All those calls to "be yourself" and "drop the mask" are nonsense. Fake corporate politeness like "Hope this email finds you well" is the only thing stopping us from killing each other on Zoom calls.

Options

• Exactly. Masks are basic hygiene. "Dear colleague" sounds way better than what I actually think.
• I hate that fake friendliness. Better to say it straight and get to the point than waste time on ritual niceties.
• Strict mask and politeness at work — but with my inner circle, I want to be fully open and unfiltered.