Are we faking it? Are we the best actors we’ve ever seen in our lives? Is it just me or is it you too?

I was reading a book this afternoon where the woman talked about how she constantly faked a smile and a happy family and most of her life really. It was like she sent in a representative for her to cover the woman who was terribly alone and afraid on the inside. Because nobody wants to see that woman. And nobody wants to deal with that woman. So she just kept going on and faking it.  As I read these harsh words, I realized I AM that woman.  I’m hiding the pain with smiles. I’m faking like I’m OK throughout the day. I hide the emotions. Even today while in my morning meeting, I felt a moment of vertigo which then led me to feel very anxious. Instead of telling the room full of people who were supposed to be my friends,  I excuse myself to go to the bathroom to deal with it alone. I hold in a cry, because no one should have to see me like that. I feel as though I have accepted that nobody really wants to hear your problems or nobody can fully be there the way you need them today. And I never want to be a burden. So I just go on and struggle alone. I go back to the meeting and try to act normal as I can. When inside, everything in me is anxious and just wants to run home and get in my bed and cry. I can’t get home fast enough.  That is my safe place. And where I can be myself. Where I can cry without anybody knowing or be afraid without them thinking I’m crazy and ridiculous. In that meeting I felt that I can’t escape this and myself fast enough. So as I read those words this afternoon I realized everything about me is fake. And I was the one who tries to claim how real I am. I realize I am just an actor. Faking my way through each day. Faking my way through happiness and strength. Faking my way in every moment to have them believe that I am okay.  Is it all just an act? Are we all just acting? Or is it just me?