Is it socially acceptable to hide ones feelings?

Question

I feel weird when I express my feelings and opinions and weird when I don't.

Answer 1

I think it depends on the situation and the feelings you are expressing.

Young women who squeal and shriek in excitement over a cute young man who just walked past or over a song that is playing on the mall's sound system need to learn to keep that to themselves. Talk about diva drama.

If you are upset it would help to solve your angst if the person/people with whom you are upset knew it. Saying "nothing" when someone asks you what is wrong is silly and a waste of time.

Overdoing any emotion because you think it is expected is not appropriate. On the other hand it is not good for you to always suppress how you feel.

You have to find a "middle of the road" way in which to deal.

Answer 2

There are always going to be things you'd rather keep to yourself and that's never a negative thing. Find a trustworthy friend so you can allow yourself to express your feelings when you do feel the need to.

I like to think that if you didn't keep some of those opinions and feelings to yourself, there wouldn't be anything left for someone special to find out about you.

Answer 3

Rather than worrying about whether or not it is "socially acceptable" to hide your feelings, you should focus on what makes you uncomfortable with expressing yourself and work to find a way that you can let the world know how you feel without it making you feel "weird."

Social interaction is a complex game we play in society. When one is suffering from any number of social perspectives that create discomfort, it can make that game even more difficult to play. However, we cannot focus on how others feel about us but rather focus on how we feel about ourselves; then our ability to feel comfortable increases when expressing our emotional states and viewpoints to others.

Your first have to recognize that not everyone agrees on perspectives. When stating your opinion don't do so with the expectation of others accepting or agreeing with it, but rather allow your desire to share be your primary motivation. Then you always feel good about sharing, but stop worrying so much about how others will react to it. It takes practice and you don't need to force yourself when feeling uncomfortable, but the more you express yourself with the intent to share the more quickly you will feel comfortable doing so.

When sharing feelings, it is completely up to you as to whom you wish to share these feelings of yours. There is no social law that requires us to share our innermost emotional states. However, if you wish to feel more comfortable doing so, then again you have to eliminate expectations on the reactions of others. Often, people will share their feelings because they want a particular reaction from others (sympathy, love, etc.) and then become uncomfortable or emotionally injured when they don't get the reaction they expect. The idea is to again become comfortable expressing yourself when you wish to; regardless of what you are expressing.

It is difficult to offer advice to such a general question due to our immense complexity as human beings and the wide range of issues that are raised when discussing expressing emotions and viewpoints. The one piece of advice I know I can offer in good faith is to read. There are wonderful books out there (not the "flavor of the month pop-psychology", but rather serious examinations of learning to be more comfortable with ourselves) and I would recommend beginning the search. You will learn more about yourself and those around you, which can only help increase your comfort level in social situations. Learning about yourself is key. Best of luck.

"The unexamined life is not a life worth living." -Socrates

Answer 4

It's almost expected in the States to hide your feelings. That's why Americans are so uptight. I say express yourself, but it does depend on the setting

Answer 5

Your a female. Your expected to express your feelings and hide your opinions. I say **** social expectations.

Answer 6

I think you need to learn when it's appropriate and when it's not. That just comes with experience (as in, you share something and immediately think, "I wish I hadn't said that", you'll know next time just to keep silent). As the old saying goes, better to keep still, and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Answer 7

whats wrong with it i never show my feelings or any thing i just keep it to my self

Answer 8

you should hide your feelings. people don't want to hear your woes.

Answer 9

its unmanly to blub your feelings.

Answer 10

Welcome to the game of life!