Masking
What is Masking?
Presenting a version of yourself that hides what you believe is unacceptable.
When you might feel masking
Masking is a specific form of concealing, which itself is a type of hiding. You might experience this feeling in situations where hiding is present, particularly when the circumstances align with the nuances that define masking.
Emotional Hierarchy
Explore Masking on the Interactive Wheel
Use our free interactive feeling wheel to explore masking and discover related emotions.
Open Shame & Guilt WheelRelated Emotions
Actively pushing down what's real — emotions, needs, opinions — to avoid judgeme...
Only sharing the version of yourself you believe people will accept....
Making yourself smaller — quieter, less present, less visible — to avoid shame....
Not speaking up when you have something to say. Silence as protection....
Downplaying your worth, ideas, or needs before others can do it to you....
Removing yourself from connection to avoid being seen. Shame is what drives most...