Building Authenticity and Boundaries in Public Image

Authenticity in public image is achieved when people know and like you for who you really are, and you do not need to pretend or entertain to maintain their interest. Setting boundaries is essential to maintain authenticity, such as refusing to conform to societal expectations like apologizing for bodily functions or forcing oneself to socialize with people they do not connect with. Being true to oneself allows for genuine interactions, like declining to take a selfie or questioning the guest list at a party. Maintaining authenticity can lead to moments of discomfort or misunderstandings, but it ultimately fosters self-respect and genuine connections in both personal and professional settings.