Quote:
Originally Posted by SmartAlx  They say that you should be yourself and accept yourself for who you are... that you shouldn't try to be someone that you aren't. If I followed that advice, then I would have no friends. |
If that advice is being given in the spirit you are receiving it, then it is indeed terrible advice. Worse than no advice.
There isn't really a set of personality traits you can call the 'real you'. You are probably changing all the time. You can make drastic changes if you choose. You'll still kind of be the same person, but you won't be the shyness and whatever else you don't like. You'll be the person controlling the changes. So be who you want to be, not who you are. And if you find you can't change certain things, then you can re-evaluate if it's really worth it or not. Self-acceptance should be a last resort.
I, too, get annoyed at the wishy-washy self-acceptance I see in a lot of people. I'm not sure if it's on these forums because I tend to ignore it when I see it.
You're at a good point in your 'personal development' if you're willing and ready to change things. Even if some people discourage your attempts. Take it from someone who is undergoing some big changes right now and is enjoying all of it.
Edit: And I can't overemphasize the importance of a good role model.