"Ew, that’s soo cringe!" "Stop doing that, it’s weird! Omg you’re so cringe.. " "Ew, look at that girl. What is she doing? That’s so cringy." "Hahaa what the heck?! Cringe!!!" Just writing this is making ME cringe. I’m sorry, but "cringe" is a word that is used way too often in the wrong situations. Actually, I’m not sorry. Why do we even care if something is cringe or not? Seriously.. let’s see what "cringe" even means. It’s something embarrassing, maybe socially weird or awkward. Let’s look it up. Google: ""Cringe" refers to an intense, inward feeling of embarrassment, awkwardness, or second-hand shame caused by watching someone else's awkward behavior or socially painful situations" Soo.. basically just judgement, whether it’s beating YOURSELF up or judging someone else. I understand this feeling, we all do, right? But I feel like we use it in the most basic and not-embarrassing ways. I mean, mostly younger people use it, so I get it, we’re more emotional and I guess hormonal (whatever that means). We often make situations bigger than they are. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve seen someone hold something back just because it’s "cringe". I hate it so much, because the only reason is usually just because OTHER people might find it cringe. Especially when it comes to writing.. I hate seeing people give up a story or absolutely impeccable line just because it may be perceived as weird. Everyone has different definitions of weird, but I think we shouldn’t use it to describe other people so casually, especially when they’re happy or just doing something they like. There’s some kind of social pressure in the word "cringe". You’ve probably seen something that you really liked or vibed with, and someone came in saying "cringe!!". That usually alters your whole perspective of the thing! Seriously, I think the only things that should be considered "cringe" are the things that are actually bad. For example, cheating on a test. Cheating is already a cringe move, but imagine the answers they’re cheating from are wrong. I’m sorry, but I think that’s hilarious, and, cringe. Or at least in my opinion.. I don’t know, maybe someone else won’t agree or get the same feeling as me in that situation. Anyway, I’m gonna stop blabbing cause I’m going to bed soon. Cringe is an illusion. (Or when it comes to things that aren’t even embarrassing, like maybe you accidentally tripped in front of multiple people. I know that a lot of people might get embarrassed and beat themselves up, using the word "cringe".. but it’s really not that big of a deal, and no one really cared anyway) Just.. I don’t know, try using the word "cringe" less, and you’ll find that life is much more enjoyable and NOT cringeworthy. I’ve found that I’ve personally been much happier being "cringy". So take this as your sign to stop caring, because it’s mostly an illusion created by society and your brain. This was pent up feelings from getting infuriated at people holding back for so long. Sincerely, rae.
