Today is Day 6 of the Blogtober 2026 Challenge with today prompt Something That I Wish More People Would Talk About.
I did not really have to think too much about this one to come up with feelings.
No matter who we are, we all have feelings. For some reason most of us will put on a smile and say we are fine or ok. When inside we are screaming we are not ok. We all do it, for fear of sounding miserable and depressing all the time.
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Why Do We Hide How We Are Feeling?
For me the answer is because depending on who it is, I either do not want to worry them or put more pain on them. Or it is because it never feels the right time.
We all have things going on in our lives, that just sometimes we need that escape that everything is ok. We know things in our friends and families lives and like them to us, we ask the same questions to be told they are ok. It really is a vicious circle.
Feelings We Tend To Hide
- The feelings we hide because we don’t want to burden other people.
- Feeling lonely even when you’re not alone.
- The guilt of putting yourself first.
- How exhausting it is to constantly say “I’m fine” when you’re not.
- The fear that people will leave when they see the real you.
- How emotions don’t always make sense—and that’s okay.
- How sometimes you don’t need advice—you just want someone to understand.
- The feeling of being emotionally overwhelmed but not knowing how to explain why.
The list can go on
How Can We Break This Cycle
When asking how someone is – follow up with you said you are fine but how are you really. Let them know you get it and you are there
Sometimes words are not needed – it is all about actions. Just sitting there in silence is sometimes all that is needed.
It is all about letting them know they are seen. The worse thing you can do is say it will get easier or time is a great healer. As well intended as those words are, in that moment they are not helpful. Just grab there hand let them know you are in it together and you just get it.
We are all guilty of life getting in the way and not checking in with our friends more often. I know I am guilty of this and it is something I am trying to do and also have found that trying to be more focussed I am checking in more and being aware of how they answer the how are you question.
Just remember it is not big gestures it is the little gestures that turn out to be the bigger gestures.
I do feel that often people think themselves of a burden when they are sharing things like feelings. Thank you for sharing this little look into why people don’t share their feelings.
You can feel like a burden, I have found this since losing my husband people either ask and then change the subject or just never mention it
This is so true and also sometimes can be so difficult but shouldn’t be. Great post xxx
Sady most people are just too busy and forget to ask or realise someone is suffering
I do wish people would be more honest with how they’re feeling. I know I have mum friends struggling or going through tough times and the burden would be so much better shared, esp because I’m sure others are feeling the same way x
The trouble with mums is we have to pretend we are superwoman and it is hard to let our guards down and say we are struggling
I am not sure why we have it ingrained in us to keep our feelings bottle;ed up inside…. but it does feel good to hav that special someone that you can vent too form time to time and let it all out. Plus it is oh so good for you too. I think that was the perfect topic to focus on for this Blogtober challenge and…. what fun!
I agree this is another reason I miss my husband so much as he was the one who I would talk to
I tend to usually pretend I’m okay when people ask me. I am very good at hiding things – I have realised though that sometimes I really just need to be truthful and tell people if I am struggling!
I am the same, but when I do try to open up it gets ignored so now I just keep all my feelings in
It is indeed the little gestures that matter.
There’s also something about listening – really listening – to what people are saying, noting anything that may reveal that they’re not ok even though they said they were and acting supportively on that.
That is what we all need in our lives someone who gets it and understands and can see past the I am ok
What a great post. I am guilty of answering “fine” when people ask how I am. It’s quite British maybe to not bother people with your truth. Hopefully the younger generations will be better at it.
It is easy to say we are ok when inside we really are struggling. The younger generation do tend to talk more and be open more which is a good way forward
I find it easier to look after others feelings and wellbeing than to sometimes be honest about how I am feeling
I totally get that
It’s so easy to say “I’m fine” because we don’t want to worry anyone. I really appreciate your point about listening instead of trying to always fix everything. We all need to do that more!
Saying I am fine has been my go to for years, these days I just say I am surviving which I feel is a better answer
An important topic for sure. I have spent a number of years working on myself and discussing feelings is an important part of that process.
Sometimes it is easy to keep our feelings inside and something we all need to be aware of
It’s so unfortunate that in this day and age of really knowing about the importance of mental health, so many of us are still reluctant to share our feelings.
It is unfortunate, also no one really seems to have the time to talk to friends and family and listen either
I cant agree more with you, the fear of speaking up is real and tbh very crippling. We should all be able to speak our truth without any fear whatsoever. It’s a process but that process needs to start now.
I agree and do wish it is something that was spokem about and asked about and listened too
As someone who has suffered from depression in the past, and hid it for a couple of years before talking about it, I know from first hand experience that it is much better to talk about anything like feelings and emotions.
It is so much better to talk about feelings and emotions but we also need to have someone to talk to about them
I have to agree with you wholly, you should talk about your feelings and ask others about theirs. You would think this was such an obvious thing but it’s not always easy. I know what you mean about sitting in silence with someone too, when I was really low I had a friend come to visit. I didn’t feel like talking and although I was grateful she cared I wasn’t up to it. However, she stayed for hours and we spent a lot of time not talking at all and it was comfortable and perfectly fine, and I felt so much better after she left. It stopped me from putting off people coming to see me.
It is just the fact you are seen, whether you talk or not someone gets it and is there no matter what
used to hide my feelings but now I find talking really does help
It is good but sometimes it is finding someone to talk to them about
I am guilty of not putting myself first as I am seen as the strong one in the family. I am good at listening to others but keep my feelings to myself
I think I am seen the same, but more because I have too rather than want to
I feel we should all beable to talk/speak up when we are struggling x I check in on family and friends x
We should be able to but a lot of the time in real life that is not the case