I have read the different opinions from our members about the necessity or need to wear a mask around family and friends.

However, If I may, I'd like to put my 2cents worth in.

Since I was 21, I gave up on trying to please those around me just to keep the "The Subject of Phil" from becoming everything from snickers, to stares, to the worst- nothing said.

I simply decided that with a "balls to the wall" approach, this is what I am, didn't ask for it, can't change it, so live it. It will definately sort out who your real friends are in a matter of moments, however, I found that it was a great relief to finally get it out.

Since then, for the past 28 years, I've gone about my business, made a life for myself, and stopped worrying about the mask.

Understand that by no means should anyone not be acutely aware of the folks you come into contact with. I live in Missouri, so close to the KKK that it's something I keep an eye on. I won't change out of fear or repercussion, but smart enough to watch my back.

However, I won't put a mask on either. If anyone asks, I tell them I was born IS, and that's that. I figure this way. I'm still the gentleman they knew before they knew the whole story, and if it causes changes in my friendships, so be it. It becomes THEIR problem, not mine.

Just my two cents worth- for what it's worth.

Regards,
Phil

OK all this stuff about the masks is really interesting, but here is one problem-one can tell get out of me, everybody, and continue his(her) IS life without wondering about others thoughts. I had three girlfriends and their parents didn`t know who i`m really,it would be great shock fot them to understand thei their daughters actually have an IS partner, not normal guy. Thanks God now I have really understanding people around me. But in other case you HAVE to hide one part of yourself just to avoid pain or emotional stress of people you want to see happy.
But all this is just question of priorities you suggest the main for yourself

__________________
OK

Society often dictates the use of both physical and emotional masks. I'm not saying I like it, but it is reality.
For example:
An employee that looses a loved one is expected to grieve, but quickly, during sympathy leave time. Returning employees are expected to wear a mask of strength.

We wear different masks at work, in front of our children, parents, peers, lovers. People with bodies like ours wear even more.

Often we hide from everyone what's really under the mask. Afraid to seem weak, wrong, vulnerable or different, it is protective to shield our true selves from the masses.

I think, what's important, is realizing that we do wear masks that often don't reflect the ways we are feeling.

Society and I aren't getting along too well these days. I'd gladly wear a mask if they'd just leave our bodies alone.

It's so true that we all do wear masks during our life, and different ones during different times. For me, I can't be totally open about being IS in every situation. My friends and family know and are perfectly happy with my situation, but I don't feel comfortable opening up to the world in general because of other circumstances. It often makes me feel almost sad that not everyone around me can know ALL of me, but only the side that I can open up about. I feel like there is a whole other side that many don't get to see, and I wish it didn't have to be that way. However, I've also learned from being TOO open about my condition and life, that sometimes it's better to open up as we get to know people, and slowly take the masks down.

CR