Is it normal to pretend to be someone else?
Yes, it’s common to try on a different persona now and then, whether you’re joking, role-playing, or feeling more confident that way. It’s worth thinking about if you feel unable to stop or the pretending is hurting you or someone else.
Lots of people act like a different version of themselves sometimes: putting on a character with friends, using a different persona online, or imagining what it would be like to be someone else. That can be harmless fun or a way to explore parts of yourself.
The line depends on what “pretend” means. Keeping a secret identity to deceive or take advantage of people can damage trust, while feeling like you have to hide who you are all the time can be exhausting. If it’s causing distress or serious problems in your relationships or daily life, talking it through with someone you trust may help.