What mask are you wearing today.
By Clint Perry
@cperry2 (5608)
Newport, Oregon
July 20, 2019 11:01pm CST
Sometimes I go through my day feeling like an imposter.
Sounds kinda crazy I guess. But as a writer, I feel like the complements, the praise and the good things people say about my writing are talking really about somebody else. That the person they see in front of them could not have possibly have done the work they are critiquing.
I'm told this is not unusual that lots of writers feel this at times.
Do you ever experience anything like this?
My picture, altered to get rid of the background.
12 people like this
13 responses
@snowy22315 (169965)
• United States
26 Jul 19
Sometimes I feel I am masquerading as a responsible citizen.
2 people like this
@DianneN (246819)
• United States
22 Jul 19
I believe it's a form of low self esteem. I used to be like that when receiving compliments, but learned to simply give thanks while blushing. On the other hand, I often wear a mask in public to hide my feelings - especially now with my son's divorce looming. It's human nature.
2 people like this
@cperry2 (5608)
• Newport, Oregon
22 Jul 19
I understand that. And I do keep a mask on, smile at the complements even with that little voice yelling in the back of my head that they are only trying to humor me. I also know this is a self confidence thing. Most of the time I put on the appearance of being very confident, I learned that as a manager, if people look at you and believe you know what is going on and what you are doing, they will follow. (Never mind that sometimes I might have been quaking in my boots.)
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60355)
• Perth, Australia
28 Jul 19
@cperry2 I think I understand what you are saying. But I don't think I have experienced this the same way you are talking about. I do hope that one day you can take the compliments and praise and let it all sink in that it's all for you.
2 people like this
@VivaLaDani13 (60355)
• Perth, Australia
28 Jul 19
@cperry2 I'm sorry Clint. 
I honestly wish you well in sorting all that baggage out. I really do.
I honestly wish you well in sorting all that baggage out. I really do.1 person likes this
I feel the good feelings coming at me, I really do. And I appreciate them. I think there is a lot of baggage I am still carrying from my childhood that needs to be dumped. I think that is where those little doubts stem from.
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
21 Jul 19
I always wear masks to hide my depression, i hate to say i am a different person with certain people but i am.
2 people like this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
22 Jul 19
@cperry2 So very very true..... we don't always notice it but looking back on it definitley
2 people like this
@cperry2 (5608)
• Newport, Oregon
22 Jul 19
@chrissbergstrom I wonder where this inclination comes from. there had to be a reason for us to develop this mechanism. Maybe from the days when we had live under the lord's (of the manor) thumb and make certain he was pleased. We thought for him to be pleased we must look pleased even if we were starving.
2 people like this
@ihasaquestion (8274)
•
21 Jul 19
Is it coz of the many characters you wrote that you do not recognize yourself anymore?
3 people like this
@ihasaquestion (8274)
•
22 Jul 19
@cperry2 Yes, of course. We'd always love to be the hero in our own story.
1 person likes this
