$MASKS

People may mask their true self for various reasons, including:

1. Fear of judgment: Fear of being judged, rejected, or criticized by others.
2. Social acceptance: Desire to fit in or be accepted by a particular group or society.
3. Self-protection: Protection from emotional hurt, vulnerability, or potential harm.
4. Low self-esteem: Lack of confidence or self-worth, leading to hiding one's true self.
5. Trauma: Past experiences or trauma leading to hiding one's true self as a coping mechanism.
6. Social anxiety: Fear of social interactions or anxiety about being oneself in public.
7. Conformity: Pressure to conform to societal norms or expectations.
8. Personal safety: Protection from physical or emotional harm by hiding one's true identity.
9. Cultural or family expectations: Pressure to conform to cultural or family norms.
10. Shame or guilt: Hiding one's true self due to shame or guilt about past actions or experiences.

Masking one's true self can lead to feelings of disauthenticity, stress, and anxiety