Behind the Mask

I came across this short 3 minute video which literally gave me a whole heap of food for thought, especially when combined with a recent TV news item.
 
Firstly, the man in the video. He seems to be a vagrant and a thief, yet he is working to better himself. 
 
Secondly, the man in the news - Oscar Pistorius, known as the 'Blade Runner', a national hero who this week ALLEGEDLY murdered his girlfriend. As the days tick by, allegations of domestic violence are revealed against the man who had the perfect image. 
 
What could these two men possibly have in common? A mask.
 
Take a good look around you. Sometimes what we see is definetly not the truth about people. Yet, in reality, whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we do actually make judgments about what could be nothing more than a mask.
 
We think we know people, but how can we really know anyone?

What's your story, do you wear a mask to hide what's really going on in your life?
How do you form your opinion of others - on what basis do you decide?
What's the biggest surprise anyone has ever given you when you saw what they were behind their mask?

I would love to hear your views, comments and opinions. 

What Would You Do For Love?

I've been thinking about how King Edward VIII gave up the throne of England to marry Wallis Simpson. He had no doubt there would be scandal, he didn't care she was divorced, and he knew she would never be accepted by the Royal family and possibly the British people, but despite the consequences he truly loved her and put her first. The man abdicated and left it all behind. 

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, the word love is being branded about everywhere. Roses for the sweethearts, chocolates for the sweet-toothed, diamonds for the engagements, hearts all over the place right now in more ways than one. Some people will be showered in gifts this year but aren't these things just material objects that are easy to buy?

Edward the VIII gave up more than just a title, and many curse him to this day for dereliction of duty. How can we really tell if someone loves us?

How do you measure true love?

What is your concept of romance?

What is the best demonstration of love you can think of?

Has anyone ever shown their love to you in an exceptional way? Please feel free to share your romantic stories, views and opinions.