~being yourself~

          Just the other day, while I was wasting a few minutes on the internet, this ad popped up. (Thanks a lot, viruses for flooding my computer with useless tabs.)  It said something to this effect: “10 ways to become a new person and gain popularity.” My first reaction was to cringe with disbelief; then I simply gaped with revulsion at the horror of this advertisement. Who would ever want to change their personality merely to ‘get’ friends?  

            Slow down there Laurel. I’m pretty sure you’ve wanted to trade out your identity before. 
 

I am not an outgoing person. It’d be easier for me to cut a hole in the ceiling and fall through than to converse with a stranger or tell stories at a party. Instead, I am perfectly content to hang back and listen—maybe respond with some simple phrases like: “yeah! I know what you mean!” “really? That sound’s great!” etc.

Society doesn’t exactly deem this behavior as “attention-worthy.” That’s harsh—I know ‘cause I’ve been there. If you’re not the life of the party, then you feel like people are judging you for even showing up. If you can’t tell funny jokes or make people laugh, then you feel like a total failure. And you wish—that for once in your life—charisma was a tangible thing and you could steal it.

Yup. I’ve wanted to change my identity plenty of times. But (even if it were possible) would that be the logical thing to do?  

            I think not. God made us the way he intended us. He is a purposeful God—perfect in every way, so I don’t believe he made a mistake when he gave us our reserved and quiet natures. That doesn’t mean we will ever be popular by the world’s standards, but we won’t be ‘friendless’ either. In fact, our friends (no matter how few) will always be more true and loving towards us than hundreds of fans. 

            So have confidence in yourself! You’re not socially backwards—and you definitely don’t need some article on the internet telling you to ‘become a new person’ just to ‘gain popularity.’ Just be yourself.