Authenticity vs. Approval: The Tug of War We All Face | YKMS

Episode Overview:

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, we dive into the deep and sometimes painful journey of authenticity—what it really means, why we often lose it, and how we can reclaim it. From childhood innocence to the pressures of adulthood, we explore how the need for approval can lead us to abandon parts of ourselves just to fit in.

We also reflect on our own experiences—when we’ve conformed, when we’ve resisted, and when we’ve finally stepped into our true selves. Plus, we discuss insights from Gabor Maté on why we sacrifice authenticity for attachment and how to recognize when we’re not truly being ourselves.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from who you are or struggled with the fear of judgment, this conversation is for you.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Moment We Lose Ourselves: How childhood conditioning and societal expectations shape our authenticity.
• Gabor Maté’s Wisdom on Authenticity vs. Attachment: Why we often sacrifice who we are in order to be accepted.
• Our Personal Journeys: The times we conformed, the moments we broke free, and what we’ve learned along the way.
• The Fear of Judgment & Rejection: Why authenticity can feel so uncomfortable—and why it’s worth it.
• Navigating Relationships: How being authentic can shift friendships, partnerships, and the people we attract.
• The Power of Self-Awareness: How to notice when you’re not being yourself and what to do about it.

Listener Takeaways:

1. Notice when you’re not being yourself. Pay attention to moments when you feel disconnected or like you’re playing a role—without judgment, just curiosity.
2. Give yourself permission to choose what aligns with you. Even if it doesn’t make sense to others, your truth matters.
3. Surround yourself with people who accept the real you. Authenticity attracts the right people and repels the ones who were never meant to stay.
4. You don’t have to earn your worth. Who you are, as y

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

Editor: Allia Lenit Galos

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed ther