Empathy 2: Dealing

Stage acting is indeed easier than social acting because everything is scripted and you don't have to do a lot of guessing. Besides, the director generally has an idea of how he or she wants the character to be played. Social acting is more like "improv" where there is no script and no direction. But both require a lot of discipline to keep from "breaking character" as it is called.

As far as empathy goes, I have learned that again, if you can put on a convincing act, say and do the right things, it's really irrelevant what you feel inside where other people are concerned. You can lie your head off and as long as they are the right lies, you will be believed. I have never had anyone confront me and tell me I am putting on an act. There have been times when I wished someone had or would but as my mother always said, be careful what you wish for.

I don't know if you've seen or read "Life of Pi" but it talks about this very same thing, what is truth and how people often reject it in favor of their version of reality. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen or read the book but I consider it a must-read or must-see. Another story that deals with the same thing is "Rashomon" or its latest incarnation "At the Gate of the Ghost". Again, what is truth and what isn't?

The point is people generally don't look too deeply into things especially if it concerns something they want to believe. I think most of life IS acting in one way or another. The trick is to choose your settings. Some areas are easier to manage than others. For example if you are not obligated to be in a certain environment and you are experiencing a lot of stress over the fact you have to put on an act to survive in that environment it might be an indication that this is not the right place for you. I changed churches for that reason and am happier in my new one.