We All Wear Masks

I recently spent a day volunteering at a school event.

It was fun, fulfilling, and honestly, a little emotionally exhausting.

The kids were the easy part—loud, chaotic, joyful.

The grown-ups? A little trickier.

Everyone was nice. Smiling. Chatty. Inclusive, even.

But still, I caught myself wondering, "Do they actually like me?"

It’s a strange feeling—being surrounded by friendly people and still feeling unsure of where you fit.

And the truth is, I’ve been here before.

I’ve navigated cliques. I was in a sorority. I know how to read a room, hold my own, and fake confidence when I need to.

But even now, even as an adult—I still get insecure.

I still worry if someone doesn’t talk to me.

I still overanalyze small moments.

I still feel like an outsider sometimes, even when I know I’ve been invited in.

And I guess that’s the part no one really talks about:

That even the most seemingly put-together people are often just quietly wondering if they belong.

So if you’ve ever stood in a crowd, smiled, and still felt unsure—you’re not the only one.

I see you. I am you.

And you’re doing better than you think.