Are you looking?

Yesterday, Nay did this really interesting blog post about Who she is when nobody's looking.  I really loved it, and since I'm about as not-original as it gets these days, I promptly informed her that I would be writing my own version.

The question was asked; are the the same person all of the time?  Or do you become somebody different when nobody is looking?

I feel like at its core, the answer is obvious.  Everyone is a different person when they can let their crazy out without fear of reproach.  However, if everyone did this all of the time, society as we know it would crumble on its very foundations.  For instance:

When I'm home by myself, I prefer to wear little to no clothing.  Can you imagine how that would go over if I did it all the time?

When nobody is looking, I never have shoes on.  Ever.  I dislike the "no shirt, no shoes, no service" rule.

I tend to have random emotional outbursts.  I work hard to keep them back around other people, so they come out in full force when I'm by myself.

I don't always eat using utensils.  I just can't be bothered.  I do wash my hands, though, so it's fine.

I run off to the mountains by myself for long sunrise hikes.  When nobody's looking, I tend to have a lower concern for safety.

I tend to become incredibly introspective and hermit-like.  I nest a lot, internally and externally.

Without people around who pay attention to me, I'm really not certain how I would get by in polite society.  I tend to adhere strictly to rules of propriety and politeness as a counter-balance to my "raised by a lone wolf" mentality that I otherwise show.  But it is certainly a mask, and one that I have to intentionally put on.  It takes me a long time to get ready for work each day, mostly because I have to prepare to be around people again.

So if you call me and I don't call you back, or I don't want to talk, now you know why.  This clearly introverted nudist has probably already shucked her mask, shoes, and bra for the day, and can't be bothered to put even one of those articles back on to talk for a few minutes.  I wish I could sincerely apologize for that.  I really do.  But after the mask comes off, it's recharge time.

Who are you when nobody is looking?