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

Many people find themselves putting on a performance when telling others about their accomplishments, even when the internal feeling is more subdued. This often stems from a desire to meet perceived social expectations or to avoid appearing ungrateful for what they've achieved. It's a common experience to feel a disconnect between your outward presentation and your true emotional state in these moments.

Research suggests that up to 70% of high-achievers experience impostor phenomenon at some point, making it difficult to own their successes fully.

See other perspectives

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

Am I the Only One?

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

Does Everyone?

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 hollow after achieving a big goal?▾
That hollow feeling, often called 'post-achievement emptiness,' can occur when the anticipation of success was more compelling than the reality. Once the goal is met, the driving force is gone, leaving a void that can be confusing and unexpected.
Is it bad to not feel overjoyed by my achievements?▾
No, it's not bad at all. Emotional responses to success vary widely. Some people experience quiet satisfaction, while others might feel relief or even ambivalence. Not feeling an intense burst of joy doesn't diminish your accomplishment or mean you don't value it.
What if I feel like my success isn't truly mine?▾
This feeling, often associated with impostor phenomenon, is quite common. It involves doubting your accomplishments and fearing exposure as a 'fraud.' It can make it difficult to internalize success and genuinely celebrate it.

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