8 traits of people who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public

There’s something undeniably magnetic about people who are true to themselves, no matter where they are or who they’re with.

Being genuine is not about pleasing everyone, it’s about expressing your true self and not being afraid of what others think.

Whether it’s showing their unique style, speaking their minds, or pursuing their passions unabashedly, these folks live life on their terms.

And you know what? There are certain traits that these people tend to share.

So, let’s talk about the “8 traits of people who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public”. Ready to dive in?

1) Authenticity is their trademark

People who aren’t afraid to be themselves carry a kind of magnetic aura. It’s their authenticity.

They don’t put on a show for the world or try to be someone they’re not. Instead, they embrace their quirks, their passions, and their individuality.

Think about those people in your life who are unapologetically themselves. They’re comfortable in their skin and don’t shy away from expressing their thoughts and feelings, regardless of the setting.

This authenticity is not about being insensitive or disrespectful. It’s about being honest and true to oneself, which in turn, earns the respect of those around them.

The first trait of people who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public is authenticity – it’s their trademark, their badge of honor.

Keep in mind though, it’s not always easy. Being authentic requires courage and self-acceptance.

But once embraced, it paves the way for genuine connections and a life lived on one’s own terms.

2) They don’t fear judgment

Another trait I’ve noticed in people who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public is their ability to brush off judgment.

I’ll share a personal story here. I have a friend named Lily who is a perfect example of this.

Lily is an artist who loves to create vibrant, bold murals in public spaces. Her style is unique and not to everyone’s taste.

One day, as she was painting a large mural in the town square, a passerby stopped and criticised her work. He said it was too bright and chaotic.

Lily just smiled and thanked him for his opinion. She didn’t let his criticism deter her or change her artistic vision.

She told me later, “If I were to change my work every time someone didn’t like it, I’d never create anything.”

That’s the kind of self-confidence and resilience to judgement we’re talking about here.

It’s about understanding that you can’t please everyone, and most importantly, you don’t have to.

It’s about being comfortable with who you are and what you do, despite the opinions of others.

This doesn’t mean they’re immune to criticism, but rather they see it as an opportunity to grow and learn without letting it define them.

3) They follow their passions relentlessly

People who are not afraid to be their true selves in public tend to be passionate about their interests, and they pursue them with a relentless tenacity.

Take for example, the famous physicist Albert Einstein. He developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics, while working in a patent office.

Despite not being in an academic environment or having access to elaborate scientific equipment, he didn’t let his passion for understanding the universe be curtailed.

In fact, Einstein’s famous equation E=mc^2 was first published in a paper he wrote during his spare time at the patent office.

His love for physics was so strong that it transcended his circumstances and led him to make one of the most significant contributions to science.

Just like Einstein, people who are true to themselves don’t let their environment dictate their pursuits.

They follow their passions relentlessly and let their interests shine brightly, regardless of where they are or what they do.

4) They respect their own boundaries

A key trait of people who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public is their understanding and respect for their own personal boundaries.

These individuals have a clear sense of what they’re comfortable with and aren’t afraid to communicate it to others. They understand that saying ‘no’ is not a sign of weakness, but a form of self-respect.

Whether it’s declining an invitation to a social event they’re not interested in, or refusing to engage in gossip, these people prioritize their mental and emotional well-being over the pressure to conform.

By respecting their own boundaries, they teach others to respect them too. This trait not only demonstrates self-love, but also encourages healthy and respectful interactions with others.

5) They embrace their imperfections

People who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public have a special relationship with their imperfections – they embrace them wholeheartedly.

They understand that it’s these very flaws and quirks that make them unique, adding to the richness of their character.

Instead of hiding them, they wear their imperfections like badges of honor.

This doesn’t mean they don’t strive for improvement. But they know that perfection is an unrealistic goal, and they don’t let their imperfections become a source of shame or self-doubt.

Instead, they choose to celebrate their individuality and believe in their worth, even amidst their imperfections.

It’s this acceptance and love for oneself that truly sets them apart and allows them to shine their authentic selves in public.

6) They’re not swayed by trends

In a world full of trends and fads, it’s easy to get swept up in the tide.

However, those who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public have a knack for staying true to their own style.

I remember a time when I felt the pressure to fit in. I started dressing in clothes that were trendy but didn’t reflect my personal style. It felt uncomfortable and unlike me.

After a while, I realized that trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t me was exhausting and unfulfilling.

Learning from that experience, I now choose clothes that reflect my personality and make me feel comfortable and confident, regardless of what’s in fashion.

Just like my journey with fashion, people who are self-assured and genuine don’t seek validation from following trends.

They appreciate their own unique style and are not easily swayed by what’s popular or ‘in’. Instead, they value individuality and are comfortable marching to the beat of their own drum.

7) They live in alignment with their values

One of the most pronounced traits of people who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public is that they live in alignment with their values.

They know what they stand for, and they’re not afraid to express it or live it out, even if it goes against the grain.

Their actions and decisions are guided by their core beliefs, not by societal norms or expectations.

They stand up for what they believe in and aren’t afraid to make tough decisions that align with their principles.

From advocating for causes they deeply care about, to choosing a less-travelled career path that fulfills them, these individuals lead by example.

They show us that living in harmony with our values not only brings personal satisfaction, but also inspires others to do the same.

8) They practice self-love

The most crucial trait of people who aren’t afraid to be their true selves in public is their practice of self-love. They understand the importance of taking care of their mental, emotional, and physical health.

These individuals prioritize self-care and make time for activities that nourish their well-being.

They know that to be the best version of themselves, they must first love and care for themselves.

Self-love for them is not just a concept, but a lifestyle.

It’s this unwavering love for themselves that gives them the courage to be true to who they are, unabashedly and unapologetically, in all aspects of life.

The essence: It’s about self-love

The journey of being true to oneself in public, as we’ve explored through these 8 traits, ultimately circles back to self-love.

It’s about embracing your quirks, standing firm in your values, respecting your boundaries, and most importantly, accepting and loving yourself as you are.

The American philosopher and psychologist William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.”

This quote beautifully encapsulates the power of self-perception.

When you truly love and accept yourself, you give yourself the freedom to be your authentic self, not only in private but also in public.

Being true to oneself is more than just a trait; it’s a way of life that requires courage, resilience, and an ongoing commitment to personal growth.

As you reflect on these traits and possibly identify them within yourself or aspire towards them, remember – the journey towards authenticity starts with embracing who you truly are.

It starts with self-love.