Why People Smile When They’re Hurting Inside
Unspoken Pain: Why People Smile When They’re Hurting Inside The Mask We Wear She stands before the mirror, carefully applying her makeup—each stroke a deliberate act to conceal the turmoil within. Her lipstick is bold, her eyeliner precise, but behind the façade lies a heart heavy with sorrow. This ritual is not about vanity; it's a shield, a way to face the world without revealing the battles waged in silence. In South Africa, and indeed globally, many individuals—women and men alike—don masks of happiness while grappling with internal anguish. The societal expectation to "keep it together" often forces people to suppress their true emotions, leading to a culture where vulnerability is hidden behind smiles. The Silent Struggle Emotional pain doesn't always manifest in visible ways. It's the colleague who always seems cheerful but cries alone at night. It's the friend who offers support to others yet feels isolated themselves. This silent st...