Evey: Who are you?
V: Who? Who is but the form following the function of what, and what I am is a man in a mask.

It’s a strange day in your life when you realize that in some respect everyone you meet is wearing a mask that covers their true nature. I’m speaking figuratively of course, although the idea of Halloween year round would make the bar scene more entertaining.

In the world we live in, projecting something to the world that isn’t your true self is less an act of avoidance and more a survival trait. It’s not hard to believe that if you show your whole being to whomever should look you will invite the vicious to strike at the soft spot of your emotional armor.

It’s for that reason that we develop a shell persona. We sculpt the mask we want people to see from the clay of our life experiences with the tools of our deductive reasoning. We want so-and-so to think that we aren’t unusual, so we conform to trends in personal grooming and style to fit in with the herd. An awkward wolf in sophisticated sheep’s clothing.

But is it completely beneficial to disguise yourself so well? To hide your nature and in so doing hide your true purposes? It stands to reason that anyone who either finds benefit in your mask or puts in enough time getting to know you will start to notice the cracks in your façade.

Sooner or later the mask must come off. The question that keeps digging into my side is given that inevitable result, is it worth it to hide your nature in the first place?

Showing people what you want them to see gives them a more palatable transition to seeing your true self and perhaps opens up possibilities for interactions with people who might otherwise be put off by who you really are. But again, that’s not guaranteed.

Is it better to reveal the unrestrained truth of your nature and persona, or introduce it over time with strategic lies and omissions? Little white lies in the form of jewelry you can’t afford and mannerisms you see appropriate for the occasion.

Which is the better path?