Millions of people admit most friends do not know 'the real them' – including their own partner.
A study of 2,000 adults found two thirds believe even their best friends their true personality – with one in 10 even feeling this way about their other half.
One in ten admitted to feeling they do not have anyone at all in their life that truly understands their personality.
Most admit the 'real' them is suppressed by putting on a 'game-face' due to being too self-conscious or masking their own insecurities.
The study, commissioned by PizzaExpress, revealed two thirds believe getting together to share a meal with loved ones helps others to see who they really are.
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This is easier during celebratory events such as birthdays or Christmas, but it is also essential to make to time to express yourself freely.
Amanda Royston, from PizzaExpress, said: "These statistics are deeply saddening and, in the current social and political climate, the need for community cohesion and supporting those around you is even greater.
"This could be a friend, a work colleague, a family member or neighbour."
The poll also found social media has enabled 22 per cent to be something close to who they really are – by giving them the platform to connect and express themselves more freely.
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It also emerged those polled have an average 10 friends – but only two who they feel they can show the real them.
The personality traits which are most commonly suppressed include their worries (45 per cent), their frustrations (40 per cent) and sadness at particular events (33 per cent).
Adults polled, via OnePoll, also hold back when it comes to their sense of humour (14 per cent), their loving side (13 per cent) and feelings of jealousy (15 per cent).
The research findings prompted the pizza-maker, to commission an emotive film to ask the powerful question: 'Who really knows you?', which can be viewed here
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