Physical disassociation

I wrote a post a while back about not really knowing what I look like, and it was hard to describe.  I could really say what I meant at the time.  I came across a something called "physical disassociation in a book about masking and wanted to know if this sounds familiar to anyone.

As a professional masker for many years now, all of my perceptions of physical myself are based on other peoples opinions. When I was younger I was known as Hair Cut 1000, as I changed my hair all the time.  I did that because every time I changed it, people would tell me what would "really look good" and I would do it. Eventually it upset me and I got dreadlocks and don't change it much now.  However, at the moment I find it hard to choose clothing and make up as I will just where whatever people tell me suits me. It's a bad problem with foundations as I can colour match and take other peoples opinions and I'm never sure if it looks right. If I'm around people long enough, my "personality" does the same thing.  I find that really upsetting as it's like being caught up in a tornado and is why I isolate so much.

As I try to reduce my masking, I've hit the floor as I don't know how much of what I do I like, and what I was just copying which makes me very reluctant to pick up any of my old activities or spend time with people. Does this seem familiar to anyone?

Parents
  • I'm not sure if this will be of any help to you - but my neurotypical partner is going through a very similar time right now.

    They've had some work changes that will mean less of the corporate uniform - but they still need to present as professional and sharp (but not too sharp!), casual (but not too casual!) and also of a certain age and every other stereotype people like them have to try and navigate.

    It's completely thrown them - they have no idea what they look like when they're not dressing to someone else's standards and I've never seen them like this before.

    There's been a lot of trying new stuff on and a lot of trips to the post office to send stuff back!

  • to present as professional and sharp (but not too sharp!), casual (but not too casual!)

    that's a nightmare. I'd rather wear suit, with loosened tie, tightened chokes me. 

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