Do You Stand Out in a Crowd?

Posted byVanya Wryter ConsultingPosted inLifestyle, StoriesTags:, , , , , , , , , , ,

What part of my routine would I always skip if I can? I would say it’s my face. Yeah, I can tell by your reaction that you weren’t expecting an answer like that when you asked for this interview. But, like I said over the phone, I’m not like other people that you know.

So while you’re checking your interview notes to see what detail you missed about me, let me explain.

Every day, I go to work, I take the transit like hundreds of other people in this city. I check my phone for the latest news during my ride and then I grab my coffee on the way to the office. I enter data and write reports all day. I say hello to my coworkers on the way to my desk, and goodbye on my way home. Yeah, it sounds boring, but I’m as pleasant and polite as can be.

So what’s this got to do with my face?

Well, everything. No one really knows anyone. No one really knows me.

My coworkers and my boss call me reliable and hardworking. But they couldn’t tell you a darn thing about my favorite hobby or favorite food. They think it’s pizza and beer, but that’s because they all have pizza and beer after work when we gather at the pub.

My parents say I’m a good son. I visit them on the weekends. I play with their dog and their cat so they think I like animals. They like going to Europe in the summer and I’m always intrigued by their adventures so they think my dream is to visit Europe.

The reality is, I don’t know what I want. I try so hard to be a people pleaser, that over time, I’ve lost myself. Every day, I put on my face before I walk out that door. That face is the face of the person everyone thinks is me, you know?

But who am I? If I didn’t put on my face, who would they see? 

For once, I wish I had the courage to be late for work because I slept in, so yeah, fire me. Wouldn’t that feel good! I wish I could board the train and start belting out a song and hope everyone joins my impromptu concert. For once, I wish I could say to my parents, I want to go hiking in the mountains, even though I could get lost, and it’s a little dangerous. But I’m not brave enough.

I guess I’m too scared to see the faces of the people around me go from acceptance to shock. So I guess the answer to your question, “What part of your routine do you always try to skip if you can?” would be, “not putting on my face.” I always try to go out as the real me, to skip that step of putting on my fake face, but I always run back. No one will ever see who I really am. I’d rather just be another face in the crowd.

Thanks for reading this post!

Daily writing prompt
What part of your routine do you always try to skip if you can?
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37 thoughts on “Do You Stand Out in a Crowd?”

  5. Pingback: Do You Stand Out in a Crowd? – Affiliate One on One Market

  8. This resonates so deeply. It’s such a relatable struggle—to want to show up authentically, yet feeling the pressure to fit in or meet others’ expectations. There’s something so freeing in the idea of being “just another face in the crowd” yet wishing, just for once, to break free and show the world the real you. It’s hard to break out of our routines and comfort zones, especially when we’re afraid of disappointing those around us. But even small steps toward showing our true selves can be powerful. Thanks for sharing such a raw and honest reflection—it’s a reminder that a lot of us feel this way, too.

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      1. You’re absolutely right—standing out and embracing your uniqueness takes real courage! It’s so tempting to follow the crowd, but true growth often comes from being authentic and daring to be different. The world needs more of that individuality and bravery to inspire others to do the same. Keep shining your light—it might just be the spark someone else needs to embrace their own uniqueness too!

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  14. I understand perfectly the point , I prefer to organise with discretion that being in the spotlight (that burns).
    I like to take the photo and not being in the image. Have the credit, (glory nor fame).
    People pleaser, no thanks.

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