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I don't know if ego is the issue for allwhite. It sounds more like being in this world he has heard again and again not to show vulnerability. But the truth is you can't be genuine if you always hide your vulnerability. So it's about choosing the right moments to show it when it's safe and reasonable to do so.
You have to make a calculated choice whether the situation merits showing that side of yourself, whether the person is worth it and what you value. Sometimes what you value is simply knowing you put your cards on the table regardless of the outcome. It sounds like that's what you felt here, allwhite, and if so nobody can say that's wrong. Only you can decide what you value.
The important thing is that because you've studied social situations you realize that laying your cards on the table may not always win you the hand. As long as you know that, only you can decide if you'd rather show your cards and consequences be damned. If you choose to do that sometimes and it's a conscious choice, more power to you.
Very true.