Heh. Some empathy would go a long way, bud. When I see people with a "public face" all the time, I can't help but think the same way you you think about those

Heh. Some empathy would go a long way, bud. When I see people with a "public face" all the time, I can't help but think the same way you you think about those without one. It's scary, it's creepy, it's manipulative, it's far too adaptive, and it's incredibly transparent if you know to look for it. I have social anxiety that makes having a "public face" impossible to hold for any extended period of time, so I don't even try anymore. I feel happier than ever and have significantly less anxiety without the need to fake it. Though, when I actually need to put on that face (job interview and walking down the street, apparently), it makes me feel dirty to the point of actual physical discomfort under the skin. It's disgusting, but it fucking works, and I refuse to do it unless forced to. Sorry for the "crazy". A lot of us are just doing the best we can. We'll try to be less terrifying once you actually open up to us.