Why do I have to pretend that everything is okay?

People cope with stress in many ways. One of them is to simply do what you said, pretend (IGNORE) everything is ok. Realizing this takes you a step further into the solution...

It is a brave face that you are putting on. Perhaps you are worried to speak out about it to people, or you are trying to be strong to others. Never be afraid to confide in someone you trust about anything that is on your mind. It will be better for you to find ways to speak about anything bothering you, rather than deal with it on your own.

You don't need to. "Secrets make you sick" Finding help is the best way to get back to being okay.

You don't. It's that simple. If something hurts, than you need to find someone. That's why this website exists.

Some people, well everybody has a different approach to it, do not like their inner feelings to be exposed. It makes them feel vulnerable and insecure. So they tend to keep their sadness, or whatever is bothering them, to themselves, and pretend to be happy.

You don't! Because everything is not okay. You have to be superhuman not to break down every now and then because of life. Everyone feels the internal need to put on a mask around others because well all fear being ostracized from showing that our lives are very hard, and very imperfect. But we can start building an environment, like here on 7 Cups, where it's okay to not be okay. And you won't judge others for struggling, and they won't judge you. ♡

You don't. You don't have to hide your feelings to please someone or yourself. You shouldn't feel ashamed.

Well, you shouldn't have to. You should be able to express everything you feel and not be judged for what you feel. However, our society tells us that certain emotions show weakness and we naturally cover them up.

you pretent because you dont want anything bad to happen its like your in a trans where you can feel safe

You don't! You can always talk to someone you trust if you're not okay. You never have to hide your feelings.