The first essay , " On Face @-@ work " , discuss the concept of face , which is the positive self @-@ image that an individual hold when interacting with others . Goffman believe that face " as a sociological construct of interaction , is neither inherent in nor a permanent aspect of the person " . Once an individual offer a positive self @-@ image of him or herself to others , that individual feel a need to maintain and live up to that image . Inconsistency in how a person project him or herself in society risks embarrassment and discrediting . Therefore , people remain guarded , to ensure that they do not show themselves to others in an unfavorable light .