Think about how much time, energy, and inner resources we spend every day trying to impress. How many times do we play up to expectations, try to be liked and become what we think others want us to be? What do we lose when we protect our weaknesses behind a mask of convenience? And what do we hide when our true self recedes into the background?
Every day, we choose our words, facial expressions, gestures, and even emotions in an effort to look better, impress, or meet certain expectations.
But what do we really hide behind this mask? Who are we when the need to be liked disappears?
Often, behind the attempts to look perfect is a fear of vulnerability and judgment, which is why we muffle important thoughts and lower our voices when we are afraid of appearing incomprehensible or imperfect.
The mask of convenience and the loss of the true self
Every attempt to “fit in” makes us silence a part of ourselves.
What others may call “awkwardness” is often a true reflection of our beliefs, preferences, and true emotions.
We muffle or hide the parts that may seem imperfect or uncomfortable, but they are the parts that define who we are.
And every time we choose to look more comfortable for others, we are giving up our true selves. The paradox is that the more we try to be liked, the further we move away from who we really are.
Prolonged efforts to please others often create an image that exists only on the outside, but does not fill us from the inside. And at some point, we may feel a gap between our inner world and the image we present. And when we start to lose touch with ourselves, is there any room for true happiness and peace?
How to remove masks and return to yourself?
You may have already noticed that masks add stress and crowd out our inner satisfaction. It is important to give yourself permission to see the real you. Here are some practices to help you along the way.
1. Recognize your emotions
Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up. Ask yourself: “What am I really feeling?” This question will help you to recognize and name your feelings without judging them as “good” or “bad”.
2. Asking questions
Ask yourself questions regularly: “Why do I act the way I do?”, ‘What do I really want?’, ‘What kind of person am I when only my true self remains?’ This will help us get to the level of our own true desires and understand where we are playing a role and where we are being honest.
3. Allow yourself to be imperfect
Imperfection makes us alive, real, and vulnerable. Try not to be afraid of it - your imperfections often have more power than they seem and create space for deeper intimacy with others.
4. Set aside time for solitude
Walking, writing in your diary, meditating, or just spending time alone will help you to get in touch with your own thoughts, without the influence of others.
5. Communicate with those who accept the real you
Surround yourself with people who allow you to be who you are. True support is free from judgment and demands. It helps you to take off your masks and be honest, even when it's difficult.
6. Try something new that reflects your true interests
Discovering new hobbies or activities is a path to self-discovery that can show us other facets of ourselves.
What do we find when we take off our masks?
If one day you see a reflection in the mirror that reminds you of someone else, but not of you, this is a signal.
A signal that it's time to let go of the fear of judgment, awkwardness, or imperfection and give yourself permission to be yourself.
In moments of such sincerity, there is a feeling of true freedom when you don't have to pretend to be someone else.
And the last question: can we call ourselves happy when we constantly worry about the impression we make on others? Is true intimacy possible without removing masks?
Take off your mask and let others see your true self. And that is when a sincere, rich and authentic life will begin, where every moment will respond to you with true peace and depth.
- Mriya.run: Space for Conscious Change. Learning, Practice & Tools
- Life Distance
- What are we hiding when we try to be liked?