Behind the Front

I always enjoy learning new things about people, and I like to learn about what people really are. In high school, I think what someone really is is hidden beneath layers and layers of personalities. Like someone having lots of coats on a cold day, you never know what the bottom layer is. A person is the same way if they are not themselves around everyone. I have discussed this idea in previous blogs, but now I would like to examine a different part of this thought.

As sophomoric as I am, I have still come to understand that people use many fronts to hide them true selves. People put on a front to gain a friend, to keep a friend, or to shy away an old friend. Sometimes your feelings are changed by someone else around you just because you want to be their friend (or not). For example, we all know that teens can be real "cliquey," as portrayed in various American popular films such as Mean Girls, The Breakfast Club, and (I hate to say it, but) High School Musical. So if someone wanted to be in someone else's circle of friends, they might change their own attitudes and views on certain things just to be accepted and to be that person's friend.

One type of subconscious front that is used among many people I know is talking like someone else- someone funny, perhaps someone from a movie or television show. It's an easy way to make people laugh and everyone knows of that reference. Also, it's a way to get rid of awkward situations. For example, let's say there is a situation in which you are extremely happy, but instead of saying "I am extremely happy!" you say "Groovy, baby," in reference to Austin Powers. In the latter, no one feels that they have to respond with their own exact feelings, and they can just laugh and be content. Quoting a movie or a show is an easy out to silence, and easy way out of awkwardness, and people use this out often. However, it seems that those people who cannot fully express themselves use this out in excess. It's hilarious when people quote funny characters, but it is obvious when people use this as a front to their own true feelings.

It's important to understand yourself and it's important to understand those whom you care about. Back to the coat analogy, as you get to know someone better and better, another layer comes off on that cold, winter day. You can get to the soul of a person just by getting to know them, but if there is an unnecessary front, no connection can be made.