Sure, but I think everyone does to a certain extent. Like if someone has a fight with thier s/o then goes to work, they typically put on a happy face and do what they are there to do, getting through the day as best they can. On the way home they may dread the though of facing the other again but, they pulled off faking their way through the day.

I think we just do it more and are better at it because we have a lot more opportunity to "practice".

yeah but that's pride and shit.

I'm on about summat else.
I'm on about trying to mask yr feelings all day because you don't want to expose them to others.In order to shield them from the negativity and helplessness.even shopping or stuff.From anyone.A lovers' tiff is a mere bagatelle.In comparison

I feel sometimes like I'm actor personified. I confuse myself what my real feelings are because I feel like I always have to keep up a front. If I'm not happy or smiling all the time then everyone assumes I must be plotting my suicide or something. I stuff the way I really feel down inside so much that when I do hit a trigger, God for bid who ever is in the way. People just don't understand how it is to live different lives, most of which are 'socially' unacceptable.

In the general public, sure i fake it, as best I can anyway. I don't want anyone seeing me moping around or barely functioning, so I isolate as much as I can and when I have to go out, I put the mask on for the world. I work hard at this if I'm on the other end too. (not quite as successful though). I try not to say or do anything regrettable, but my incessant talking usually spills over. And my wide and wild manic eyes are a sure sign too.

With family, the pdoc and the tdoc though -- I've learned to open up and spill my guts. I finally trust them all enough to know that
1. they will not judge me
2. they are here to help me
3. they can't help if I don't share the whole story
4. they won't leave me.

Few weeks back I met a real early girlfriend.It was awkward, she recognised me after 20 years?? I look totally different.
Anyway, she asked me how I was as she'd heard some things good, some bad.
I froze.I had no time to assemble lies in my head.
I must've told her 20 years of history in five minutes.College, Uni, Jobs, Music, Manic depression.Her face !! Blah blah blah.
I then realised that I hadn't asked about her.IDIOT.
So I said, "er, how about you? Do you still work at the bank?"
She said with a slight pause "..yes!"
That was the conversation!!

Hahahahaha.I pissed myself and explained how funny it was.How deep I had gone right to the BP explanation!!
She laughed too and said I'm still a funny bastard..

So I relate to the reserved stretches..then...blah blah..
Yeah, Cracked actors

I used to, because I was raised to behave, or what will people think. Now I am just me wherever, whenever. If they don't like me as I am, oh well. If they ask me something about myself, I tell the truth that way I don't get caught up in any lies.

Almost always...then I get manic and don't give a damn what anyone thinks.

I would agree!!! the post that strum stated "to shield them from the negativity and helplessness", definitely! When you feel bad or negative and then u see it affect someone else, it makes you feel even worse, and then the evil cycle begins! Its even worse when it affects someone you truely care about. I know i put up a front so people arent constantly asking me what is wrong, if im ok. And just like diluvsavon said, if im not smiling and happy people think im plotting my suicide or something. Id rather just fake it and smile.

Constantly....I am always "on" for the benefit of someone but then again if we weren't all "on" our Civilization would be shot to hell......

Forsooth! What light throught yon window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet, O fair Juliet is the sun!

Harrrumph...Hmph!

Sorry was practicing my acting lessons.

I feel like I am always on stage when I go out (can't let them see the real me).

Then when I get home I'm a wreck from the pent up anxiety and stress even from something as simple as my daughter's graduation from JK yesterday!

What a way to live. I can't even relax in front of my family (not the wife and kids but my sibs and their families). Most of the Time I have no true Idea of who I really am. I'm just an empty shell.

I tried to fake it but my facial expressions and the look in my eyes always give me away

i fake it a lot when out in public. i don't want to bring everyone down with my drama. it's soo exhausting!! i feel bad for my husband 'cuz when i'm at home i let it all out. he gets to see the real me. then i start feeling like he shouldn't have to put up with that, he deserves better. he's such a happy-go-lucky (kind of irritating at times) i love him dearly but if i keep it up, i won't be surprised if he leaves. sorry-didn't mean to go on about realtionships. bottom line-yeah, i am a big phony.

I dont bother .i am who i am take it or leave it. I also dont hate myself i think thats whats most important. Self love and acceptance should get you thru the day better than fakeing it all the time. But if im tottally nuts for a few days my ass stays in the house

i am pretty much like krys...

except around my son...i have learned to put on the stable, happy mom for his wellbeing...and it is a good thing...some say that if you don't feel good, putting on a smile can change the way you feel.

i think that is true sometimes

#13 i agree i just found out for sure yesterday but people have always told me i was i just thought i was a little ecentric
but i'm a very bright person with a very high IQ now that i've come to terms with my BP and it's effects on past friends/lovers and familys i'm me and i always will be now i know what i have to do just to be a sane more stable me and not self medicate any more and when i just feel like i'm gonna pop like you said i turn in to a recluse and stay home some days a walk to the corner store is hard to do
m2