The layers associated with us can be as many as those in an onion.  On the outside we have all of these outer layers that have weathered time, trials along with good times that reflect to the world what we may look like on the outside.  However, as we begin to peel away those outer layers a more complex and shielded person may exist.  I was thinking about this earlier when we try to make an assessment of other people that we may not know in depth.  We go by our perception of what we see and in general we rely on our instinct to help validate what we thought about them.  It is not until one gets to know someone else in a more personal setting that we begin to see some of the layers fall off.  What we have to contend with is that not everyone is comfortable in sharing about themselves right away.  For some, this is can be a very uncomfortable experience and as a result will be less like to share after that first occurrence if it was a bad one.  With all of the layers that some people carry with them, it can be some time in the future before you get to know who they really are.  Although peeling those layers can be an uncomfortable happening, one must think of the weight that is lifted off of them when they no longer carry them.  That is one of the many positive aspects of doing this.  I find as one gets older, we want less of everything and living in a more simplistic existence.  Each day presents an opportunity for you to peel another layer away and get to the core of who you really are.  Live for the day where there will be no layers left but your true self.  You will walk lighter and feel less burdened while enjoying life in a deeper way.