Identity

Everyone has their own personal definition of identity. To me, it defines who you are. Identity is a combination of the things that you hold dearly to your heart and help shape the true version of yourself. Of the many different aspects of identity, there is one that seems most important to me. This is your public self verses your private self. How you act in public with friends and strangers compared to how you act in private with yourself or family members can be very different. When you're in public you have the ability to act however you wish especially around people who don't know you very well. You are free to portray yourself in any way with out being questioned. Where as, in private there is no need to act differently and with family there is no opportunity than to act like yourself. In my opinion, your family knows you better than anyone else. They have witnessed you at your best, worst, least experienced, and modern day. Your family knows your interests, your hobbies and anything else that makes up who you are. Therefore, if you tend to act a little differently, the odds that they'll notice are high. Although, some people choose to act the same around both groups and that says just as much about their personality and identity as acting differently does. I feel that acting differently around both groups shows that you are shy about the things that make you who you are. You may be nervous to show people your true self. Regardless of your reasoning, this shows that part of your identity is possibly shy or maybe you were taught to act this way as a child. Shyness is a part of your personality. This and the way you were raised are also aspects of identity. This idea of "Public Self Vs. Private Self" is very important to me because I believe that you should always be your normal self. Staying true to the things you like and what helps you define yourself is one of, if not the main, source of life happiness. Juggling to different personalities so you're liked and are capable of fitting in easier is a lot of work and unnecessary stress.  In conclusion, identity can be explained in multiple ways but its what you do with it that defines yourself.