pic from discoveryouritaly.comSometimes people carry to such perfection the mask they have assumed that in due course they actually become the person they seem.
— W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence
Many moons ago, I had a discussion with a dear friend on image portrayal. For example, a perfect couple who seems to have them all and leads a lifestyle one can only dream of; the cars, the house, the holidays and of course, the must-have handbags. We would think that Lady Luck is on their side and undeniably for some of us, we wish for something similar.
Yet, when the portrayal of the lifestyle becomes excessive, it becomes unclear whether such act really reflects what lies beneath. It feels as if one tries so hard to be or appear happy. Somehow, those flashy appearances hide away the unwanted thoughts and feelings.
As another friend points out, indulgence serves as a quick fix for temporary happiness. Tangible things are pursued to compensate for the things we long for but unable to have. We seek for the company of others to take away the loneliness, even when their presence annoys us.
Sometimes I feel such indulgence hides one’s insecurity for not being able to have the things that truly matters.
A home, no matter how small or remote it may be, feels warm and bright with the presence of our loved ones. A holiday can just be a trip to a nearby park or beach, capturing the Kodak moments which would be treasured most. A gift becomes more meaningful when effort is placed to make it unique, even when it costs close to nothing.
A couple who appears that they can’t stand one another may have more romantic nights than a pair who looks perfect. A family who dines at a fast food place and grabs each other’s meal would probably have a great time compare to one who eats at a posh restaurant with little interaction.
Wearing a mask can be wearying. I suppose when one feels insecure by the lack of things that makes them happy, one is left with no choice but to do so.
19 comments:
how to say this..i really agree with this entry..looks can be deceiving
we may look happy but who knows what happened previously :)
p/s : i'm the type of going to fast food for a date and stealing other half's nugget :P
Hmmm... Didn't Shakespeare say(in As You Like It, *I think)
"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players"?
:) Some wear it all the time(with a variety of masks to chose from). Some wear it during emergencies. Others bother not about it and show off their true skin - wrinkles, warts, pimples and all!
haha, guilty. sometimes i wear a certain mask too.
owh gosh..
i just went back from a farewell dinner.. and my other two friends and i were 'discussing' just about this topic.
in my opinion.. they are just pretending. trying to make others to see only the perfect side of them even though they suffer a bit by doing so..
*i love this post!*
it's true that people can be really superficial at times..
inah,
"looks can be deceiving." *smiles* how true...
I'm sure most of us hide our emotion for a purpose e.g. not wanting to make our loved ones worried. However, it is when we resort to material things, people will think twice, especially during tough times like now. It does seem like we are tying too hard to prove something, instead of genuinely be happy.
d darling,
Ah, Shakespeare was clever enough to spot this and shared it with us, yet we still fail to appreciate his message.
I wear them Mon to Fri so that the skin wont look so dull. Weekends are definitely for bearing them all. Pores and pimples can be spotted miles away. *LOL*
darlene,
right, are we referring to night mask here? *grins*
hey, can you fix the comment thingy soon? very itchy to leave some.
Jane,
Many years ago, I knew a couple who wanted to achieve a certain level of wealth that they put other things on hold. Fast forward, they have luxury cars and posh houses but from the looks of it, it seems it didnt matter as they long for the presence of a child.
Similarly, I dont see the point of having many kids when they are left under the care of the maid(s) all the time. It seems like having kids is for boosting one's image, and not as our amanah.
IDB,
I dont understand what kind of perception does our society try to portray. I mean, how much does a government officer earn back home that one can own high end handbags? My friends in the corporate world who earn significant amount dont even spend that much.
People who have gone back keep telling the same thing; our society has become more superficial each day.
U keep well and take a good rest.
Well said Ms B - everything is oh-so-true!
MsB,
I very seldom wear masks. With me, it is pretty much WYSIWYG. I would take loneliness any day rather than a company that annoys or simply bore me to pieces. Can't help it...that's just the way I am ;)
hey, i like what you wrote in here... reminds me of this friend of mine who seems to have everything... until the marriage faltered and we realised how difficult it was for her to wear the mask any longer.
tapi i guess this is just a generalisation. i believe there are couples out there who really do live their lives the way people see it - all happy and strong.
hej! Ms B...heheheeh...i like to wear the mask(er), so i can get rid all dead skin cell...;-)
Momster,
My friends kept asking me this question and thought of sharing. Hope you are recharged after the hectic schedule.
Hi Naz,
Ah, that explains me a lot as I am a loner as well. Somehow being surrounded by books is much preferred. I can spend hours in my own world, being swept away by the images created by those words.
TC,
Yeah, I have seen a few in similar shoes. You are right as well, that there are people out there who are living their life to the fullest. I suppose it boils down to what we want in life, what truly makes us happy.
HI danial,
Oh, what kind of mask are u using cos i need to get rid of mine as well? Probably I need a major facial to get my radiance back. *grins*
Post a Comment