We've all encountered this person, or maybe, if we're honest, been this person. The individual seems to function on an entirely different level of existence, displaying complete disarray in their thoughts, words, and actions. They think one thing, say another, and then proceed to do something completely divergent. This situation often leads to confusion, frustration, and even complete chaos. But what's behind this disconnect? What might cause some individuals to struggle with aligning their inner world with their outward behavior? One primary driver of this disconnect is the pressure to conform to societal expectations. We all learn, often from a young age, that certain thoughts and feelings are deemed "acceptable" while others are not. Think about the child who is told to hug a relative they don't like or the employee who has to feign enthusiasm for a project they despise. The constant pressure to project a socially acceptable image of ourselves can lead to a...
Human thoughts out loud