masking
Masking is the psychological technique of hiding one's true self to escape the gaze of others. It serves as both armor protecting your face and an extension of polite social rituals that measure interpersonal distance. In a world that exalts safety and conformity over authenticity, the crafted false persona becomes the ultimate form of self-expression paradox. Ultimately, masking is a self-defense festivity that deceives others while fooling yourself.