Do You Ever Feel Fake?

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly shifting who you are to fit in? That’s the vibe of this episode, which tackles the idea of moulding yourself like a chameleon. If you’re dyslexic or simply curious about human nature, this conversation goes deep into why we sometimes change our shape to protect ourselves.

This episode covers the balance between wanting to belong and wanting to stay true to who we are. You’ll hear about the subtle ways we slip into different roles, especially under stress or when we feel the need to hide our struggles. We also explore how to spot those patterns and find healthier ways of expressing who we are. Buckle up, it’s an eye-opener.

Why We Become Chameleons

All of us wear masks to some degree. Maybe it’s being extra quiet in work meetings when we’d rather share a zillion ideas, or laughing at jokes we don’t find funny just to fit in. Dyslexia can turn that mask-wearing into a lifelong habit if we’re not careful.

Nobody wants to feel judged, so we try to blend in. At first, it can seem like a natural adaptation. But over time, you can lose sight of who you really are if you’re constantly shape-shifting for everyone else’s approval.

The Protective Instinct

A big part of this “chameleon act” comes from fear of being found out or teased. When reading or spelling don’t come easily, you might hide it by avoiding situations that reveal your struggles. You keep quiet or pretend to be someone else. Many dyslexic adults have lived with that for decades.

“It’s like you are a chameleon changing shape to stay safe, becoming a character.”

That quote from the episode sums it up nicely. It’s not that you’re being fake, you’re just armouring yourself against potential hurt. The trouble is it can happen so often that your real self rarely sees the light of day.

Spotting the Masks You Wear

It can help to ask yourself a few questions when you sense you’re slipping into a role. Do you find yourself acting differently around certain people? Are you overly agreeable in some situations but then frustrated later? Awareness is half the battle.

• Notice your physical responses. Are you tensing up or forcing a smile?
• Observe your language. Do you change your accent, speed, or vocabulary around certain folk?
• Track any feelings of relief when you get home. That might mean you’re wearing a mask outside.

It’s tricky at first, but once you start paying attention, you’ll see patterns faster than you realise.

Finding Your True Voice

After spotting these patterns, the next step is to practise being more authentic. That doesn’t mean you have to share every worry or admit every difficulty whenever someone asks. You can still maintain healthy boundaries. But the key is giving yourself permission to be real a bit more often.

Try this for starters: if you normally hide your dyslexia at work, consider telling at least one trusted colleague about it. Or if you usually pretend you love social gatherings, give yourself space to say, “I’m actually more of a homebody.” The relief that comes from small, honest moments can be life-changing. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth the effort.

What This Episode Helps You Reflect On

The podcast’s heart is that moment when you decide to strip back the camouflage. This isn’t just a feel-good idea. It’s a chance to recognise when you’ve been faking it for too long. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you can use your “chameleon skills” if you genuinely want to adapt, without losing who you are in the process.

1. Recognise the protective instinct is normal, but it doesn’t need to be permanent.
2. Find small, safe ways to be more genuine in daily life.
3. Realise that authenticity often invites better connections.
4. Give yourself grace if you slip back into old patterns. We all do.

You’ll hear in the episode how just a handful of courageous choices can help you feel more at ease in your skin. That’s the magic of slowly letting go of masks.

• Being a chameleon can be a self-defence tactic. It’s not inherently bad.
• Dyslexia can magnify the urge to hide or shape-shift in social settings.
• Spotting your masks, and why you wear them, is a powerful first step.
• Progress often comes from tiny, authentic moments of honesty.
• You’re not alone. Everyone feels this way at times.

Ready for more insights on when to adapt for safety and when to show up authentically? Listen to the full episode to hear all the details and real-life stories. There’s a player at the top of this page, so hit play and dive in!