After our recent features on readers who hide their true selves from friends/ family and hide behind a 'mask' to protect themselves, we talk to readers who are trying to break away from that and find the courage to be themselves…
Chloe says:
Hiding behind a mask is probably an unavoidable experience. When I was younger, I didn't even know I was doing it until I found out how people saw me and began to realise that wasn't who I was or who I wanted to be. Since then I have tried to be more myself, more honest. Even so, I'd say that although the way I am around people is a part of me, it's not always the part I want people to see!
Lucy says:
Sometimes I do hide behind a kind of 'mask' because I am scared to show the real me, but most of the time I try very hard to be myself no matter what people may think. I think it's important that people feel able to show their true selves; they should never be questioned or teased about it. Even if people do make remarks, you shouldn't listen because people like that aren't worth the time and upset their comments cause. If I feel that others are judging me, I try to remember that they shouldn't have the power to upset me and usually I end up doing whatever I wanted to and being happy with my choices and decisions, whatever others may think. Keep your head held high and don't let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't be. If someone is going through a difficult time and hiding their real personality through fear, they should talk to a teacher, parent, friend… someone who can help. Talking can really help and once another person knows they can help you through whatever issues you may have.
Laura says:
I used to wear a mask when I was around my friends, and even my family. There were very few people I didn't hide from… but these days I am starting to take the mask off, slowly. I always believed that I'd never make any friends if people knew the real me… I am trying to trust that this isn't so. I want to give a chance to the real me, the me without the mask… I'm trying to be more honest.
Karla says:
I do hide behind a mask sometimes… I think we all do to some extent. When I am at school, I tend not to talk too much about my interests outside of school. Also, if I go out with certain friends I will choose to wear the same kind of clothes they wear… often labels like Superdry and Hollister. Fitting in is just easier than having people question my style… but sometimes I wonder why labels seem to matter so much and also why I can't just be me!
Blue says:
I agree that we're different around different people, Karla, but that's not always the same as hiding behind a mask. As a sociology student I've learned all about the different roles each person plays in society. I don't think you should keep your interests hidden or wear things just
to fit in - but I DO understand your situation. When I was about thirteen I hung out with a group of girls to whom appearance was everything. I didn't change my style for them (although one girl told me my t-shirts weren't low-cut enough. At thirteen!!!) but they were very critical of my hair and make-up. They would clip my chin length fringe back and scrub off my eyeliner and black lipstick to replace it with sparkly green eyeliner, pink lipgloss and too much blusher. It was easier to go along with it, but I didn't feel like 'me'. If you are confident enough to be yourself, do it - you'll be surprised at the friends you will make. Some of your classmates are probably just like you, hiding behind the popular brands because they're worried they won't be accepted. One day, maybe tomorrow or maybe in five years time, you will be free to be yourself without fear of judgement. The world is opening its mind to different styles and subcultures - things are changing for the better!
Cathy says:
Love the wise words in this feature… learning to drop the mask and be true to yourself takes confidence, but it can be liberating too. We are all a 'work in progress', whatever our age - and there is always hope! Have you found the courage to be yourself? COMMENT BELOW to tell us more!
Chloe says:
Hiding behind a mask is probably an unavoidable experience. When I was younger, I didn't even know I was doing it until I found out how people saw me and began to realise that wasn't who I was or who I wanted to be. Since then I have tried to be more myself, more honest. Even so, I'd say that although the way I am around people is a part of me, it's not always the part I want people to see!
Sometimes I do hide behind a kind of 'mask' because I am scared to show the real me, but most of the time I try very hard to be myself no matter what people may think. I think it's important that people feel able to show their true selves; they should never be questioned or teased about it. Even if people do make remarks, you shouldn't listen because people like that aren't worth the time and upset their comments cause. If I feel that others are judging me, I try to remember that they shouldn't have the power to upset me and usually I end up doing whatever I wanted to and being happy with my choices and decisions, whatever others may think. Keep your head held high and don't let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't be. If someone is going through a difficult time and hiding their real personality through fear, they should talk to a teacher, parent, friend… someone who can help. Talking can really help and once another person knows they can help you through whatever issues you may have.
Laura says:
I used to wear a mask when I was around my friends, and even my family. There were very few people I didn't hide from… but these days I am starting to take the mask off, slowly. I always believed that I'd never make any friends if people knew the real me… I am trying to trust that this isn't so. I want to give a chance to the real me, the me without the mask… I'm trying to be more honest.
I do hide behind a mask sometimes… I think we all do to some extent. When I am at school, I tend not to talk too much about my interests outside of school. Also, if I go out with certain friends I will choose to wear the same kind of clothes they wear… often labels like Superdry and Hollister. Fitting in is just easier than having people question my style… but sometimes I wonder why labels seem to matter so much and also why I can't just be me!
Blue says:
I agree that we're different around different people, Karla, but that's not always the same as hiding behind a mask. As a sociology student I've learned all about the different roles each person plays in society. I don't think you should keep your interests hidden or wear things just
Cathy says:
Love the wise words in this feature… learning to drop the mask and be true to yourself takes confidence, but it can be liberating too. We are all a 'work in progress', whatever our age - and there is always hope! Have you found the courage to be yourself? COMMENT BELOW to tell us more!
Could I write for this?
ReplyDeleteUm...in my section, it should be 'As a sociology student' not "A a" and 't-shirts' instead of "t-shirst". I'm sorry!
ReplyDeleteBlue. :-/