Is Your Authentic Self a Pain in the Ass?

Some thoughts on big personalities, appropriateness, humility, and adjusting to conditions on the ground.

Untitled, Plate 2 (1962) by Dorothea Tanning

I’ve been thinking a lot about authenticity lately. I have a friend visiting town who has a very big personality. She wants what she wants, and says so. But she’s also surprisingly appropriate to the moment. She listens politely. She asks questions. She makes kind gestures.

Everyone I know loves this friend. I …