Do you want to be known?

This is inspired by a question about why people tell much more intimate stuff on the internet, where they may be anonymous, than in person. Some people said that because it can’t get back to them, they can say stuff. One person said that they say the same stuff here as they say in real life. Another said that if they are identified by someone they know in real life, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

I think shame is generally what keeps us from being more open about ourselves in real life. We are afraid people will think badly of us, and our reputations will be smeared if they really knew what we think or do.

Yet these things are all part of us. The Compleat Daloon, so to speak. It would be so much more relaxing if we could talk about everything and know we would still be loved, not judged. But if you have an affair, and confess it, you’ll probably lose your significant other, and maybe even a lot of your friends.

Would you rather be known, if possible? Under what conditions do you think it would be possible for you to talk about the whole you? Examples of things you think you might be stigmatized for would help. What stigma do you face, and how would people close to you have to react for you to talk about the compleat you? Perhaps most importantly, do you think being able to be completely known would feel better? Or are there some things that you would keep private even if you knew you would not be judged for them?