Everyone wears them. Masks. They’re essential to life. Without masks, we can’t function in certain situations. The pressures of society and its expectations almost demand the use of metaphorical masks in our daily lives. What masks do you wear and why?
Work. I most definitely wear a mask at work. I try not to show my stress or discontentment. I use the mask to portray competence and professionalism. I definitely suffer from imposter syndrome. I don’t want anyone to know that I feel like a fraud every minute I’m at work. I always fear I’m not qualified enough for my job despite having three degrees that support my career choice. I also believe that if I don’t comprehend something, I am stupid and incompetent.
Relationships. I most definitely wear masks when it comes to relationships. My most common mask is the “everything is fine” mask. I use this one quite often as I am almost never okay. I suffer from depression more often than not. I know that healthy relationships disclose everything, but I have my reasons to keep parts of me locked away. I’m afraid. Always afraid I won’t be fully accepted for who I am. A broken mess.
Social Media. I try not to wear a mask on social media, but it is an exercise in futility. We all want to put our best face forward and often that means tailoring the narrative so that only our best face is shown. We often hide our failures. I’m like everyone else. I want people only to see the best of me.
Generally. I wear a mask the minute I walk out the door. I’m anxiety-ridden and depression-ridden. I have to put on a mask just to survive every day.
The problem with masks is they contribute to losing ourselves. We start to lose connection with self. So, be careful with those masks.
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