If you have ever had a job in what you might consider to be disrespectful, or demeaning in anyway, did you run and hide when you saw that friend or relative you did not want to see you in your demeaning position?

And did you react the same way in a social setting when you did not want someone you know well to see you interacting with an individual who was say, economically challenged?

If you answered yes to any of the above queries, then you might have suffered from what is commonly known as having too much false pride, at one time or another in your life.

For, false pride is what makes us feel ashamed or easily embarrassed when we are seen or caught unaware if placed in a situation we do not want certain persons to know of.

Also, it becomes an issue when it comes to the matter of “keeping up appearances.” Some individuals might not have the best paying job/career on the block, yet they drive the status symbol automobile, dress like a Hollywood star, and live in the fine house two doors down from you.

Since impressions are fleeting, such persons want others to know how well they are doing even if all is not well. So they talk the big talk, dress to impress, and stick to their demeaning job only they know of.

But sometimes it's that same false pride that can prevent us from being who we really are. And someone can even lose him/herself when he/she is so obsessed with giving others a different view of him/herself.

Just be who you are. As for those individuals you are trying so hard to impress with the “keeping up appearances” notion? They might appreciate you even more when they learn that you are not ashamed or embarrassed to let them know who you really are.

Don't let all that false pride get to you. For it will, and can bring you down more than you ever care to realise.