Maybe i wear a mask, but really, I don't see the need for them. What's funny, though, is that if I'm talking with someone who is in mask mode, they assume I am too. So even if I am my true self, it's as if I'm making it all up. It can't be that difficult to believe that there might be some of us running around that are more comfortable with who we are in almost nearly every circumstance than we're not, yet the guard is up and the mask goes on.
I determined a long time ago that if I really wanted to, I could be really good at being something or someone I wasn't. Same thing with mind games. I could really get inside the head of anyone. However, I would instantly come back to the same thing. To what end? What's the point? It's more work to do all of that, and in the end, not enough benefit.
I am pretty much the same way, which is why I never did good with small talk that is so prevalent. I do have a guard up, but not sure I consider that the same thing. I make sure of people and their worthiness to certain considerations before extending them. I never felt that everyone is owed respect. I will agree with politeness till proven different, but to me respect is something one earns.
I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for weighing in.