Why do I feel fake or inauthentic around others?

This feeling is very common in adults with ADHD and is often linked to masking. Many people learn early on to adjust how they speak, act, or respond to fit expectations and avoid criticism. Over time, that can create a sense that you’re performing a role rather than showing up as yourself. It’s not that you’re being dishonest. It’s that you’ve been adapting constantly. Clinicians understand this as a response to years of social self monitoring and emotional regulation effort. When you’re always tracking how you’re coming across, it can disconnect you from your natural reactions. Feeling inauthentic is often a sign of long term compensation, not a lack of identity. As people gain understanding and support, this feeling often softens.