Post #1613243

2026-04-23 23:29 UTC

Listening to someone on YouTube talk about how it&#39;s inherently easier to find social connection through negativity because connections over positive stuff is more difficult/requires more vulnerability, and while I think that&#39;s true for a lot of people, it seems like it&#39;s driven by cultural trends. I feel the opposite of this (it&#39;s easier to connect over positivity, and sharing frustrations feels like sharing a vulnerability, so I avoid that unless it feels really important to speak out about).

Replies (2)

@Cheeseness@mastodon.social 2026-04-23 23:35

I'm reminded that my brief interactions with institutionalised schooling were dominated by being bullied/ostracised for being interested in or caring about stuff. At the time, I interpreted that as ignorance, and while it was unpleasant, I was pretty insulated against it It was so normalised though that I have to imagine that it planted seeds for many, who'd grow up to feel uncomfortable being open about their cares/passions. It's hard to not draw a line between that and some societal problems

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@3TomatoesShort@disabled.social 2026-04-24 03:10

@Cheeseness@mastodon.social Huh, I'm half way in between I think - sharing negative things involves a degree of vulnerability (not to the people who matter, but it opens you up to random passing jackasses), but to me those are the connections which mean the most and help the most. Plus, it's hard for well people to relate to the small magnitude of the positives in chronically ill life, so you need to find those people who understand that a shower is a big deal, for instance.

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