"Masking"...

... A wonderful little skill that was presented, preached, practiced & "perfected" (ok, maybe not perfected) during the course of my program of study.

It's amazing how much I've been using this delightful little technique in the past few days. So what is "masking" you ask (in the sense that I'm talking about it at least); well, "masking" is the art of hiding your true emotions/beliefs/opinions about a certain scenario/person/situation in which it is not appropriate to voice your opinion on the matter.

For example... have you ever rolled your eyes at a stupid question or comment? Well, during my work, it's not appropriate for me to *roll my eyes* at the information or exchange taking place; in fact, it'd be downright, cut and dry, unprofessional. That being said, funny enough, the majority of my most recent masking practice has been happening outside of work!

I've never been one to be able to hide my emotions well, I'm more of the open book type-
If I'm happy, you'll know it-
If I'm surprised, you'll know it-
If I'm sad, you'll know it-
If I'm ticked, ohhhh boy, you will know it!
Anyone who knows me well can attest to this and because of such, learning to "mask" and I mean really mask my innermost feelings has been a big challenge for me.

I'm sitting here thinking to myself "and what's your point? Why did you even start writing about this?", and to be honest, I can't remember. I guess I'm just a bit in awe of how much I have improved this complex technique in such a short amount of time...

I suppose that's what happens when you're exposed to people that you just can't relate with; they're on Mars and I'm here on Earth... or maybe it's the other way around.... either way, when all I want to do is shake my head in awe at someone and have an utter "are-you-f'ing-stupid?!" look on my face, the better option (for now) is to "mask"... let it slide... leave the soul-searching to them, I don't want to preach anymore, not at least until they're ready to look beyond themselves at the bigger picture-