Sarah D. Shearer

I suppose it seems counterintuitive that on memorial day, a day to remember those who died for this country, The USA, I watched a documentary about Princess Diana of Great Britain.

I knew her life was different than what the public knew at the time, but I was not prepared for the heartbreaking life of a woman revered by millions as having the perfect life.

Born into aristocracy, she led a privileged life, but would not have imagined that at only 19, she would be courted and one by the Prince himself. While to everyone else it looked like she was receiving a fairytale ending, inwardly, she knew she was only a figurehead, and his affections were with another woman. (Even on their honeymoon she was reminded of this.) In the interviews, she noted her wedding day was the worst day of her life. The day millions watched on television, a day filled with more beauty than most see in their lifetime, and it was the worst day of her life.

We live in an Instagram generation where we often say one thing on social media when quite another story is going on in real life. I wonder how things might have turned out for Diana if she had exposed the reality of what was going on. I can’t blame her for what she did, and I think she’s a hero for staying strong for so long, but to be so miserable from the onset, and to project to literally the entire world that you live a charmed existence, it’s a burden too great for any human to bear.

As I’m left thinking about her life and legacy, I’m inspired to only settle for the real thing. Pretending is not worth it. If it means you have to say some uncomfortable things, lose a few friends or maybe a lot of friends, break off a relationship, leave the school, break off a toxic relationship, do it. Being real and authentic is always worth it. Admit you need help. Seek guidance. Be yourself. If you find yourself having to mentally prepare to be around the people you’re supposedly closest with, something is wrong.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: many times, you are fooling far fewer people than you think. So go ahead. Be honest with us. The truth will set you free.