Is "just be yourself" good advice

is being yourself good advice?

Whether it's trying to make friends or going on a first date, is being yourself good advice?
Does anyone have stories when being themselves worked or didn't or pretending to be someone else worked out better for them?

Yeah. If you're fake everyone will know.

It depends on which area. If you have a geeky or weird interest, I'd say you're better off just being totally upfront and cool about it, rather than trying to hide it or play down your enthusiasm. You can come across as boring by worrying about interests being accepted.

However, there's some things it's usually best to avoid, strong political or religious views aren't really for first dates. And most importantly, if you're shy, you have to make an effort not to be.

Yeah obviously i wouldn't talk about politics on my first date lol or any date for that matter :P.
I was thinking more like if you aren't that big into drinking/getting drunk to just lie and say "yeah i love going out and drinking" to look 'cool' :P

I'd definitely not do that, I don't think that's something that's very important in a partner, I've never heard anyone say "they're nice, but they aren't that big into drinking". It's more important to come across like you aren't that bothered about what people think of you than to have lots of "cool" interests. If you are someone who is desperate to appear cool, that's something I'd try to play down, and not necessarily "be yourself". I can get quite defensive, for example, that's something I try to play down.

Ok how about if its just making friends at uni, where drinking is kinda a big thing.

Well if they're that bothered, they'll probably be going out drinking all the time, so I'd assume you wouldn't want to be friends with them anyway?

Whether it's trying to make friends or going on a first date, is being yourself good advice?
Does anyone have stories when being themselves worked or didn't or pretending to be someone else worked out better for them?