Just how relatable are we?

I talk a lot about social media on my blog, and I think it’s because it influences and dictates so much of how we feel, what we think, and what we do. A growing conversation I have had with friends and fitness community members is the discussion around people trying really hard to be relatable to their followers and community. Every day someone else is sharing what they are doing to “keep it real” on Instagram and letting everyone know they are doing it.

From the beginning of my Instagram story usage, I have always strived to be myself. I am happy when people meet me for the first time and let me know that they see me the same way, whether in real life, or on social media. It has shocked me on many occasions to meet influencers or other people I follow on social media in person, only to find that they are shy, reserved, or not as friendly as I envisioned them to be. I know that not everyone feels comfortable or may have anxieties around social gatherings, but to be that different is almost like being two totally different people. 

After these recent conversations, I can summarize for myself and those who have participated in the conversations, that we are fed up with the fake-ness of trying to be relatable. My motto is to always be myself. When we can do that, we come across as genuine and people can usually relate to you more and want to hear what you have to say. I have compiled a few things I do, most of which are actually subconscious, to create those meaningful connections, especially digitally.

Don’t announce that you’re “keeping it real”. I find it super strange for people to let me know that they are not using a filter to show how they really look, or announcing that they are going to show you what their life really looks like in a day. Hold up, weren’t we already doing that because on account is a documentation of our lives? I find this tacky and actually less relatable because it comes across as forced and not genuine. I post often in my pink robe…because I live in it! I never once thought that I should do that to get people to be more interested. I am at home, sitting on my couch, and that’s usually what I am wearing.

Talk about things that you can actually relate to. As a thin, white woman, I can’t really tell you about my fat rolls, etc. because to my community, I honestly don’t really have them. Thin, or straight-sized people have insecurities and lack confidence just like those in any other body, but when we talk about our weight in that way, it can be triggering to those in larger, more marginalized bodies. I think that the relatable-ness is still there, but needs to be taken from a different angle. Perhaps reminding people that thinness does not equate to health is an approach worth taking? No matter what you look like, we can always work to improve our physical and mental health.

Don’t force your imperfections. If you have stretch marks, talk about it. If you have acne or other skin conditions, talk about it. It can become extremely difficult to relate to someone when they are grasping at “imperfections” to seem relatable. Recently, I have experienced others’ posts where I am wondering what the heck they are talking about, because I don’t see the so-called imperfection they are even mentioning. We don’t have to try and create horrible experiences or deem ourselves as having imperfections to compete with the next person. The best you can do is to show up as you are, and I will relate to you that much more.

Humans are supposed to be human. Scratch the word imperfection from above. Human beings are not supposed to look a certain way. We come in all shapes, sizes, colours, looks. What makes us special is our personality. Be yourself (as if you haven’t already heard that from me today), and the people will come and want to stay. 

Be mindful of the social media you consume and how you feel about it. Be aware of the content you are putting out into the world and why. Be yourself. We will love you for it!

Yours in self-discovery,

Rachel