Masking is a skill that most people do subconsciously.

Putting aside personal feelings for ANY reason is a form of masking.

For instance, while working are we expected to “conduct ourselves” appropriately or in a “professional manner” at all times. The persona we project may not be what we are actually feeling. (We “mask” those feelings)

Social situations require us to act “appropriately” but “differently” for each situation.

For Jonah, “masking” looks like him “holding it together,” especially when he is hungry or tired.

I’ve seen Jonah “hold it together” really well,
…and I’ve seen Jonah “not…”

It’s all hit or miss.

‘Masking’ is a skill that can be very difficult to learn when it is not naturally intuitive. And it can be exhausting.

It takes a lot of patience, both to teach and to learn.

Thanks to A Piece of Oakley for sharing!

Original Facebook Post.