Wa all have more than one personality that we will either show or hide, which is also the reason why we tend to hide our other side. What's right or ideal for one person may not apply for others and things that are important to someone may not be important to you. This is why people tend to have multiple personalities with their own set of attitudes that switch depending towards the person they talk to, so we sometimes pretend to connect, relate, laugh and talk about things even though it may have no importance or interest to us.
Popularity sure is satisfying and improves other people's image of you. You invest alot of your time on public image, whether it is taking selfies, trying to look kawaii, showing off your 6 pack or improving your public view by getting along with everyone and being 'nice'. Being both popular and trying to be a 'good person' is very hard to maintain. Wait a minute, what is a 'good person'?
Let's look in various religious scriptures on what qualities are evident in 'good' people.
Christianity
A 'good person' is good by what they do, such as performing thoughtful deeds. However, there is no 'set' person , because you cannot be described as you are fundamentally yourself in your own complete way. Being described by someone as a 'good' person us purely from their evaluation. In the bible, god sets many examples and traits that Christians should practise to be 'good' Christians. Here are two examples.
“And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what
good is that? Even sinners will lend to their own kind for a full return. Love
your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned that they
might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will
truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful
and to those who are wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is
compassionate” Luke 6:34-36 (Being considerate and loving your enemies)
“Obey
the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been
placed in power by God” Romans"13:1 (Being a lawful citizen)
Buddhism
Buddhists aim for total happiness, the elimination of greed, hatred and delusion and also follow the eightfold path. Buddhist teachings suggests that by achieving these eight paths, you will self awaken and end suffering. I believe these morals are evident in what we are say, are good people.
The five percepts is also essential to being a devout (or good) buddhist.
Islam
Islam has a bad reputation as islamic extremists and immoral actions done by mislead muslims have hit the media, but the religion is quite peaceful, tolerant and inspiring. Islam does have a code of behaviour that is evident in truthful and 'good' muslims although it is unheard of. I won't go into much further detail as it is quite similiar to other religions.
So to sum it up, all religions advise people to do good deeds and refrain from doing evil to be a 'good person' . Many people follow religions because they resemble their personality and traits along with depiction on what a good person should be. My depiction of a 'good person' is quite similiar to the qualities religious texts give us. Caring, compassionate, happy and moral. Lets move back to personality :)
Why do we try to hide our other side? Because it would humble your social life and affect your popularity? Because you're scared your friends will dump you and no one will talk to you? Because it's shocking and unpleasant? Because you're hiding a stash of Moe anime in a secret compartment that you secretly love and know that your friends and family will dump you if they find out (Oreimo reference soz) ? Or because you're just scared to know what others think of it in general? Whatever the reason may be, it is only natural that everyone has multiple personalities, otherwise you would cease to exist.
I think it is okay for people to show their other personality, along with their behaviours and interests towards friends. The blossoming of multiple authentic personalities and your expressions of the multiple perspectives towards different people should be something that can be accepted by your friends. We always tend to hide and lie about things to 'keep' your social image by other people reputable. People think that hiding would be the best option, as nobody would find out. Unfortunately, that isn't true; many know about the things we hide. So don't be afraid to unmask yourself, and show your friends your many personalities. Sometimes you accidentally show it, and sometimes you just show it in arguments. The later you show it, the more problematic it will be in the future!
