Dark
Light

The Hidden Cost of Being Everyone’s Emotional Saver

May 16, 2024
Not long ago, one of my friends seemed really down. His vibe was off, but since we’re miles apart, I couldn’t grasp the whole picture. I didn’t want to pry too much. Then, out of nowhere, he reached out, admitting he was feeling incredibly low and asking if we could have a chat.

As we talked, he shared how weighed down he felt by life’s pressures and how stuck he was feeling. He wasn’t vibing with his current friends and felt like his life wasn’t going anywhere either. He was itching to break free but was anxious about the potential drama and fallout if he walked away.

Despite only spending two months with this group of his friends, he realized most of them weren’t genuine friends, just acquaintances. Then he dropped a bombshell: “If I bailed and joined your friend group, could I count on your support?”

Sometimes, a simple conversation can reveal so much about someone, transforming your understanding of them.
In my eyes, he’s carefree, humorous, and doesn’t take life too seriously. Four years ago, he dove into social media, carving out his own space in the digital world. He quickly gained recognition, perhaps thinking four years was enough to grasp the intricacies of online fame. But reality hit hard.
In the online realm, truth blends with falsehood, and people’s loyalty is fleeting. For every cheer, there’s a jeer; for every admirer, a critic.
Unexpectedly, behind his facade of optimism lies a deep sensitivity. In a moment of vulnerability, his insecurities and struggles lay bare before me. It’s a reminder that what we see on the surface often conceals layers of complexity. Like a sunflower, he radiates brightness, but beneath lies shadows of doubt and overwhelm.

Thinking too much is tormenting yourself

The ancient Indian Vedic texts once stated: 

It’s human nature to seek pleasure, so selfishness leads people to prioritize themselves first, then their bodies, and finally other things. That’s just how people are, and it’s hard to change.
In reality, sometimes we just overthink things. We tend to take others’ opinions of us too seriously and overestimate our importance in their lives. We all play a part in each other’s lives, but in the grand scheme, we’re just passing through.
There’s no ocean in front of us. Whether things are turbulent or calm mostly depends on our own mindset.
Instead of constantly trying to impress others and act like a people-pleasing clown, why not take a moment to reflect? Ask yourself honestly: What brings you true happiness?
The truth is that few people really care about what we say, do, or go through, why stress over it? Spending too much time worrying about how others perceive us only amplifies our actions unnecessarily. People’s attention spans are short, and they quickly return to their own lives.
In certain social groups, it’s obvious you’re not enjoying yourself, and there’s no pleasure or benefit to be gained. If you’re only staying for the sake of appearances and your so-called reputation, happiness will only drift further away.
A social group won’t change because you leave it. Your social group should either bring you joy, opportunities, or personal growth. If it doesn’t fulfill any of these, then you simply don’t belong there. Simple as that.
Expressing emotions is crucial, but when feelings overwhelm, should we become someone else’s emotional savior, or is it selfish?
I wanted to console him. After all, everyone experiences darkness. I’ve also had my own sleepless nights, filled with a torrent of thoughts. I understand that expressing your feelings can provide relief. When you’re sad, you need someone to lean on. You don’t have to say anything profound, just be there, nod occasionally, acknowledge. But emotional venting should have its boundary.
When we were younger, whenever something happened, we’d immediately reach out to family, friends, and our wider social circle. But as we matured, we learned the value of silence, of pausing before reacting impulsively, and responding thoughtfully.

Only you can save yourself

Unlike the widely accepted concept of “time management,” “emotional self-help” lacks formal recognition; it’s more of an expression of someone navigating an emotional whirlwind. To me, it’s an attitude, a manifestation of emotional intelligence: acknowledging being overwhelmed by subjective emotions, choosing to set aside triggers, focusing on personal needs, and guiding behavior inwardly to fulfill those needs.

Emotional management isn’t about doing it for others; it’s a personal imperative for everyone. It’s about taking responsibility for oneself while showing consideration for those around you.”

When anger peaks, resist the urge to reach for your address book or fire off text messages impulsively. Avoid immediate confessions. Though venting may bring temporary relief, it can corrode relationships over time. Unfiltered emotional outbursts not only burden others but also expose vulnerabilities, potentially leading to regrettable repercussions down the road.

True mastery of life doesn’t entail emotional venting. Seek equilibrium in joy and sorrow. Those who excel are often those who maintain emotional composure, refraining from indiscriminate expression.
There are situations when spilling your guts may exacerbate negative emotions, not assuage them.
Our emotions often arise spontaneously, triggered by various random factors. They may lay dormant for long periods, only to surface unexpectedly, overwhelming us completely.
Numerous unrelated factors, such as recent diet, physical condition, surroundings, and current activity, converge at a certain moment, intensifying our emotional response.
In such moments, we crave an outlet for our emotions, typically seeking solace in a friend, family member, or partner. Yet, few enjoy being around individuals overwhelmed by intense emotions, particularly those laden with negativity.
Instead of letting emotions run wild, we can use our brains to keep them in check.
No one can fix your emotions but you. While loved ones can offer support, it’s important to remember they’re not obligated to carry your burden. Finding balance between supporting others and preserving your own well-being is key. Sacrificing your own feelings to appease others isn’t sustainable.
Previous Story

How to Tell If It’s True Love or Just a Crush: The Effort Test

Next Story

15 Father’s Day Gifts Ideas to Celebrate Every Type of Dad