«To be honest, there are many moments when I feel truly like myself. For example, when I’m home alone, listening to calm music and working on my own things. During those times, I can genuinely relax and focus on my thoughts, and usually, at that time, I completely disconnect from social media.
I have another example: when I’m with my closest friends, I don’t have to worry about what I need to say or what would be said appropriately in the moment, because I know that only with these people can I stop overthinking and just enjoy being present. Another, perhaps the last example, is when I spend time with my boyfriend. I know that with him I can be reckless and even act like a child sometimes.»
Elizaveta
«I truly feel like myself primarily when I am alone with myself. I can fully relax and stop worrying about others or what they might feel. In those moments, I love to listen to music, which allows me to contemplate what feels comfortable to me.»
Elizaveta Kerzhakova
«I feel like my truest self when I am around like-minded people. Because I can present an idea I haven’t fully articulated but am fiercely passionate about, and they can understand, help me, and bring it to life.» Arina Shadymova
«I feel like my true self when I’m with friends who are on the same wavelength. I can throw out the craziest idea, and it’s not only accepted, but everyone jumps on board. I don’t have to put on a performance—I’m just me, and my friends accept that, support it, and enjoy it with me.» Kristina Ivanova
«I feel like my true self among my friends—they are ready to support me and understand whatever I do. I also feel like my true self within a community of like-minded people, because with them, I can realize all my ideas, consult with them, and gain experience. It is in these moments that I feel authentic, because I am surrounded by people who accept me unconditionally and share my aspirations.» Fatima Askerova
«I truly feel like myself in moments when I don’t have to pretend to be anything. When I can say what I think and feel what I feel, without carefully choosing every word out of fear of being misunderstood or judged. I feel like myself around people with whom I don’t have to earn love, prove my worth, or appear as someone else.
I also feel like myself when playing my favorite instrument, the piano. In those moments, I don’t have to explain everything happening inside me with words. I can just play, sing, feel every note, and forget about everything else for a while. I feel like myself when I am alone with myself and can honestly admit to myself what I truly want. I feel like myself when I can help someone, listen to them, support them, or help them sort through their emotions.
For me, being myself means not betraying myself just to make it easier for someone else to accept me. It means allowing myself to change, to make mistakes, to love, to be afraid, and yet remaining honest with myself.»
Tamara Grigoryan
«I truly feel like myself when I feel that I am valued and loved. This happens especially when I am with people close to me: Grisha, a young man who loves me unconditionally, and Sasha, my close friend who always supports and values me. I also feel very good when people ask how I am; in those moments, I particularly feel that I don’t have to worry and can answer exactly how I want. In reality, for a long time, I was adjusting myself to others and to their opinions, but when those people left my life, I realized that it wasn’t necessary. I truly have people in my life with whom I don’t have to fear being myself.»
Lyubov Bystrova
