Makes sense. Authenticity is about expressing ourselves, Not the method of transmission. A genuine hug, "I love you", handshake or smile are all authentic.
At 40. It means assuming the things i like at least to myself and enjoy them. I don’t need to fit in specific groups having likes or dislikes to specific others. In psychoanalysis, it is called individuation.
"We really value authenticity" as long as it is conformant and within very narrow limits. Try to have a not "current thing" opinion or some not common hobbies, or express your opinions trully and see how far this "authenticity" gets you.
Perhaps this is why we value authenticity in the first place. Why would you want the company of people who think less of you for your opinion, which you are inarguably entitled to? Similarly, how many people's opinions make you think less of them, because of your opinions and judgements? Why would they want your company? So we find authenticity valuable because it lets us find those who genuinely have the same values as us, and not waste our time on people who's values will lower our quality of life.
