I really understand the "mask" thing. I have used one all my life. I call myself a puppet because, as far back as I can remember, I have been what others wanted me to be. I don't even know who I am. My marriage, children, career were all based on what I SHOULD do, not necessarily what I WANT. Now I have to find me, and I don't even know where to begin looking, or if I have the strength to do it.
I have isolated myself so I have no friends, I have no idea how to make them. And then I wonder, how much do I tell them? If I "pretend" to be "normal", then they won't really know me, they will know the "masked" me. I'm clueless.
At least I know I'm not alone in this, at least not here.
HUGS