I feel like this when I speak to people. I don't know if it's legit or all in my head, but I feel like their mask is so obvious.

Yeah, I think people mostly act the way they do because it's learned social behavior.

Those I can live with, it's the ones that are trying to get something out of you and being "Clever" that I can't stand. I used to give an honest response - most people don't know how to deal with it.

I wish I can be direct with others like that too, but I am too shy in real life... People who get offended because they don't know how to deal with what I say scare me too much ;_; And I hate that

tbh, I didn't even realise at the time that lying was 'default' for most people (Call it being considerate, polite, tactful, whatever you want, it's still not being honest). I am still coming to grips with the fact that the world is built on deception, but still doesn't fall apart. The concept just blows my mind every time I try to work it out. Now that I know this it's pretty easy to unravel at least some of the workings behind the words, although I still have a long way to go.

There is a proverb which says "A speaker of truth has no friends" and I understand what it means... I also hate that idea of being "polite" nowadays, it's like people put on a false mask over themselves, and when something knocks at their mask, people get offended. People are so distanced and fearful nowadays.

I don't think it's a new problem, but I do feel it is a bit amplified. I grew up with lots of space, I could walk for miles and see nobody, now I can't walk down the street without walking past someone who will give me their best plastic greeting and expect one in return. My own proverb is pretty similar. "The truth will make you an enemy of everyone, including yourself." Probably not the most accurate though.

all a matter of perspective, hm?

Yes! ^^