Masking is a survival strategy. It is the constant effort of monitoring yourself to appear acceptable. It costs real energy.
Masking is changing your natural behaviour to avoid judgment. It can be learned early and reinforced for years. Some people do it so often they forget what unmasked even feels like.
Masking can reduce conflict short term, but it increases burnout long term. Many people only get believed after they break down.
Coping is not the same as thriving.
If someone crashes at home, it does not mean they were fine all day. It means they held it together until they felt safe.
Safety is what allows the mask to drop.
If this helped, share it with someone who is exhausted from performing.
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