If People Really Knew Me, They’d Walk Away

This expression reflects the fear that true authenticity leads to rejection. It’s common among people who hide their vulnerabilities, believing connection depends on perfection.

Pattern Context:

• Drives relational masking, people-pleasing, and social exhaustion

• Related to shame-based identity and early invalidation

• Often tied to the belief “I’m Too Much” or “I’m Not Good Enough”
  
  

🔗 Related Core Belief: I’m Too Much
🔗Read: Why Rest and Vulnerability Feel Unsafe