Do you think you’re hiding your true parts from people?
Because of cerebral palsy, I often wear a mask to please people’s sense of ability or capability.
The things I’ve learned to do with one hand because of my hemiplegia means that when someone asks me to do something, chances are that I can. Or if I need to learn how to do something, I can probably learn to do it within my ability.
But execution of that often leads me to say yes to something before I truly understand how I’m going to accomplish it.
Unless I know you and trust you, me asking for help just isn’t going to happen. So, those people get a mask of near 100% independence.
Unless you ask a question from something you observe, me volunteering information does not happen. And, depending on the situation, you getting a true response is not likely. Those folks get the mask of nunya. As in none of your business.
I think masks are normal, and hiding parts of yourself for safety (whether physical or emotional) is warranted. I also wholeheartedly believe that you can and should have spaces in your life where you can set the mask down and be authenically yourself. So you can rest and recharge for the next time you need to don a mask.
Indomitable Bellatrix 