Persona grata

I went to a talk by psychologist Oliver James this week, to hear his views on how to bring up happy and successful children in a 'toxic society' (I don't think it's toxic). He said teenagers are trying on different personalities all the time to see which ones suit them and which ones fit. Adults also have multiple personae (teacher, adult, child) and it's up to us to choose which is the best persona to deal with whichever personality the child is trying on.

Well I don't know if it needs to be that calculated really, but it has made me look at Grace and think about all the different personalities she tries on during the day. How many masks she wears, depending on the situation or the company she's in. How she changes from exuberant optimist to quiet pessimist in the blink of an eye. How exhausting it is being a teenager and not knowing who you are or where you fit in.

Grace: you're amazing. You're funny, charming and clever. You've got the longest legs I've ever seen on a human. Your infectious enthusiasm for new opportunities is hugely appealing and your good humour and patience in helping your mother on a spectacularly un-Blipworthy day is appreciated too! Whatever mask you choose to wear, you're beautiful to me.