You only see the part I'm playing

Sometimes, I feel like I'm on display, on stage, and I'm getting direction and line feeds from someone sitting in the back of the theater, only the spotlight is so blindingly upon me that I can't see the source of my direction. I signed up to be on display. I didn't sign up for someone to alternately preach, advise, direct, sound off, and perhaps throw tomatoes, all the while hiding in the dark, low-lit back of the theater. I have a suspicion that while I have NO IDEA who sits in that theater, he/she knows me somewhat at least. . . and that's scary to me. It makes me feel violated and insecure.

To the director: Your advice doesn't cross any lines, IF it's based either on a) what I've chosen to reveal or b) deep, heartfelt knowledge of me because you're a person whom I've chosen to include in my life. Any status in between. . .is an unacceptable basis of advice, for it means. . .

You presume to know more than is revealed, but you know far less than is real.

And that's a dangerous place.

But, thanks for not "outing" me. . .if you haven't.

Thanks for giving me no reason to be paranoid. . .if there is no reason.

Just remember: you don't know me. You only know the part I'm playing.