How do I act as myself

[u/Global-Survey-9357]

I changed my entire personality to be socially accepted and it makes me feel dead inside. I pretend to be dumb so my parents won’t hit me. I pretend to be dumb and happy at school so people won’t see me as a threat and hurt me. I just want to do my best in life and expand my mind without being threatened. How does anyone get past being fake based on expectations of those in power and be who they are and do what they want?

[u/Jazzlike-Button6336]

Be patient. You can only grasp opportunities if you possess information on them. So observe, for that is the safest thing you can do. You're in a terrible environment, but it seems you don't have the means to escape it. If you are unable to see a clear path ahead of you, then you simply don't know enough yet.

If you are physically abused by your parents (excessive force), consider talking to child protection services, but do note this is a drastic decision. If you don't feel safe around the people that should be providing you with security, then seek out government services for a better chance. However, you must think this through. I don't know the relationship between you and your parents, but if they are spending their own hard-earned money to support your survival, it is worth considering trying to understand them first before making drastic decisions. Typically, child protection services won't take you away from your parents if you don't want them to, but if you wish, they will try their best to put you somewhere where you feel safe. I lack information to give you reliable advice.

If you are hurt because you are a threat, then you simply aren't strong enough yet. There are ways to get stronger without standing out, but it would be best if you can find a place where you're able to shine without getting hurt. Getting strong without standing out takes a lot of finesse, but it seems you're able to hide yourself a bit. Of course, optimally, you should seek out ways to openly seek more strength. Is your school really so lame that it doesn't bother with bullying? This is 2024, how exactly do people at your school hurt you? Emotionally, or physically?

Why did you change your personality to be socially accepted? Personally, I just do whatever I want and live life the way I enjoy it, and naturally, birds of the same feather flock to me. If you are strong enough, but humble enough to just mind your own business, you should be fine most of the time.

What are you, in a pre-21st century TV show? (I am genuinely perplexed and am not making fun of your situation) I need to know exactly what is happening to you to help you.