Every person has three faces

 The Japanese say that every person has three faces. The first face is the one we show the world. It is the version of ourselves that is shaped by society’s expectations. We smile, act polite, and try to be accepted. This is the face that hides our fears, struggles, and insecurities.

The second face is the one we show to our close friends and family. This face is more real. With our loved ones, we express our emotions more freely. We share our joys and pains, our dreams and worries. They see a side of us that the world does not. Yet, even with them, we may hold back certain thoughts and feelings.

The third face is the one no one ever sees. This is our truest self—the version of us that exists when we are alone. It holds our deepest thoughts, fears, desires, and dreams. It is where our true nature lives, without the influence of others.

Understanding these three faces helps us realize that everyone is more complex than they appear. It reminds us to be kind, as we never truly know what someone is going through. It also encourages us to reflect on who we really are when no one is watching. After all, the truest version of ourselves is the one we must live with forever.