Disclaimer: Well if I owned Rurouni Kenshin, I wouldn't be writing a Disclaimer, would I?
Author's Notes: It's all in the summary. I wanted to give this a longer title, but there you go. It wouldn't let me. So here it is:
It's All In The Oro – A Rurouni's Guide To Hiding Your Feelings
Before beginning to read this handbook, there is one golden rule that you must remember:
NEVER give ANYONE cause to worry. Be it for you, or about you. No-one Must Worry.
To begin with, here are a few easy tricks on how to avoid unnecessary attention from possible Worriers:
1. Pretend to be an idiot. If people think you don't know anything, they are less likely to ask anything of you, or worry about you in any way.
2. Pick up a catchphrase. Something short and silly that you can say when you're lost for words, to make people think you know what to say. It doesn't have to mean anything. A suggestion is: a variation on the word 'ara' which means 'huh', correct me if I'm wrong
3. A silly smile works wonders for hiding your feelings and pretending everything's A-OK. Slap in on when you're feeling down or worried yourself, or when possible Worriers are asking too many questions.
4. Get a routine going for what happens each day. If everyone knows what's going to happen every day, and you're always there doing it, they'll know everything's fine. Just make sure you avoid as much disruption to your routine as possible. Keeping busy also helps avoid thinking about things that may cause other people Worry.
Once you've got those techniques covered, let's go over a few tips on how to hide your feelings.
1. Keep your eyes lowered, or hidden by hair (or anything good) Eyes are a window to the soul, and if people can't see them, or see into them, it makes it harder for them to read how you're feeling.
2. Keep your expression neutral. Even if you're in pain, or feel like crying, try to keep a straight face when other people are around. That silly smile will come in handy when hiding your feelings, and try to keep body language to a minimum.
3. Avoid all topics concerning Feelings, but especially Love. When it comes to said subject, pretend you don't have a clue. People will think you're naive, and are less likely to talk about it, at least around you. If you have a crush on anyone, keep that someone from learning how you feel for as long as is humanly possible.
4. Use a simple phrase to end any unwanted subjects: "It's a long story." "I can't remember."
And the best used phrase that says 'leave me and that matter alone'..."I don't want to talk about it." This phrase is especially effective when you use Hide your feelings tips One and Two combined.
So, to sum up: hide your eyes, act silly, cover up your feelings, and above all Do Not Let Anyone Worry. Good luck!
All good credit goes to De Lazy Lime for coming up with point 4!