I used to tell everyone that I was really shy and that this was why I didn’t mix well with people.
Now, instead of this, I think of myself as basically happy and radiant, with my shyness being a superficial layer on top.
This has made it much easier for me to effect change within myself. At the end of the day, taking off a mask is a heck of a lot easier than changing my fundamental nature.
levishedated 
True. We all have masks we wear.
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Yup.
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Interesting how the mental distinction has such an impact, because I feel very much that it would make a difference for me. I like how your brain works.
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Thanks, Em. I like that you are open to change. Good luck (wrong word) with that. 🙂
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I am a bit of an introvert also. I can socialize well,but I have to set my mind to it…definitely not a social butterfly 🙂
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I’m an extrovert with an overactive mind. I say things out loud then think too much about how people react to what I say. This tends to inhibit me in my next interaction with them. It comes over as introvert, but it’s not quite that.
I’ve often w0ndered why it’s easier for me to interact and speak my mind online – any insights? 🙂
Have a great day – Robert.
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That’s quite interesting. I’ve never heard of anyone describe themselves in this manner. I also interact with people online with an easier manner. I haven’t a clue…also the only time my mind is overactive is when I can’t sleep. Guess we will have to chalk it up to human peculiarities.
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This is a meaningful post Robert.. Loved it
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Thanks, Jyoti. And then I always want to ask – what does it mean to you? What would you say if I did? 😀
Kindness – Jyota.
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Revealing the true self. Or not needing to reveal as you remain true all the time. Unmasked..
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I believe that at the heart we are all pure – that we are like a diamond covered by all kinds of layers of rubbish. The outer layer is the one that denies that the layers of rubbish exist. Once this has gone then it appears that we are made up of rubbish (and people then mistake that rubbish for the ‘true self’) but this is not so. Once we stop living in denial, we can start to clean away the rubbish (not wallow in it like some people can do). I wouldn’t say that I am good at cleaning rubbish, but being aware that the trash is full is at least the first step to taking it out.
But I guess you know all of that already. You are wise, Jyoti – and I love you.
All Kindness.
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I certainly believe that if we accept of our rubbish selves, we still have a diamond like heart. To know there is something that needs to be cleansed off our souls and to understand the need to come out shining like a diamond is a sign of being human. Thanks for your inputs Robert. Great post.
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Yes – I totally agree with you. Thanks for your inputs too, Zigyasa. 🙂
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Do you still tell people you are shy, or do you tell them something different now?
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I tell them something different. I tell them that I’m really good with people (because I am). Then I tell them I love them (because I do). And then I never see them again (because people take that the wrong way).
I love you, Dajena – Robert. 🙂
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I love you too Robert 🙂
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😉
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🙂
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We all wear masks to a certain extent. Some more than others. And the mask is not always apparent. Some people are very guarded but you would never think so because they seem open and forthcoming. Does one want to be vulnerable, for example? Nevertheless, one of the brilliant things about writing is being able to cloak yourself in fiction. The reader is never sure if it’s really about the writer or not.
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I find that to be the most disturbing thing about fiction. Just when you think that you know an author, they announce that it was all made up. Literature is legitimised lying.
And as I say this, I still feel the lure.
Teach me how to disagree gracefully, Meg – I don’t do it well!
Kindness – Robert. 🙂
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Nah, it’s ok. It’s our faults as readers for assuming all writing is autobiographical. For me at least it’s sometimes a safe way to share my pain and fears without garnering pity. Know what I mean?
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I know exactly what you mean, Meg. Masks are safety too. 🙂
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Exactly
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🙂
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Also, the guy in your header image is totally hot!!!
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Reminds me strongly of me in fact. 😉
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Ohhhhhh
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😉
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Loving all this mask talk. Taking it off, putting it on, off, on, off, until we forget which is real and which the public face. A face for him another for her. I think they’ll merge in the end if we’re not careful, or maybe they already have.
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Profound words, my friend.
Who is the Kevin behind the alsabini and the Robert behind the levishedated?
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Indeed, who is who??
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Who knows? Who cares! You are just you and that is enough for me. 🙂
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