You are ABSOLUTELY right. It's all about keeping up with appearances. I've been so drawn to the bloggers like Penelope or Heather Armstrong who are so honest about themselves in spite of social mores because it's a good reminder that we're all human. 

And you're also right that it's not our place to judge. And it's amazing what kind of friendships you can forge and things you can learn when you're open and non-judgmental.