It takes a lot of effort behind the scenes, but I always become important to those I do it for. The process varies for everyone. If it's someone I've met in a mixer type setting, I'll lead them to a conversation where they give me more information about themselves and what they do. If they interest me (by this meaning I want to be like them in some way, or admire their philosophies) then I will go on with the conversation, social media, meet up with them (with preparation beforehand on what they would be keen to discuss, etc.) If it's someone I've heard a lot about, and admire them, but have not met them I will plan a way to bump into them. Join causes or student orgs they're active in, then attend an event they may be at then meet them after a while and follow the above process. Anything that would reinforce the final meeting seeming like it was "meant to be" or a "funny coincidence". I call authentic anyone who is aware of their values, wants, goals, and why. Someone who acts on them and doesn't give into a society's wants. The best way I can explain it is in the philosopher Heidegger's term "dasein" (a being concerned with it's being/existence) vs "dasman" (the public, having no real identity, being inauthentic). I want to discover my type because I think it will help me with my authenticity journey essentially. I'm aware it's one that will never end, but to me life is only worth living if one lives it authentically. My social circle is 3 really close high school friends (who live 1 hr away), 3 university friends from a dance team I was in a year ago, and 2 acquaintances I hang out with to go to the gym, or study with. My thought process? Hmm. It usually begins with interest in something. Related to self-help/improvement. Then questioning of why I am interested in it. If I find a good reason, I will go on to research and make a plan. Often going on tangents, reading for a long time into something related but not needed. Then I will follow it. I always try to weigh the effort vs. the gain. When it comes to things I have to do/are forced to think about, I reject it at first. Become frustrated, irritated, stressed, feel helpless. Then I try to convince myself learning in itself is always interesting, and then I research what I need to learn specifically. My basic philosophy on life is: There is no purpose in life. I guess I could die, whatever. But being a human is extremely amazing, wow, there is much worth in it, yes. OOOH travel, beautiful creatures, beautiful places, so many people, festivals, music, traditions, amazing foods, let's live in harmony, no worries be happy, if it won't kill you, you'll figure it out...something like that. I think constantly questioning myself seeking knowledge, wisdom, gaining experiences over a wide spectrum, bonding with people, and seeking magic is what I'd advocate. I'm not the best at following it though. I will say I almost never worry about small things, or can force myself to regret something since I'm really aware of my present and I see abundant opportunities. When it comes to vocalizing, I'm not the best. People get confused when I try to explain something well thought out, but skips over the previous steps. My mom especially seems to think I have no emotion when I don't gush over injustice, or things I see as petty... That was long...