I agree with you and the use of the term mask to me says being or pretending something you're not in very significant ways. Being deceptive really and the fitting in for social norms, and all the other thngs isn't exactly a mask in the same way. I agree with you on all that.

but that beign said, the way that the OP describes it and having issues in her life, MI, or Personality disorders and not being forthright with those things, realy to me falls into self-protection. Not everyone will accept or be supportive of some of the issues that many of us have here and therefore keeping those kinds of things out of the public view is ok. But not really the kind of mask that I find troublesome.

Also to the OP: If it has to do with everyday life, friends, coworkers and such, you are not doing anything wrong to keep those feelings and behaviors to yourself. Only those that you truly trust with such information and the "real you" are worth revealing it to. But when it comes to getting into a relationship, it's a more complex thing. AT some point a partner is going to need to know some of the things that you deal with because it will give them a chance to support and understand you but the truth is there is a time and a place. a casual dating situation or courting someone is not the time to do that. When the relationship turns into something serious it's time to start considering sharing those things.