This week’s word is “performative,” and oh boy, has it been making me shake my head more times than I can count. It’s like we’re all extras in the grand reality show of life, where everyone thinks they’re a Kardashian at a family dinner, constantly performing for an invisible audience. Yuck. Leaves me feeling icky. No thanks.

I love having a word of the week. It’s a bit like having a theme song but with less singing and more pondering. My annual word guides the year ahead, but a weekly word captures the trends swirling around me or serves as a beacon of aspiration. This week, “performative” is the buzzword, encapsulating the faux displays of knowledge, concern, or indignation I’ve been witnessing.

It’s fascinating—and slightly disheartening—to see how many people put on a show. They feign outrage or sympathy with the skill of a seasoned actor, yet their performances lack the authenticity that makes genuine emotion so powerful. You can almost see the script in their hands as they navigate their social media feeds and daily interactions.

Of course, not everyone is faking it. Many people are genuinely passionate, concerned, and empathetic. But then there are those whose sincerity is about as deep as a puddle. It’s all for show, like a bad reality TV episode playing out in real life.

The performative parade can be exhausting to watch, leaving us craving something real and unfiltered. Maybe next week’s word should be “authentic” as a counterbalance, reminding us that genuine connections and emotions are what truly matter.

So here’s to navigating the performative landscape with a discerning eye and an appreciation for the real moments that cut through the noise. After all, life’s too short for bad acting, even in our own unscripted dramas.