Halloween is almost here and there will be lots of parties to attend. But did you know your choice of costume may say something about you without saying a word?
"As human beings we're often inhibited if people can recognize us or know who you are," said Cleveland Clinic Psychiatrist Dr. Scott Bea. "If we put on a mask or an outfit, all of a sudden we can be somebody else and the range of our behavior gets to expand and we have a little bit more fun."
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Bea says if you dress like a celebrity you may like to follow trends and have a sense of power, or popularity.
If your costume is sexy, you may be showing a side of yourself you typically repress.
frightening characters like scary clowns or monsters may give you the chance to safely express your dark side without guilt.
Comic book and cartoon characters tend to represent a playful attitude - these people want to leave their serious natures at home on Halloween.
If you like to dress like an animal it could mean a couple of things. People who gravitate towards werewolves or lions show a sense of aggression, while bunnies or cats may be trying to convey a cuter or mysterious side.
But Bea says, in the end, no matter what costume you choose, it's all about fun.
"They say we can only let about 20% of our real personality leak out in our workplace. When you're being a parent you have to conform to a certain set of standards, but on Halloween we get to play a little bit, so we can expand the range of who we are in a real pleasant and fun way," said Bea.