In her book "Bad Feminist," Roxane Gay explores the concept of likability, suggesting that it often represents a facade rather than genuine personality. She argues that the pressure to be likable forces individuals, especially women, to adhere to certain societal expectations and behaviors that may not reflect their true selves.

Gay's observation highlights the complexities of social interaction and the limitations of conforming to a likable image. This performance can lead to a disconnection from authenticity, as individuals may feel compelled to prioritize being accepted over embracing their real identities.