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The Masks We Wear Every Day
How Daily Masks Help Us Hide Our True Emotions and Navigate Life
Life is a stage. Everyone is an actor. We can wear masks only according to the demands of the day. We may hide our tears, meet our expectations, and keep the peace. Often, this mask hides what we feel.
I woke up with a popping headache this morning and went to the pharmacy. I was miserable but beamed brightly as I greeted the doctors. Inside, I wanted my medicine and a way out of there, but my cover of politeness persisted.
Later in the afternoon, after running some errands to the grocery store, I was appalled by the amount of money they were looking for. Inside, I was fuming but had to muster up a smile and thank her. Another mask, another reason to mask one’s feelings.
Even when my neighbor girl wanted to play when I was busy, I could not refuse. I put on a mask of concern and told him that I needed to see a dentist.
I was exhausted by the end of the day.
When my parents came home, I smiled so I wouldn’t bother them. That mask helped me get through the day but also got me thinking about how often we do this.
We all wear masks, not because we are fake but because we want to protect ourselves or others.
More importantly, I remember who I am under this mask. A mask should not define you but serve you, and not the other way around.
So, how many masks did you wear today?