You’ve probably seen it before. Someone who’s always smiling, laughing, and acting like life is perfect. But deep down? They’re struggling.
Maybe you’ve even done it yourself.
Why do we do that? Why do people pretend to be happy when they’re not?
1. We’re Taught to Hide It
From a young age, we hear things like:
▪️ “Don’t cry. Be strong.”
▪️ “Nobody likes a complainer.”
▪️ “Just move on.”
So, we learn to keep our problems to ourselves. Even when life feels like a mess, we put on a smile because that’s what the world expects.
2. We Don’t Want to Be a Burden
Sometimes, we stay quiet because we don’t want to worry the people around us.
▪️ “Everyone has their own problems. Why should I add mine?”
▪️ “What if they don’t understand?”
▪️ “I don’t want to seem weak.”
So, we fake a smile, hoping no one will notice what’s really going on inside.
3. Social Media Makes It Worse
Let’s be real. nobody posts their bad days.
▪️ You’ll see vacation photos, not lonely nights.
▪️ Success stories, not failures.
▪️ Happy moments, not breakdowns.
So, we start thinking, “If everyone else is happy, I should be too.” And just like that, we join the cycle of pretending.
4. We’re Trying to Convince Ourselves
Sometimes, we act happy because we want to be happy.
▪️ Maybe if we smile enough, it’ll feel real.
▪️ Maybe if we ignore the pain, it’ll go away.
▪️ Maybe if we pretend long enough, happiness will just… happen.
But here’s the truth. happiness doesn’t come from pretending. it comes from healing.
5. You Don’t Have to Fake It
Happiness isn’t about being positive 24/7. It’s about being real.
▪️ It’s okay to admit when you’re struggling.
▪️ It’s okay to ask for help.
▪️ It’s okay to not be okay.
You don’t have to act like everything’s fine just to fit in. The strongest people aren’t the ones who hide their pain. they’re the ones who face it.
Final Thought
If you’re going through something, just know you’re not alone.
If someone around you is always too perfect, check on them.
And maybe, just maybe, we can create a world where people don’t have to pretend to be happy. because they actually are.
Words by Matheesha Prathapa
(“I hope one day you’re as happy as you’re pretending to be.”)