Louise O'Neill: Until very recently, none of us ‘civilians’ gave any thought whatsoever to our ‘personal brands’

I was upset recently, finding it difficult to hold back my tears. The person to whom I was speaking seemed surprised at this, saying that such a display of vulnerability wouldn’t be what people ‘expect’ of me. I asked what she meant by this and she replied with a wave of her hand, ‘you know, because of your reputation’.
I laughed it off at the time but later than night it was all I could think about. It was so odd, to be offered this unsolicited insight into how the outside world sees you, what they think of you. That people you’ve never met might think you’re too tough or iron-willed to show emotion when you’re grieving or disappointed, that you’re hardened to your very core.