Technically, the answer to the question is, yes.nissanmama wrote: Do you ever wonder whether people would like you more ore less if they could see inside you?
But there is more to it. I can easily come up with a half a dozen aspects to the question, but here are some that are important to me.
1. What is my motivation for wanting people to like me more (or less) than they do now? While my childhood was probably fairly normal, I wasn't very happy, especially relating to my peers. So I grew up pretty, not anti- but, non-social. I am pretty content with who I am and what I value. I am not terribly sensitive to what others think of me. That said, I am still human and a member of society. I recognize that I still want to be loved, want to be liked and that my behavior and outward presentation is subject, to a degree, to social influences that are sometimes at odds with my internal/uninfluenced nature.
2. Truth in advertising. Generally, I like to live WYSIWYG. (What you see is what you get.) Yes, one should put their best foot forward, but any strenuous efforts to alter the appearance, as opposed to altering the reality, becomes an attempt to deceive, i.e. a lie. The more you reveal of yourself, gives power over you to others. The more you reveal to your intimates, the more they will cherish who you really are. The more you reveal to those who do not value you, makes you more vulnerable to manipulation for their benefit rather than your well being. A habit of non-disclosure reduces both intimacy and vulnerability.
3. I am human. Therefore, like most people, I have flaws. Some I would feel mortified if revealed. (Please note that this not a confession to any grievous crime or "sin". I get embarrassed about things others consider trivial.) Some, I feel are rather minor and are not usually embarrassing even if disclosed. There are many between the two extremes. Still, I am trying to become a better person than I currently am. So, I try to be better in my words and deeds than my initial impulses may dictate. Is it true? Is it needful? Is it helpful or constructive? Is it needlessly cruel? I've had to fire people. I've had to correct behaviors that were disruptive, inappropriate or dangerous. If I filter a bit, I can make it a, relatively, positive experience for all involved. If I act and speak totally naturally, impulsively destruction, emotional, mental, social, business and relationships, ensue.
I guess, the ideal way would be somewhat like Stephenie came up with for Bella. I'd like to grant access to a very few intimates for limited periods. But generally, I'd like to keep what is in my head, in my head. If that means that I think that people would like me less if they saw inside, so be it.
(C'mon, those of you who know me, can't you totally see me doing that?)
