ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

True self and false self

True Self and False Self are two different ways of behaving that we use to protect ourselves. The True Self is the part of us that is honest, open, and genuine. It is our real feelings and thoughts, the part of us that feels most at home in the world. The False Self is the part that puts on a “mask” and acts out of fear or insecurity. It can be controlling and self-protecting, but it can also create a lot of anxiety and unhappiness. We all rely on both the True and False Selves at different times, but it’s important to know when to use which one.