CRINGE OF THE DAY

Has this ever happened to you? You're scrolling through your memories, perhaps a 'On this day' notification pops up, and suddenly a picture or video from Dec 9, 2018, or some other random date, appears, flooding you with pure, unadulterated cringe? I totally get it. That old Musically video I mentioned? It's just one of many moments that make me want to crawl into a hole. But it also got me thinking: why do we do this to ourselves? Why does our past self become this awkward stranger we can't quite relate to anymore? It turns out, cringing at our past is a pretty common human experience, and there's actually a good deal of psychology behind it. One big reason is simply growth. Think about it: the person you were on Dec 9, 2018, isn't the exact same person you are today. We've learned, we've matured, and our perspectives have changed. That past version of ourselves might have had different interests, worn different clothes, or said things we now find a bit… well, uncool or even embarrassing. When we look back, our current, more evolved self is essentially judging our former self against the standards we hold today. It’s like our brain is saying, 'Wow, we've certainly come a long way!' Another significant factor is our evolving understanding of social norms and expectations. As we grow, we become more acutely aware of how our actions are perceived by others. What might have seemed perfectly normal, or even cool, back then might now feel incredibly awkward because we're looking at it through a more socially conscious and refined lens. We might vicariously feel the embarrassment of that past situation, even if no one else remembers it. This feeling of 'vicarious embarrassment' is our brain's way of trying to protect us from similar social faux pas in the future by highlighting past ones. It's a built-in mechanism for self-improvement and social calibration. Sometimes, cringing is also a powerful way of solidifying our current identity. By acknowledging and even playfully rejecting aspects of our past self, we're affirming who we are now. It serves as a clear marker of progress and personal evolution. And honestly, it can be a really good thing! It demonstrates self-awareness, a capacity for change, and a healthy detachment from a version of ourselves that no longer represents us. It shows we're capable of reflection and growth. So, how do we deal with these inevitable blasts from the past that make us want to disappear? My personal take is to try and embrace them. Instead of letting that cringey Musically, old photo, or awkward memory get you down, try to see it as tangible proof of your journey. Laugh at it! Share it with friends who understand – chances are, they probably have their own treasure trove of cringe stories. It’s a wonderful reminder that everyone has those moments, and they're a natural, inevitable part of growing up and figuring things out. After all, if we weren't at least a little bit embarrassed by our past, it might mean we haven't changed or grown at all, and where’s the fun in that? So next time a 'On this day' memory pops up, take a deep breath, chuckle, and give your past self a little grace. You've earned it!