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
  • Personally, I loath dress codes. But if it's for work purposes and you must cater to public opinion, I'd just ask the boss what they expect and wear that.

    Outside of work, your body, your image and your style are, of course, entirely your own.  I'm sorry you seem to be feeling so down about these things.  I'm trying hard to wrap my head around it because I am rather the other way.  I know what I do or don't like and care not two hoots what anyone else thinks about it.  I'm wearing it, not them.  It only matters that I like it.

    Is there nothing that just makes you feel comfortable when no one else is around?  If there is, maybe that's what you need to be wearing more often.  It's ultimately about how you feel in a particular thing, not about whether anyone else likes it or not.

    I often think others have strange tastes and don't like what they wear, but presumably they do.  Good for them!  Style really is in the eye of the beholder.

Reply
  • Personally, I loath dress codes. But if it's for work purposes and you must cater to public opinion, I'd just ask the boss what they expect and wear that.

    Outside of work, your body, your image and your style are, of course, entirely your own.  I'm sorry you seem to be feeling so down about these things.  I'm trying hard to wrap my head around it because I am rather the other way.  I know what I do or don't like and care not two hoots what anyone else thinks about it.  I'm wearing it, not them.  It only matters that I like it.

    Is there nothing that just makes you feel comfortable when no one else is around?  If there is, maybe that's what you need to be wearing more often.  It's ultimately about how you feel in a particular thing, not about whether anyone else likes it or not.

    I often think others have strange tastes and don't like what they wear, but presumably they do.  Good for them!  Style really is in the eye of the beholder.

Children
  • I used to collect nightwear, and when I'm home that is what I like to wear.  Lounge stuff is similar I suppose.  I think now I know what's going on I'm trying to reduce my masking a little where I can so I have to search for things ME likes, or like you say learn "how I feel in a particular thing". I think I just have to focus on that now.

    Thanks