How to Tell If Someone is the “Real Thing” or a Facade?

Life lessons from a movie

All great experience has a guarded entrance and windowless facade. - Robert Grudin

Happy Monday Cousin!!

Welcome back to another Chat with Candice!

I missed our Sunday Reflection. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to share one yesterday. I’ve been battling a cold for the past five days, stuck in bed, sipping warm drinks, and watching feel-good movies to keep my mind relaxed.

Out of all the movies I watched, one really spoke to me.

— Just Wright.

In this film, two sisters, Morgan and Leslie, are both struggling to find love. Story of all of our lives, right. Morgan is a calculated "fake it till you make it" type of woman, while Leslie is more naturally herself, effortlessly authentic.

Love makes her presence loud with handsome NBA all star, Scott McKnight. At first, Scott is drawn to Morgan. She’s beautiful, polished, and says all the right things—perfect for the image he wants. But as time goes on, Scott finds himself falling for Leslie instead. Leslie isn’t trying to be anyone else; she’s genuine, and in her authenticity, she connects with Scott’s spirit.

In the end, Scott realizes that while Morgan was good for his image, it was Leslie who was truly good for his heart.

Just Wright carries a powerful lesson on facades.

facades: A superficial appearance or illusion of something³.

The truth is, looks can be deceiving. It’s so easy to get caught up in external appearances—whether it’s people, places, or even opportunities. We often judge based on what’s right in front of us, but we forget that what truly matters lies beneath the surface. It’s crucial to be able to discern the hearts behind the people we encounter.

So, how can you tell if someone is a facade or the real thing?

Actions Must Match Words.

Morgan- A Facade

Morgan was in her "becoming her era," as she liked to call it. She spent hours soaking up lessons, learning just the right things to say and how to present herself in any situation. On the outside, she looked like someone who had it all together, ready to love and support whoever needed it. But here’s the catch: a person can only pretend for so long.

When Scott faced a sudden knee injury, you would think his fiancé at the time would be right there, by his side, helping him through it. But instead, Morgan was at the nearest mall, ignoring his calls—preoccupied with spending his money. Her agenda had always been about what she could get from him, not about the love she claimed to have. Her actions didn’t match the words she spoke. She said, "I love you," but her movements spoke a different truth.

---

Leslie-The Real Thing

Once recruited on to help Scott heal his knee, Leslie promised Scott, she would get him back on the court. From that moment forward she went into go mode studying his injury and making trainings aligned to get him right back on the court. Her actions matched her words.

But it wasn’t just about the physical recovery. When Scott felt defeated, she spoke life into him, lifting his spirits and reminding him of what he was capable of. She even took him back to his childhood basketball court, the place where his love for the game had first blossomed. It wasn’t just about healing his knee; it was about rekindling the fire inside him, reminding him of where his passion for the game—and for life—had begun. Through it all, Leslie’s dedication was clear: she was determined to get him back on the court, and her every action reflected that goal.

The “Real Thing” will:

• Study you

  

• Learn you

  

• Contribute you

  

Leslie’s love for Scott helped heal his knee, turning him into the most sought-after player in the league. Her support not only transformed his career but also opened the door for her to launch her own private program rehabilitating injured athletes.

Life Lesson:

When someone is truly good for you, they don't just support you—they multiply the good you already have.

*I’m currently getting my life back in order. Today’s impromptu chat was a means to stay consistent with writing while also letting you in my personal world. See you guys Sunday with our regular scheduled Sunday Reflection.—Chat Soon!

Candice 💙