sense of self

Sense of self is profound compared to what one experiences of others. While we each experience 'life,' each of us exist within our own lonely and singular universe. I think our experience as humans is a constant drive to enter another's universe--to break barriers that take away that sense of isolation.

Sometimes I feel very connected to other people, but often times, there is this barrier that makes that connection impossible. Some people never share their true selves. I have very dear friends I have known for years and yet, when I choose to reflect on it, I realize I hardly know them at all.

Conversly, I know some people very well--by what they have chosen to express to me directly. A sharing of self is as close as two distinct individuals can get, and its downright healthy. When there are those whose words are unneccessary because we have shared and expressed all there is to say, its pretty satisfying.

I frequently think about my own sense of self. The "Who am I and what does that mean to me?" typical serving of friendly mind-banter. The resulf of this never-ending thought process of personal awareness, is that I feel like I know myself farely well. I also feel like the people around me have a pretty good idea of who I am because I choose to share it. Self expression comes very easily.

Sometimes I wonder about my friends who are less candid... do they share less about themselves because they know themselves less? (that they don't think existentially?) or does everyone have a strong sense of self, but chooses not to share for fear of ridicule, alienation or plain old mistrust?

Does conmmunicating one's fears, anxiety and rage increase or reduce conflict? I can only surmise that both are possible. Some things no one shares with anyone else. Some things are socially inappropriate even amongst our closest most trusted. There are those qualities that are pretty human, that everyone feels, does and thinks that no one is interested in. I suppose this is non-constructive sharing of self. The impluses that thankfully we can hide behind a veil of concious restraint; to be thought but never shared are ours alone. However, empathy can widen the sense of self to others, if you will. This is, a very rewarding and constructive sharing of self.

Ahhhhh, I feel like I know you better already:)