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Nick Richards's avatar

I have my work self.

I have my play self.

I have my Substack self.

I have my family self.

I act differently in each case, but it’s not being dishonest. I am merely showing different sides of my personality. But they are a part of me.

Showing one facet is not being dishonest, it is, as Brando said, simply a way of moving through each experience smoothly.

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Benn Gilmore's avatar

Ahhhh, Strawbridge, you have hit upon a topic which I have always found fascinating. However, I have a little different take. I, frequently, talk and teach to others the phenomenon of "people wearing masks." I believe that we all wear masks. Much like the actors in the Greek plays, but more subtle. As you note in your piece, we are usually protective of what is on our mind. This is not deception. Let me give you a current example. I have been in the dark tunnel of the Leukemia train for the past 6-7 years. The darkness dominates my very being and talks of the future make me pause, and silently, take a breath. You are a logical individual and you are to surprised that I do not lead off every piece I write on Substack intimating my fear. I wear the mask of, hopefully, a thoughtful person desirous of spreading collected wisdom in the form of epiphany seeds. Right? Am I being deceptive? I posit that I am struggling to live through it and not burden my reader with my dark place; want to avoid inviting anyone to my place. Surely, in four or five pieces, my health issues, recently revealed, will be forgotten and I will be back to "Johnny [Appleseed] Epiphany Seed" Benn, as I have always been. As you have continued to write and reveal more of who you are, you were not, previously, deceptive. You simply did what I often point out to my friends: you wore your mask well.

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