pre-tense
noun

1. an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true

• a false display of feelings, attitudes, or

• affected and ostentatious speech and behavior. 

ORIGIN late Middle English : from Anglo-Norman French pretense, based on medieval Latin pretensus ‘pretended,’ alteration of Latin praetentus, from the verb praetendere (see pretend).

Pretense.

Ick.

I made a commitment to myself several years ago to “not pretend.” To banish pretense from my life.

The alternative?

Authenticity. Transparency. (Which require more than a touch of fearlessness…)

Relax. Breathe. Smile. Laugh. Come from your heart. From your center. Always.

Let’s make the switch.