“In most of our human relationships, we spend much of our time reassuring one another that our costumes of identity are on straight.”

Simplified Meaning:

In our interactions with others, we often focus on making sure that we appear a certain way to fit in or be accepted. This means we constantly check and adjust how we present ourselves, like wearing a costume, to match what others expect or to show a certain image. Think about how friends might compliment each other’s clothes or style to make each other feel good about their choices. In deeper terms, people try to reassure each other that their personalities and behaviors are normal and acceptable. For example, at a workplace, colleagues may offer praise or agreement to make each other feel like they belong and are doing well. This helps everyone feel comfortable and less insecure. Practically, someone can apply this understanding by being more genuine and supportive in their relationships, focusing less on appearances and more on real connection and understanding. By doing so, it encourages a more authentic interaction where people can be themselves without worrying too much about fitting into a specific role or image.