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The Pressure to Be ‘Okay’: Why We Hide Our Struggles “Smiling outside. Screaming inside. But still showing up that’s strength too.” We live in a world where we are expected to hold it together, no matter what. We say “I’m fine” while silently battling storms inside. And somehow, pretending to be okay has become easier than admitting we're not. I’ve Been There Too. I remember sitting in a classroom once, tears threatening to spill, but all I said when someone asked was, “I’m just tired.” That was easier than explaining the weight; I couldn’t even understand myself. And that’s the thing- many of us are walking through life carrying invisible loads but trying hard to look “normal.” Why We Hide Our Struggles We’ve been told crying is weakness, and vulnerability is a flaw. So when we feel like falling apart, we put on a smile and keep going, just to avoid judgment. Social media is full of perfect smiles, goals achieved, and lives that seem put-together. We compare our behind-th...