psychology
7 traits we’re embarrassed when we should be proud of them
© Mark Nazh / Shutterstock
Out of sheer shame you hardly come to life? Don’t worry, we’ve got a few qualities you won’t have to be embarrassed about anymore…
Honestly, finding yourself is not that easy! On the one hand, many people are afraid of being average – because they think it makes them interchangeable (which of course isn’t true, after all, even the standard average person is special and irreplaceable for his friends and loved ones). On the other hand, we are immediately looked at obliquely when we are different and stand out, and we are told from an early age how we have to be in order to be respected and to be successful.
No wonder we are constantly in the process of pretending and being ashamed of various qualities that have at some point settled as embarrassing in the collective opinion. But wouldn’t it be quite annoying if we spent our lives reversing our polarity or breaking the habit of doing things that we thought were embarrassing – which could actually make us happy and are actually good? Anyway, the following traits are a lot less embarrassing than many people think…
7 traits that make us embarrassed even though they make us happy
1. Naivety
Naive people tend to be considered stupid – but what exactly is so stupid about getting a childish good faith to preserve and to basically simplify things first instead of overcomplicating them? Isn’t it rather wise to hold on to a trait that makes us happier, lighter, and more optimistic in life? In the end we will be disappointed one way or another – even if we are brooding skeptics …
2. Selfishness
Honestly: We’re all selfish anyway, why be ashamed of it? Those who admit their own egoism and deal with it openly make it easier for themselves and others to live with it. In addition, selfishness and compassion, caring and consideration are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary: Only those who take care of themselves can also be there for other people. False modesty is probably a lot worse than honest selfishness…
3. Volatility
Saying A today and B tomorrow is often seen as weak, immature, incompetent and untrustworthy. But things change overnight, and not just sometimes, but all the time. Why shouldn’t you be allowed to change your mind if you know something today that you didn’t know yesterday? Why should one hold on to A when B now appears to be much more meaningful or appealing? Isn’t life an experimentwhere you can make mistakes, try things out, turn around and even start from scratch if necessary?
4. Emotionality
We’ve been enlightened, so it’s time to let the feelings out again! Emotions are our natural drive and – if we understand our feelings – also an excellent inner compass. So please: Don’t be afraid to cry before outbursts of anger, show joy or give “felt right” as a reason. A feeling is the best argument anyway! And if everyone does it, at some point we don’t feel embarrassed anymore…
5. Uncertainty
Another such problem: As soon as we express doubts or admit that we are not completely sure about something (or ourselves), we are considered incompetent and useless, so we cover up our insecurities – almost constantly. But how can we, as individuals with a very limited wealth of experience, ever be quite sure about anything? Wouldn’t it make much more sense and trust to be honest and just admit to insecurities? Well, but the same applies here: it would be a lot easier if everyone took part…
6. Pride
Some are afraid of appearing conceited and boastful, others believe that the things they are proud of are trifles that do not really warrant pride – the result is the same in both cases: many are ashamed to be proud, and suppress their pride. Too bad that just this feeling entirely closely related to our self-confidence connected and we even need to be proud so that we can strengthen our self-esteem …
7. Frugality
High standards, ambition, constantly surpassing oneself – all of this is considered honorable and admirable and is often so glorified that one sometimes does not dare to admit that one is actually very fine with what one has. But to be honest: It’s nice when someone is happy with their annual summer vacation on the Baltic Sea and doesn’t have the urge to jet around the world 365 days a year like the influencers! Why live life in the fast lane when it doesn’t lead to the goal after all? Isn’t it much more pathetic or sad to be an unhappy winner than a happy apparently (!) loser …?