Masks

A common problem in dating is worrying about masks. By masks, I mean that people put on an act and aren't sincere.  A girl may say she love sports when she doesn't, like Katherine Heigl's sister in 27 Dresses. Or a guy may say he's not really into sports and likes animals (when he doesn't), like Tad Hamilton in Win A Date With Tad Hamilton. Do the movie references help? haha

The thing is that masks are unavoidable in the beginning. The first couple dates can be awkward, tense, or cautious. Even if you're totally comfortable with first dates, you usually act a little different with people you don't know. Even if you're thinking, no Jessica, I'm 100% myself on first dates, FINE! you're weird (jk) but it's highly likely that your date will be a little reserved. So it's going to be something you will deal or have dealt with.

 What solution do you have for this problem? My solution is based on all of my solutions for dating: relax. Date long enough for the mask to come off and don't worry about it. We've all heard horror stories about people who get married and then the mask comes off and they realized they married an axe murderer or whatever. You can prevent this by extending your courtship period beyond one month lol.

In the mean time, what mask are you wearing? Think about it, you may not be aware of it. In women's therapy, there is an exercise where the women draw out their masks. Do you put on airs that you're super cool or you changed your interests? You don't have to be 100% open during the first couple dates but as a relationship progresses, you will have to take off your mask and hope your partner does the same.