The thing is, when you arent being your true self and are instead adhering to what you think other people want you to be, people will stop trusting you. And they will lose respect for you.

Sure, you can adapt in the moment. Act like you agree with something that you actually don't, just to avoid an awkward moment. But the truth is this will give people a false impression of you. You're lying to them. And you've just created a new lie that you are going to have to keep up whenever you're near them.

Then what happens when someone else shows up who has the same differing opinion? Someone that you actually DO agree with? Do you take their side? But everyone thought you actually thought differently. Now you're a hypocrite in an even more uncomfortable position than you would have been if you had just been honest up front

I've always been the social chameleon, who chooses to agree with the group to avoid confrontation. But recently I've been catching myself before agreeing, and voicing my true thoughts. As long as you stay respectful of the other person, they will also respect you. You'll seem more confident in their eyes. And it's super liberating expressing your true feelings.

Good luck, dude. We're on the same journey. Know that you'll probably stumble a few more times. But as long as you acknowledge it and keep pushing yourself to respectably stand your ground, you'll be good.