I think it’s hogwash. Yes, people do put on a public face and keep certain things on the inside (Billy Joel, the Stranger). But I don’t think it is to the extent indicated by this speculation. Growing up, I was pretty in tune with who I was and what I valued. I did not feel separated from everyone else. As an adult, I have kept up this view. As a result, I have been able to successfully deal with 7 kids, to raise them to be good adults that are in touch with themselves. The speculation also makes another assumption I disagree with. “We find ourselves in the ironic situation of having to transact with others with the part of ourselves – our exteriors – that we value the least.” I think many people value their exteriors too much. That is why when someone on Facebook says something negative about someone else, there is a meltdown and all sorts of anxiety.