I never want to discourage people from being the truest form of themselves, yet, I am here to account for the individuals who wear their heart on their sleeve and how difficult it can be at times. Speaking from experience, things found on the path of open emotions include the potential of bruised feelings, unnaturally high expectations, and unforgettable relationships. The danger of exposing your heart in this way is the price you pay with being free with your emotions. Being this open comes the potential of being hurt, but also the potential of extreme bliss.

1. The way you love people isn't always reciprocated in the way you feel you deserve

2. Your expectations are sky high

3. You are surprised when people aren’t as open as you

4. Your walls are rarely up to guard your heart, even when they should be

5. Your friends are hesitant to use tough love with you unless they absolutely have to

6. You find yourself disappointed at times because of how you feel you should be treated vs. how you are treated

7. Yet, you are hesitant to say anything

8. People tend to know how you feel about things because of how open you are

9. You are naturally very trusting

10. Sometimes people will take advantage of that

11. You openly give your trust without others having to give you theirs

12. You might feel clingy

13. Or crazy

14. But honestly you just lead with your emotions and there isn’t anything wrong with that

15. You are likely to form quick relationships

16. You are often vulnerable

17. You love so deeply and so uniquely

18. Your friendships are lifelong

19. In cases where they aren’t, the memory of your past friendships stick with you

20. You are intentional about your feelings

21. Realizing not everyone is worthy of your heart is always a tough lesson

22. "Optimist" is an understatement for describing you

23. You don’t often hate people who have hurt you

24. You constantly see the good in people

25. You give affirmation freely

26. You also need a sufficient amount of reassurance

27. You will do anything for anyone

28. They might not always return the favor

29. You appreciate small sentiments

30. You love giving advice or making someone feel better

31. You are referred to as “sensitive”

32. You are prone to hurt feelings

33. People can get to know you easily

34. You take responsibility of hosting

35. Even though you are at someone else’s home

36. You are accused of overthinking all the time

37. You take genuine joy out of making some feel comfortable, whether it's in a social situation or in general

38. You pay a painful amount of attention to how others feel

39. You are a great listener

40. You often find yourself orally processing the range of emotions you feel

41. You may not be taken seriously all the time because people think that you are just being you

42. You may feel at times, that what you have to say isn’t important

43. Don’t! What you have to say IS worth saying

Leading with your emotions is a unique gift that many do not possess. Even though you may only know a handful of people in your life like this, there are many people out there who are just like you. The one lesson that I’ve learned is that it is important to celebrate yourself and that the road not usually chosen can be the most rewarding. Just always make sure that your time, words, and actions are valued. It is easy for your gift to slip through the cracks and fall into the wrong hands, But you are worth having someone who appreciates your quirks and big heart.