Tried wearing the mask in HS roughly 6 years ago. Forcing laughs, faking interest in hollow conversations. But it’s exhausting, and it never really works. I just come off stiff and robotic, like a bad actor in a role I never auditioned for and they used me as the scapegoat of the group anyways. If there was a hierarchy, I'd be at the bottom.
So instead, sticked around with 2 other socially awkward and non NT trucels who were into gaming.
At some point, you realize the mental cost isn’t worth it. Better to step back than drain yourself performing for people who’d never truly accept you anyway. Peace over pretending.
