Can anyone ever just be themselves?

There are genuine and honest people here. It can take a little while to find them if you’re new. A lot of people won’t open up right away. Best thing is to observe people and get to know them in the main first.

My first thought for people in search of like-minded others would be to become active in a forum that matches your interest. I've found the photo-oriented forums have a congenial membership. Try Sunsets. Even if you don't photograph sunsets, they are an almost universal magnet of interest--like kittens and puppies--and you can ooh-and-ahh with the rest of us.

Secondly, I've found SW to be like a nice neighborhood where it feels like everyone knows the others and welcomes new faces--like "Cheers", if you know that tv program. Although I'm mostly here to surf the forums and exchange thoughts on various subjects, I've had some nice ongoing exchanges that sprouted from my forum participation. Alas, though, so many potential friends, such lack of time. But you're motivated, so your mileage will be better. Good luck, and don't get discouraged before you've given SW a good long look.

Online interaction is always gonna be a gamble. Best you can do is give it a try but proceed with caution.

A few good people roam this vast place called SW
You just have to find them 👍🏻

Please go careful here..there are players here just like everywhere else..keep an eye out for red flags and ask lots of the right questions to see if people are genuine. Trick is dont let anyone rush you or make rash decisions. Observe first..good luck and welcome.

The internet isn’t a good place for that.. if you are looking for real people best to get hobbies and meet people through the things you enjoy doing.

I think if you can't find that here there probably isn't anywhere else you could.

I know exactly how you feel. There seems to be quite a few good people on here.

of course, but you just have to be smart about it. I have met many great and genuine people here, but I am also not looking for love here, so if someone is not being genuine, I suppose it doesn't really end up causing any major issues

At one time, I would have easily said yes, it's possible. But not now. I would now say it is very highly unlikely, if not totally impossible. But I do wish you luck.

In any place people present a version of themselves, either knowingly or unknowingly

not really, no. alas and sorry.

Proceed with caution

Pl

Some people are genuine here, like I said some. You just gotta spend time here to find those. Rest are in a lala land and type out of pot head.