Urban Dictionary defines “salty” as feeling angry, agitated, bitter, and played, among other words that all have negative connotations. The word “salty” caught on in popular culture and began to be a common term used in high schools to signify annoyance or unhappiness about something.

After careful introspection over the past few months and reassuring words from my closest friends, I came to the conclusion that I am most likely the saltiest person currently, or ever, alive.

For many people, saltiness originates from the actions of others or when someone does them wrong. I do often feel that much of my saltiness comes from the obnoxious actions and attitudes of others. However, I also feel that a majority of my saltiness originates from the very idea that humans are the dumbest species alive. We make rash and irrational decisions. We don’t think anything out properly. We put our needs before others’, not thinking once of the consequences of our actions on our own lives, let alone others’.

For me, saltiness isn’t just a passing feeling or wave of emotion. For me, saltiness is a way of life. It’s a way of internally dealing with all the stress and tension of the real world. Rather than being openly aggressive and angry, it’s easier for the mind, body and soul to act distant and as if you don’t care.

Although it is possible for people to be salty for short periods of time, having saltiness as part of your inner being is a whole different story. It makes you aware of the annoying tendencies of others and allows you to look at yourself and make sure you don’t possess any of those tendencies, gifting you a great sense of introspection.

Some may see saltiness and the passive-aggressiveness associated with it as irritating and would prefer the person to just speak their mind and be blunt about their feelings, but not everyone is like that. Everyone can’t always say what’s on their minds because they understand that often those thoughts could hurt another person’s feelings. For this reason, saltiness provides an outlet of emotions and irritation for those who are unable or unwillingly to openly express their thoughts.

Being salty is something that I embrace. It provides me with different outlooks on life and often is a great point of humor among myself and my friends.