When leaning into our commonalities shifts to hiding parts of ourselves because we're afraid we won't be accepted, we can actually feel more alone. I've had many clients tell me, "I have friends, but I still feel lonely." As we’ve discussed, changing yourself to fit in often works in the short term. And, as people accept the whole you, you'll feel more comfortable in your relationships and yourself. The goal is to build relationships in which you don't have to wonder whether people like you or the carefully edited version you've been presenting.