Daring to Care

There is nothing more risky than pretending not to care.

I gravitate towards this pretense of not caring.

I struggle with vulnerability, often tempted to conceal my true feelings and emotions. I am tempted to convince myself that being impassive is to be strong.

To be impassive is to be safe.

Though I crave connection, past traumas have instilled in me a reluctance to invest too deeply, fearing vulnerability and the potential for heartache. There’s a voice inside urging me to shield my heart, cautioning against caring too much and relinquishing power in the relationship.

But today, I argue that nothing is more risky than pretending not to care.

The Mask of Indifference

Showing indifference can have appeal, for it can act as a shield.

There’s a certain allure to being “unbothered.” We perceive it as a sign of strength, a symbol of resilience. But beneath this mask of indifference, suppressed emotions, confusion, and unexpressed feelings linger.

By donning this mask, we trade our authenticity for an illusion of invincibility.

By donning this mask, we create a wall between ourselves and the connection we crave.

Sure, we protect ourselves from potential hurt, but we also deprive ourselves of love, acceptance, and connection.

The Weight of Suppression

When we suppress our emotions, we pay a silent toll. Emotions are energy in motion; when stifled, they don’t just evaporate or go away.

They remain inside, building up, often leading to anxiety, stress, or even manifesting physically as things like headaches or fatigue.

It’s a weight we carry, often without even realizing it.

Connection & Vulnerability

One of the richest aspects of human life is our ability to connect deeply with others. This connection is built on mutual understanding, empathy, and shared vulnerability.

We build walls around ourselves by pretending not to care, hindering true connections.

Vulnerability, on the other hand, is courageous. It is raw and real, allowing us to connect on levels that indifference can never reach.

Yes, there is risk involved—the risk of rejection, hurt, and heartbreak—but without risking and making room for this potentiality, we deprive ourselves of the very love and acceptance we yearn and long for—the love that is all around us.

Discovering Authentic Strength

Strength doesn’t come from hiding behind walls but from having the courage to tear them down.

True strength is acknowledging our feelings, facing them head-on, and choosing how to act in alignment with our authentic selves.

When we openly care, we liberate ourselves from the shackles of pretense and inspire others to do the same.

Choosing to care despite the risk requires true strength.

This, to me, is what real courage and boldness are for.

Taking the Brave Step

I have recently wanted to pretend to be cool, calm, collected, and unbothered.

As I feel this desire, I have challenged myself to pause and reflect. To ask myself if the mask is more desirable than the authenticity.

The mask is, in many ways, more comfortable.

I could be rejected if I show emotions and let myself take the risks I desire.

Taking off the mask and embracing my emotions is a brave step.

Letting my heart be my guide.

It’s a brave step, but it’s one worth taking.

Always,

Your Trusted Friend ❤︎