Battle.

As Colbie would say, "this is a battle"....but it's internal.

What to do when being myself creates tension?  I am not good at sugar-coating and I don't see any reason to do so.  If I can't be honest with someone, we're not friends.  If they are close-minded, I don't respect them.  Even though I am passionate about things, I try very hard to always say "this is what I've read...this is what I dug up from researching it...this is why I feel this way...but if someone has researched it and is open-minded, but they still disagree, that's perfectly OK, and is wonderful, in fact!  I just wanted to share for possible benefit of anyone out there."

It never occurs to me to not share thoughts, feelings, passions, and things I feel others can learn from (articles, books, etc.) - because I live my life constantly learning and taking in, it never occurs to me that people might not appreciate them.  I'm not trying to suggest I know everything, or that others should think the same thing I do, not at all.  I just want to keep absorbing ideas and sharing them.  But does it make me a know-it-all?  I don't feel like one, I feel like there's so much I don't know and I admit that all the time.  

What do you do when people around you seem to be insecure and close minded? What do you do when your choice seems to be (a) be yourself and understand that you have to be your own best friend or (b) keep quiet, hold yourself back, don't share - to make other people more comfortable?


In truth, I am venting about this, but I won't act or not be myself.  A true friend will love me for who I am, and I can be honest.  I am no where near perfect, but I love being me, and I don't want to be anyone else.  Not even a little. It's a battle in my head, but not in my heart, because that part of me is good.  :)