One evening I found myself at a high society event. I was in tails. I shook hands with foreign ambassadors and a former U.S. Secretary of State. Not feeling entirely comfortable I began to drink and try to act as if I belonged. After leaving the event I ended my evening drinking excessively at a low bottom bar - still wearing tails.
Shape shifter: One that seems able to change form or identity at will especially : a mythical figure that can assume different forms.
— Merriam Webster Dictionary
.. the alcoholic leads a double life. He is very much the actor. To the outer world he presents his stage character. This is the one he likes his fellows to see.
— Page 73 Alcoholics Anonymous
