Sometimes, I have so many feelings inside me:
I feel happy but worry that expressing too much will be awkward.
I feel uncomfortable but don't want to say it out loud, afraid others will be upset.
I want to be understood, but I don't know what to say — and even if I say it, I'm afraid I'll regret it.
I know staying silent doesn't mean I have no feelings.
So, I've started learning — to express my inner world in my own way, step by step.
1. Start with 'I feel…' instead of 'Why did you…'
I'll try saying:
'I felt a bit nervous when everyone looked at me just now.'
'I feel kind of bad, but that comment did make me uncomfortable…'
💡 This way of speaking is about sharing my feelings, not blaming others. It makes it easier for people to listen, and helps me express my true emotions.
2. Write it down first, then choose what to say
Sometimes I just can't speak it out loud. So I'll:
Write down the top 3 things I most want to say
- See which one feels more comfortable to express
- And if I really don't feel like speaking, sending a message is okay too
- Writing isn't avoiding — it's helping myself prepare to speak more clearly and comfortably.
3. Use metaphors when I don't know how to describe my emotions
For example:
'Right now I feel like a red balloon that's all out of air but too scared to pop…'
'It's not that I don't want to speak, it's just my brain feels jammed and I don't know how to start.'
Metaphors help me describe my emotional state. It might not be exact, but it gives others a window into what I'm feeling inside.
4. Facial expressions and actions can also be gentle forms of expression
When I don't know what to say, I might:
Nod or smile → showing I resonate with you
- Purse my lips or look away → showing I minded a little
- Look at you but stay silent → showing I have a lot I want to say, but don't know how to start
- If you understand and accept me like this, I'll feel safer to continue sharing.
5. Pre-warning style: give myself space, and give others mental preparation
I could say:
'I have something I want to say, but I might need some time. Is it okay if you wait for me a bit?'
'I'm not angry, just a little stuck — but I want to try to express it…'
These opening lines help create a safe space for me to slowly share what's in my heart.
🧡 Little Tip: Emotions can be expressed gently and gradually
You don't have to say everything at once.
Just share a little each time.
And after each try, praise yourself:
'I did it!'
You don't have to be perfect — sincerity is enough.
🍒 Shy Cherry's Quotes:
'It's okay to not speak fluently — express at your own pace.'
'Even saying just one sentence is already a heartfelt start to connect with you.'
'Expression is not about being agreed with — it's about no longer suppressing your true feelings.'
If you're someone like me — sensitive, slow to warm up, easily awkward — please believe:
You can express your heart, in your own way.
Take it slow. Trust yourself.
Don't worry — someone out there will be willing to listen to and understand your voice. 🍒