Show me the one who lives without a mask

Say what you will, the truth is that we’re a people of closets and closed doors.

By and large, I don’t judge people who are being open and vulnerable before me. I find that understanding what makes someone tick makes it impossible for me to sit in judgment on who they are, or even what they do, especially when I see how they’ve suffered over the workings of their inner gears. I might not approve of their actions, but either I understand why they’re making the choices that they are, or at least I feel the common humanity between us.

But the flip side? I expect judgment from others, so I hesitate to be open and honest with them.

Thanks, Elizabeth.

I loved you, and I will do to the day I die; but I don’t think I really understood at the time just how much and how deeply your rejection hurt.