The way you describe having different personalities in different social settings is quite common and entirely normal. It is not uncommon for individuals to exhibit different behaviors and traits depending on the context and the people they are interacting with. There are a few reasons why this might happen:
Comfort and Familiarity: With your family and relatives, you likely feel more comfortable and familiar, which can lead to a more reserved and introverted demeanor. You might have known these people for a long time, and they have seen you grow up, which can create a sense of self-consciousness or shyness.
Social Expectations: Family dynamics and roles can influence behavior. If you have always been seen as the quieter or more introverted family member, it may have become a part of your self-concept, and you naturally behave that way around them.
Peer Influence: When you are with friends or strangers, you might feel less constrained by past expectations or roles. Additionally, the presence of peers can encourage more extroverted behavior, as socializing and connecting are typical in these settings.
Group Dynamics: The dynamics of a social group can impact individual behavior. If you are with outgoing and energetic friends, you might naturally adopt a more extroverted persona to fit in with the group.
Psychological Safety: Being with friends or strangers can provide a sense of psychological safety and lower the fear of judgment or rejection, allowing you to express yourself more freely.
Social Skills: You might have developed different social skills over time, enabling you to adapt your behavior based on the context and social situation.
The ability to adapt and display different facets of your personality in various settings is a positive trait. It shows that you are versatile and capable of navigating different social environments. People often demonstrate different sides of themselves in different situations, and this is a normal part of human behavior.
It's essential to remember that having multiple facets to your personality doesn't mean one is more authentic or genuine than the other. All aspects of your personality are a part of who you are, and it's okay to express different sides of yourself depending on the circumstances. As long as you feel comfortable and authentic in each setting, there's no need to worry about the differences in behavior. Embrace the complexity of your personality, as it makes you a unique and multifaceted individual.