Let’s be real, In today’s internet culture, being called “cringe” is basically like getting roasted by the entire universe. Post a teary-eyed video talking about your healing journey? Cringe. Dress up as your favorite anime character and record a TikTok? Ultra cringe. Write Wattpad fanfiction where Harry Styles is a vampire CEO? Nuclear-level cringe. But you know what? You know what…..Who cares?
Because cringe is just code for “I care too loudly, and YOU are the one uncomfortable with that.”
The truth is, anything labeled “cringe” is usually a form of internalized shame doing pushups in your brain. It’s that little voice that goes, “What will people think if I do this?” To which I raise the answer is: “Probably nothing, because they’re too busy worrying about what you think of them.”
We live in a society is learning to romanticize effortlessness. You’re supposed to be successful but not try too hard, funny but never too weird, talented but humble, have the “hot but I just woke up like this” energy. If you dare to try, really try, you get side-eyed for being “too much.”
That is learning to romanticize
But what even is “too much”? Just someone who isn’t afraid to be seen. Let’s not forget, half the people calling others cringe are secretly writing “private” poetry in their Notes app or recording singing videos they never post. We’re all unique. The only difference is whether you’re hiding it or not.
But what even is “too much”? Just someone who isn’t afraid to be seen. Let’s not forget, half the people calling others cringe are secretly writing “private” poetry in their Notes app or recording singing videos they never post. We’re all unique. The only difference is whether you’re hiding it or not.
Because the moment you stop fearing “cringe,” you start living on your own terms. You stop playing the background character in someone else’s highlight reel and start directing your own.
So next time that voice in your head says, “This is of cringe,” respond with:
“And?”
“Be serious.”
“Let me live.”
Because being “cool” is exhausting, and most of the time, it’s just fear wearing sunglasses. Cringe is where the fun is. It’s where your passion, weirdness, heart, and unfiltered joy live. And the world desperately needs more people willing to be real over people desperate to be liked.
So go ahead. Be cringe. Be free. Be the main character in your own unhinged sitcom. You’ve got this.
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