Changing my opinion on masking
Changing my opinion on masking
I've been starting to open my mind to changing my ideas about masking. A lot of them come from my sister who struggled very heavily with wanting to appear like everyone else and not stand out, so I'm biased based on experience.
At the same time, I recognize that forcing or pressuring people into masking when they don't understand why would be traumatic to them and ultimately do the opposite of what is intended.
I feel like unmasking should be done in private or around people who will understand it. Unmasking could in theory be done all the time, but not everyone would understand it.
What's your position on it? Do you mask in public but not in private or around only people who understand it?
I want to work on being more accepting and I have feelings in both directions.
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I completely understand the nuanced perspectives on masking. It's deeply personal, especially seeing someone close to me navigate the challenge of blending in without standing out.
From my observations, the choice to mask should be personal, based on what makes one feel safe and true to themselves. My boyfriend, who is autistic, has taught me that there are many layers to this. He chooses his moments to mask, primarily to smooth over social interactions, which makes perfect sense.
For him, and likely for many others, the decision of when and where to lower the mask is crucial—it's about finding those spaces where one feels secure and free from judgment. In our private moments, he feels comfortable enough to be his authentic self, and that’s when I truly see him, no masks needed.
Creating spaces that are supportive and understanding, and respecting individual comfort levels is key. Embracing these personal needs can make a significant difference. It's all about ensuring everyone can feel genuine in their own skin, free from external pressures to conform.
I'm learning to be more accepting too, especially as I witness daily how complex and individual the decision to mask or not can be. Continuing to explore and question is essential for growth and understanding. Cheers!