Self expression is not rebellion, it’s honesty!

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1 hour ago

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Zaya: Hey, have you noticed how every time I wear my patchworked jacket or those color-blocked suits, people always comment? Like… they’re actually disgusted.

Yuvika: Yeah… I’ve noticed.

Zaya: And honestly, I don’t get it. I’m super comfortable in them. I love the patterns and motifs. They just feel very me.

Yuvika: If it makes you feel good, you should wear it. Honestly, I think you look cool in them. Like super cool.

Zaya: True… but I’ve been thinking about something else too.

Yuvika: What?

Zaya: I think people are actually scared to express themselves.

Yuvika: Scared? How?

Zaya: Like, everyone wants others to fit into a box – clothes, emotions, opinions… everything. Anything different makes people uncomfortable. Expression shows authenticity, and I think that makes them very very uncomfortable.

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Yuvika: Like everybody wants to belong to a group? Yeah, right!

Zaya: Exactly. It’s all social conditioning – what’s “allowed” and what’s not. Humans just want to belong, so the fear of judgment kicks in. Self-expression starts feeling risky, like it’ll cost you acceptance.

Yuvika: Huh…that’s right!

Zaya: Could be. I guess it’s social conditioning telling us what’s okay and what’s not. Humans are wired to belong. That makes people afraid of judgment…of rejection. Self-expression ends up tied to safety and belonging, when it shouldn’t be in the current scenario.

Yuvika: Yeah, I get that. But… isn’t it kind of funny how art therapy exists, and self-expression is actually what helps people feel better mentally and process their emotions?

Zay: Wow… I never thought about that. That’s such a paradox.

Yuvika: Right? Art therapy lets you paint, sculpt, or just create… to express yourself, explore emotions, and let them out. And somehow, it really helps with stress and anxiety.

Zaya: Yeah… that actually makes a lot of sense.

Yuvika: Voilà

Zaya: Anyway, I’m gonna rock my patchworked jacket.

Yuvika: Haute couture!