I read many, many, many quotes of being a perfect person and how to be a perfect person. It sometimes makes me feel like I am living in the fifties and instead of seeing those “How to be the perfect wife so your husband always feels loved” adverts it is now, “How to be the perfect person so society accepts you” campaigns. And all I want to do is ask, “Really society, really! Is that what you want?”

(Scene change to Simba in the Lion King, stating, “Danger?…I laugh in the face of danger.”) And by danger I mean you daring society to accept you as You.

I do not fundamentally believe that people, as individuals, want to always see their close ones or anyone for that matter as perfect. If we constantly met perfect people we would all have low self-esteem and wonder why we cannot be perfect or wonder what was wrong with us. Sometimes seeing someone’s imperfections gives you some peace. So many questions arise, “Who determines what perfect is?”; “How do you know once you’ve reached being perfect?; “What happens after you become perfect?”

I would rather believe in authentic and being perfectly authentic. And what do I mean by authentic? I mean the real You. Does this mean that society will accept you? Probably not. And that is okay. It is okay because you will find those few individuals who will love you for You. And most importantly, you will probably love yourself for being the real you.

Does this mean though that we should stop trying to be better? No. It changes the idea of trying to be perfect to trying to be the best you. The “best version of you” as is often stated.

If you agree with what I am saying then every time you read something that tells you to be perfect, remember one of these quotes and always walk in your truth:

“Be yourself: everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde (My favourite).

“We come to love not by finding a perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.” – Sam Keen

“When you show up authentic, you create the space for others to do the same. Walk in your truth.” – Ziad K Abdelnour

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” – Brene Brown

“There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.” – Unknown