I can certainly relate to having people appear a certain way outside of the house. I'd imagine most people want to put on their "best appearance" when engaging with others.

My dad was a wonderful man - everyone loved him - young and old. He was so funny and lit up a room whenever he walked in. My mom - so stoic and reserved, sweet and kind.....No one would ever think that they would beat their child mercilessly on a regular basis.

The thing is, they were those things. I don't believe they really put on an act as much as they allowed those parts of themselves to shine - and hid the parts they wanted no one to see.