Tania Flores

Stanford report tells us that even a posed smile can improve your mood.

Why is it so normalized to brag about being rude? I’ve met a few people who genuinely declare that people don’t like them because they’re a self-proclaimed “bitch.” That’s not funny, or quirky—it’s just uncomfortable. But it seems, now more than ever, it’s a social norm to just be a miserable person.

Regarding social media, it’s entirely expected. Hate floods the comment sections of any, and I do mean any, post, no matter how mundane or harmless the content. If a novice artist shares their first sketch, they’re relentlessly bullied. A beginner writer posts an excerpt of their work? Endless ridicule. If someone posts themselves dancing, they’re torn to shreds. Even in real life, you’ll meet people who can’t enjoy anything because it’s “too embarrassing” to be passionate about something. Those people typically end up spending the whole conversation complaining about every little thing around them, to add onto the barrage of sunshine and fun they bring into the world.

It seems that many people have been desensitized to negativity. Which, by all means, is an easy phenomenon to fall into—especially when it’s force-fed to us every second we’re on the internet. I’d argue that negativity is even rewarded. But choosing to participate shouldn’t be something people want to do. Honestly, it’s exhausting to be around.

I’m not saying everyone should be a raging optimist, but it does you no good to pretend like everything in life sucks, either. Acting like you’re a miserable person will actually MAKE you a miserable person—and it’s not “deep” or “funny.” There’s real value in the world around you. I encourage you to take a few precious seconds of your day to complete the hopscotch squares on the sidewalk. To say something kind about a person, instead of something to diminish them. It makes life a lot more enjoyable.