Dissembling

I like this word, dissembling.  It means to conceal ones emotions, feelings or beliefs.

We all, at different points in our lives dissemble.  It is a great way to 'not lie' and to focus energy away from one's inner thoughts.  It is when someone asks 'how are you?' and you say 'great' while internally you are worried, concerned, miserable or indifferent.  It is when you smile and bite your tongue when someone is talking negatively about something you feel passionate about but can't reveal that emotion due to political correctness (or lack there) of with colleagues or acquaintances.

There have been many great dissemblers over history.  Queen Elizabeth I of England comes to mind.  Her refusal to name an heir, her various marriage negotiations and her ability to say a lot with out saying anything kept her people and her court from fully understanding (and therefore opposing) her true goals.

Dissembling (versus lying) can be a useful tool in life.  It is the bridge between direct communication and blatant lying.  Better to obscure then to get caught in a web of deceit.

It is an art, dissembling.