Take off your mask

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
Take off your mask
16
Mon, 10-31-2005 - 6:36pm

Do you wear a mask?  Do you maybe wear a mask only around certain people?  Are you afraid to take it off?  Why or why not?


Happy Halloween!


Bink




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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-31-2005 - 9:43pm
No.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
Tue, 11-01-2005 - 8:28am

I used to also wear a mask, all the time.


iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2004
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 10:18am
it is disconcerting to me that i still wear masks today. they are all about self-preservation even when i don't need it. it keeps people at bay which makes me feel safe. i hate that i am not 'healthy' enough to let that go.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 8:51pm

Actually, I think our bodies are a mask covering our Spirit, which of course we cannot "see" with our physical eyes... ;) Personally, though, I have no problem with protective masks. I think they are needed as we mingle with strangers out in the world. As long as we know who we "really are," self-defense mechanisms are warranted. I don't believe everyone, just because they're around, is entitled to know all about me. I choose the people that I allow to "see" me fully. It's not always about fear or hiding, but just good sense. At least, in my opinion. :P

Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2004
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 9:01pm
thank you for your point of view gypsy.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 9:11pm

You're welcome. :P I think masks are dangerous when WE only see masks of ourselves, and do not know ourselves well. If WE use masks to hide our inner selves FROM ourselves, then I think it's harmful. I guess for me, too, trust must be earned, as well as respect. When people show me they can be trusted with the gift I give them, myself, then I let them see more and more. For me it also has to do with self-respect, if that makes any sense... It's a gradual process, as we get to know a person, and they get to know us.

Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 09-27-2003
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 9:04am

Hi, gang!


I find my mask is peeling off more and more lately.

 

 

152.6&n

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 10:41am
And getting your nosed pierced regardless what others might say?
Avatar for heartsandroses2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 9:05am

I have been shedding my masks for the past 10 years or so. Actually, after I gave birth to my oldest dd, 18 just last week(!), I shed a mask or two. Can't be shy and quiet when you're raising kids!

But in particular, these past few years have been especially wonderful....letting go of those personas that others 'thought' I was/am has been liberating for me. Growing up in my family's home we (my 4 siblings and I) were pigeonholed into being or behaving a certain way - pigeonholed into having a certain or distinct personality, or, traits at least. I've broken away from MOST of those molds. I don't need to be the person everyone always thought I was. I can be me.

I've done a lot of self exploration over the past few years, gotten in touch with my inner being, discovered parts of me that were laying in wait, and with the help of a counselor, I've discovered that it's okay to be who I am and I don't need to answer to anyone when they question me about who I WAS....not that I ever was that person, I was just hiding behind the mask assigned to me.

That said, I also agree with gypsywolfwoman - I think it's important to wear a polite mask or a mask that protects who you are until you are ready to trust enough to share that most special part of yourself with others. I think it's human nature to wear a mask until you're certain that you can unveil yourself to others. I think it's healthy to wear that mask. Likewise, you never know who another person is until you go out on a limb and expose yourself alittle, isn't that true? So, I think it's prudent to carry a mask within ourselves to use at our discretion, when we need that added protection or if we're feeling uncertain about another.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2004
Thu, 11-10-2005 - 12:37pm

creative peace,
hugs to you. Nothing 'wrong' with self-preservation, it got you this far didn't it? We all wear masks, though not everyone wears them defensively, nor will they admit to it. People are doing what they need to do to get through. Not everyone feels the same at all moments so it's kind of necessary to put on the mask in our society.
I do think the mask we put on for others and the masks we put on for ourselves are different, however, and for different reasons.

Betsy

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