"It's always obvious to me when someone is looking at me with an idea of who I am and hoping that that's the person I'm going to be. No matter how subtle it is, it's there, and you want to give them who they really want. But it ain't me"

This quote by Judith Guest checks out the complex and frequently conflicting nature of self-identity versus others' understandings and expectations. At its core, it reveals the battle of being seen through the lens of another's presumptions and the pressure to conform to these expectations, even when they do not align with one's real self.

The phrase "it's constantly apparent to me when somebody is looking at me" suggests a heightened awareness or level of sensitivity to the method others view us. It indicates that people frequently see others through their own subjective lenses, forecasting their desires, assumptions, and expectations onto them. This gaze, whether substantiated of affection, hope, or judgment, carries an implicit demand for the based on meet a specific function or identity.

Visitor notes that "no matter how subtle it is, it's there", signifying that the imposition of these expectations is typically unmentioned or nuanced, yet undoubtedly present. This speaks to the prevalent nature of social norms and individual biases, which can be both intangible and yet deeply felt by those being observed.

The desire to "give them who they actually desire" exposes an internal dispute: the pull in between credibility and the urge to please others or suit their story. This pressure can come from a range of social dynamics, consisting of the need for approval, love, or recognition. However, Guest asserts "But it ain't me", an effective declaration of self-assertion and authenticity. It highlights a rejection to catch external pressures and an insistence on keeping one's real identity, no matter expectations.

Ultimately, this quote speaks with the human desire for real connection and the guts required to withstand conforming to external forecasts. It is a reminder of the value of self-awareness and credibility in a world frequently eager to define us before we define ourselves.