Am I the only one who fakes excitement when telling others about my success?

It's common to feel a disconnect between inner feelings and outward expressions, especially when sharing achievements. Many people find themselves putting on a performance rather than genuinely feeling the joy they believe they should. This can happen for various reasons, from feeling pressure to appear a certain way to simply not feeling the expected elation themselves.

Research from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that approximately 30% of high-achievers report experiencing feelings of emptiness or unfulfillment despite their successes.

See other perspectives

Does everyone feel fake excitement when telling others about their success?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel fake excitement when sharing your successes?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to fake excitement when telling others about your success?

Is It Weird?

Why do I feel fake excitement when telling others about my success?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

For a bunch of dead flowers? …

achievement emptiness

i feel so bad like REALLY bad and i dunno who to even tell this to like nobody gets it i got married last weekend to my boyfriend we been together like forever since college or whatever and everyone… …

achievement emptiness

Am I the only one who got married to my long-time boo yesterday, like, all fancy and stuff, and woke up today just… sad? …

achievement emptiness

The big fancy award thing. …

achievement emptiness

You spend your whole damn life doing everything by the book, working hard, saving up, so you can have that little slice of the American dream. …

achievement emptiness

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel empty after achieving a big goal?▾
The letdown after reaching a long-sought goal is a common experience. Often, the pursuit itself provides a sense of purpose, and once the goal is met, that driving force can diminish, leaving a void. It's not unusual to feel a lack of fulfillment even after a significant accomplishment.
Is it normal to not feel happy about my achievements?▾
Yes, it's quite normal. Happiness isn't always an automatic outcome of success. Sometimes the effort involved, external pressures, or a shift in personal values can mean that the anticipated joy doesn't materialize. Many people experience this discrepancy between expected and actual feelings.
How can I genuinely celebrate my accomplishments?▾
True celebration often comes from internal recognition and aligning success with personal meaning. Reflecting on the hard work and what the achievement truly means to you, rather than focusing on external reactions, can help foster a more authentic sense of accomplishment. Sharing with trusted individuals who understand your true feelings can also be more rewarding.

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