After attempting to maintain a social facade all my life in order to better interact with others… I’ve found dropping the remaining pretention, and fighting the urge to become “likable” has made me a happier, more independent person. I’ll always struggle with conveying my empathy, but I’ve stopped worrying if others can tell from my expression or responses what I’m thinking. I might still do the exaggerated faces out of habit to convey my emotions… but I finally feel free of the need to. I’m not a bad or uncaring person, hopefully I don’t read that way, but it’s time for me to take off my shoes and feel the sand and water on my toes.