Do we really change, or do we just get better at hiding who we are?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. People say time changes you, but I feel like the core of who I am is still the same. I’ve just learned which parts to show to whom. Do you think people genuinely change over time, or do we just adapt to different situations? Curious to hear your perspectives.

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CrazyMusicLover · 31-35

I think there are many facets to one person and we gain them as we go through life. Something can switch on or off under certain circumstances but the core stays the same for most people.

Daquered · New

@CrazyMusicLover That's a good way to look at it. Life just reveals what was already there. Do you think the core ever actually changes, or is it just buried deeper?

CrazyMusicLover · 31-35

@Daquered Maybe only through some extensive long-term therapy (or also brainwashing, unfortunately), sudden life-changing event or some illness that affects the brain. But I don't know, really. It's questions like this that make us wonder how much do we actually know ourselves and other people.

Daquered · New

@CrazyMusicLover The brainwashing point is unsettling to think about. If change can be forced, then maybe the people we think "never change" just haven't met the right pressure yet. Makes you wonder how much of what we call identity is really just circumstance.