Popularity Contests

I've been a contestant in a popularity contest I never signed up for since birth, this world caters to those who have the loudest voice in the room, the person with the most connections, the one with the pretty face, whatever it may be, there is always criteria to lose to.

I want to be liked and accepted by others, but I don't want to be superficial for the sake of attention, even if I want the attention. 

I have too much pride to let myself become a cog in the machine, and yet I also lack the self esteem to achieve. I wish I could be happy for others, but I cannot when I am deeply unhappy with myself, it makes me unlikable, bitter, resentful.

Is it better to admit to my bitterness, or would it be best to put on a façade like the rest of the world has and will continue to do?

Is it a zipped mouth, or a suppressed heart that will cause more long term damage?

06-25-2026 @ 11:58 PM