Putting the performance down

There is a difference between keeping something private and feeling obliged to perform an entirely different version of myself. Privacy gives me a choice. The performance can make it feel as though there is no choice at all.

I do not owe everybody my whole story. I can still choose a trusted person with whom I do not have to pretend the day has been easy. A plain answer may be enough. No dramatic confession, no polished account. Just a little less work spent appearing fine and a little more room to be a person.