Just Be Yourself? But what is it anyway?

Question

When going out on a date, going to an interview, and facing a stressful situation (public speaking and such), you will always hear this phrase:

Just (relax and) be yourself!

So what does that supposed to mean?

So if I am going out on a date, and act nervous naturally... isn't that being myself? If I didn't prepare well enough for a speech and eventually stammered, wasn't I bing myself? Yes, I may have failed in both cases, but I was being "myself".

Anyway, if you are about to encourage your friend to face a stressful situation, what will you tell them except this meaningless "just relax and be yourself" (c**p)?

Answer 1

I understand what you mean.  generally, it just means don't try to be something your not, in this case I can't see how it would apply.

I would just tell a nervous person to relax, and have a few drinks.  I'm going to get put down for this, but alcohol is the perfect solution for relaxing ;)

Answer 2

Grr I hate it when peeps say that!

I don't even know who I am! So how can I be something I know I'm not if I am still in the whole self discovery process?

I usually advise my friends to just try their very hardest at whatever it is they're doing or whatever.  

Answer 3

relax is a positive word and nervous is a negative word. Instead of saying don't be nervous, which reminds you that you are nervous or should be nervous, they said be your normal self in your normal routine.

Answer 4

I think it means being authentic.  Say what you mean, mean what you say and don't try to act like someone or something you are not by pretending.  But, if you are nervous, you are nervous, so be it, that is an authentic feeling you have at that time.