracing your authenticity
If you’ve journeyed with me this far, you’ll have realized that authenticity isn’t about grand gestures or dramatic displays.
It’s about the small, everyday things that reflect who you truly are.
Authenticity is not about trying to impress others or fit into a certain mould. It comes from a deep sense of self-awareness and the courage to express that, no matter where you are or who’s watching.
Those who embody this trait are not just authentic. They are a beacon of individuality in a world that often encourages conformity.
As you go about your day, ask yourself: Are you being true to yourself? Are you expressing your authenticity without fear or discomfort?
Being genuine isn’t always easy, but it’s the most liberating feeling when you can freely be yourself. And trust me, the world needs more of that.
