How To Pretend You Have Emotions
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How To Pretend You Have Emotions

Clearly it's too hard to feel them for real so learn how to fake it.

992
How To Pretend You Have Emotions
teen laughing royalty free stock photo

Did you feel too much as a child and now you've conditioned yourself to feel nothing and apathetically walk though life? If so through calculation and not through feeling you may have realized that operating in a functional way means going though some sort of counseling and learning how to feel genuine emotion learning how to pretend to feel things. This is quite the daunting task if you don't know how; so use this article to give you the key factors in ways to create the illusion that you do in fact, have emotions.


1. Match the energy.


The Most crucial thing about having a successful conversation or being in a group is matching the energy. Just react the same way the others are interacting. Just treat the situation like a mirror game, it doesn't even matter if you know what's going on or not just that it looks like you do. As you master matching the energy you'll start to pick up phrases that other people say in reaction to certain things, allow yourself to re-react in a similar way, solidifying the illusion that you are listening and know how to react. You may even start to develop an auto pilot where you don't have to focus on anything going on around you; trusting that you will match correctly.


2. Planned responses.

Some expressions are dangerously seeped in emotion, and having a planned response is vital for your mental (and maybe even physical) survival. Here are some good responses for the scary interactions. "I love you" - make a heart with your hands, it implies the feelings are reciprocated but you never have to say it (because you're too scared) (also this wasn't my idea it was a friend's idea). A hug - put your arms in the air like you're about to hug them but then turn to the side and dance like you got distracted. *complement* - wink. *deep heartfelt complement* - leave, hand carve a nutcracker, come back and give it to them. Getting a present for no occasion - say thanks and then throw it in the trash immediately.


3. Wear a mask.

I'm not talking about metaphorical masks. Special order some masks of your face and wear them according to how you think you should be feeling. If you find it necessary you can also order a large bag like a weekend bag and carry all the masks in it for when you need to change emotions. The weight of the bag and masks bearing on your shoulders is similar to the feeling of having emotions. And that my friends, is a metaphor.


4. Turn into Abraham Lincoln


As we all know, if Abe hadn't been shot in the theatre he'd still be alive today. Turn into him and give what the people want. People will think you're so cool they won't even care if you have emotions or no. You'll be doing a public service while simultaneously hiding behind the ultimate mask: the American Penny.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71204
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133220
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments