Masking to Belong: People Don’t Know the Real You Because You Won’t Let Them

Text Jule :)Masking and people-pleasing often start as survival strategies in childhood, but over time they become the only version of you that people ever see. I break down how I used intelligence and helpfulness to earn belonging for decades without realizing it, and why that kept people from actually connecting with me.Topics covered in this episode:The Golden Buddha story and why we cover ourselves up to feel safeHow I discovered that being "the smart one" was my version of maskingWhy leading with intelligence, humor, or helpfulness earns you a spot but not a real connectionThe family messages that taught me to perform instead of show up as myselfWhen protective armor turns into a prisonWhat I'm still working through underneath my own maskHow to start figuring out what your mask isSupport the showInterested in coaching with Jule?LinkedIn: @julekim / Instagram: @itsjulekim / TikTok: @itsjulekimJule’s website: https://adviceactually.com/Buy Jule’s Self-Love Affirmation Cards on AmazonWays to Support This Podcast:🌟 If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it—and please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps more people find the show.