The unconditioned man

We cannot renovate the mask-like fear-based personality. The most we can do with this fragile shell of a self is step out of it, as chicks do after a period of assiduous pecking.

Behind the mask

We hide ourselves in order to experience the unbearable thrill of being found.

Trivial pursuit

Personality derives from the Latin for “theatrical mask.” Can we change our personality, fix or improve it? I would land softly on the side of ‘no’ and suggest our real work lies elsewhere.

Keith’s persona

An introvert to the same degree that the Pope’s a Catholic. Sky-high privacy needs. Expresses self in drips. No EQ. Unaware of how he feels until two days after he’s felt it. Small outer world, big inner one. All of reality filtered through plus-sized head. Lensed eyes emit faint sucking sound. Considers his 150-pound body. Asks, What’s this for? Dream vacation: Two weeks in a turret where he can see the most while being seen the least.

What he needs, what he avoids

Perfectionist. Needs to be right, avoids own anger. Impatient. Hyper clean. Grim-faced. Can’t relax. Mr. Helpful. Helps others, avoids own needs. Martyrs self. Needs to be thanked. Quid pro quo mindset. Winner. Needs to succeed, avoids failure. Dresses sharp. Works out. Deeper you go, shallower it gets. Purple prince. Needs to be special, avoids the ordinary. Sad eyes. Looks depressed. Artistic. Hates Walmart. Owl. Needs to take in, avoids giving out. Awkward. Incapable of small talk. Frozen-faced. Thinks he’s smart. Trooper. Needs to be clear. Avoids uncertainty. Yells at TV on game night. Conforms, obeys, pension-obsessed. Joker. Needs to laugh, avoids pain. Grins, jokes, chews gum. Lives in the future. Boss. Needs to fight, avoids own weakness. Good vs. evil, black and white, you’re in his frame or out of it. Big Easy. Needs to be comfortable. Avoids conflict. Jack of all trades. Buries his feelings. Not sure he exists.