having another person around helps me get through stuff, too. when it comes to chores or a boring, difficult task, it's like i'm borrowing their motivation to tackle it. when it's an emotionally taxing task, i rely on another person to help me recognize when i'm overwhelmed. i don't think you're using the mask necessarily, i think another person just notices cues that are easy to miss when you're absorbed in a task. like time passing or sounds of distress. for me, having another person around who accepts me makes it easier not to mask, which in turn makes it easier for them to notice cues that i need help.