Strange, Isn't It?

Shields

Everyone has a shield.

Don't take this literally.

There are people that use attitudes, objects, and sometimes other people to hide something about them.

Basically the Muggles' version of Horcruxes. (because yes Harry Potter)

For example, that girl that people think she takes everything as a joke is actually hiding the fact that she cries herself to sleep every night and is desperately lonely and is definitely unloved.

Smiles hide a lot, you know. So don't get pissed at the person laughing at everything. They might be dying inside.

That guy that always stays in the back and says he hates everybody is probably only saying that because he's too scared to say he wants to break down because he is broke, his mom hates him, and his dad gets drunk all the time.

I should know. I'm one of them.