How Unexpected.

"There might have been a time,
When I would let you slip away.
I wouldn't even try,
But I think you could save my life."
  
The weirdest thing about this world, is that things aren't always what they seem. And I really hate that. It means you can't rely on instincts, or appearance - because things never cease to jump forward and slam your original opinions back into your face.

The quiet, Christian boy is actually going through the same things you are - even though his feelings are hidden from the world.
The school bully is actually the most insecure person you know, even though he rags on the insecurities of others.
The queen bee is having issues at home, even though she still acts like she's on top of the world.
The entire family that is obnoxious are still throwing money away like they own the place, even though they are in major debt.
The outgoing, crazy girl is actually heartbroken, and constantly jealous of her sister, even though she's got five times the personality, looks and soul of that "Skinny Blonde Bitch".
The class slut is actually a very nice person, even though she can seem wild and wanton.
The guy you thought was such a gentleman, is actually a complete jerk, even though he has non-jerk friends.


Things aren't what they seem, because humans have perfected the art of masks. Hiding your emotions from the world is something we've all become quite good at. 
When someone asks if you're okay, and you say you're "just tired", is that ever the real reason?
We all know it isn't, it's just because we don't want to instead say "Oh, no, actually I'm really fucked at the moment, because I just spent the last four weeks obsessing over a boy who doesn't love me, stressing over that rather than my failing subjects, all of which I have exams for in, oh, three days. And, because of the immense state of my emotional mind, my body is actually shutting down, and growing wearier, no matter how much sleep I get. So I actually think - no. I am not okay."

I mean, if we actually said that, what would the inquisitive person have thought? They really wouldn't have known what to say. Unless they want to join the party, and select from one of the many lines I have heard repeatedly. Such as "Boys aren't worth your trouble." OR "Oh my God you're still after him?!" OR "Oh my goodness Dannielle! He isn't even as attractive as anyone you could get!" OR "Why don't you just get over him!?"
Yeah, thanks guys, all those statements and pieces of advice really help. Thank you for telling me them, I am just going to snap my fingers and everything will be behind me! I'm so glad you said that!
They just didn't understand, that all I needed, was time, and a bit of a change in attitude. 

"Hiding your emotions from the world is something we've all become quite good at."

Masks aren't only used in times of emotional distress however.
They are just everyday acting. Of course, people who are better actors than others can pull off masks a lot better, but even those who have no dramatic experience, can hide their feelings well when needed.
Political leaders for example, tell the world everything is going well in their wars and their countries; masking their fears and knowledge that actually, everything is not okay - which is why things such as terrorist attacks and economic breakdowns come as such great surprises to us.
Then there are mothers, as another example, who will advise their children that the there are bad things out there, and that you shouldn't do certain things; masking the fact that something terrible had happened to them when they were young, and they just aren't up to telling you.


Masks can either protect us or harm us, but for whatever reason they're there, they usually have the best intentions for the individual. Even if the individual doesn't agree.

"If I could find a souvenir,
Just to prove the world was here.
And here is a red balloon;
I think of you and let it go. "