Post: #1

I was thinking the other day about this feeling I sometimes get when I see people do things that are commonly called "cringe worthy?" Usually it is something socially "inappropriate."

What causes this feeling when we see someone do this? Is it good or bad to have this feeling? If we eliminated this feeling in ourselves would it improve us in some way? Any relationship to social/approach anxiety? Curious as to what others think.

Post: #2

Its having empathy for other people. Its good for the species as a whole but may be slightly holding you back as an individual. As long as you "feel" the cringe but not let it influence you, that will probably be ideal. But otoh psychopathy(a dark triad trait) can be really useful.

Post: #3

It's empathy which is causing that to occur.

Basically think of a kid who is struggling at public speaking. He's afraid of the crowd's negative judgement (We hate the speaker and want to beat him up!) but the crowd is ultimately feeling bad for him struggling through it.

The best way to overcome this is to make the audience laugh. Self deprecating humor works to alleviate this in a crowd.

Post: #4

Mirror neurons.

Post: #5

Interesting. Mirror neurons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_neuron

Never even heard of that before. Good to know I'm emotionally healthy.

Post: #6

If you want to cringe...poor guy.

Post: #7

I think cringing and social behavior is subjective. I know I found different things cringe worthy, before I was really all red pill.

Post: #8

(06-12-2014 02:38 PM)Menace Wrote:  I was thinking the other day about this feeling I sometimes get when I see people do things that are commonly called "cringe worthy?" Usually it is something socially "inappropriate."

What causes this feeling when we see someone do this? Is it good or bad to have this feeling? If we eliminated this feeling in ourselves would it improve us in some way? Any relationship to social/approach anxiety? Curious as to what others think.

I always thought people "Cringe" as a response as if to say they're better than whoever's making the cringe-worthy behavior because of course they would never commit such a social faux-paus because of their breeding, education and attention to social norms. Basically a response dictated by the desire to "fit in" and mock everyone who isn't fitting into their preconceived notion of behavior given the sitatuion.

Post: #9

I actively try to curb the feeling. It's not the worst thing in the world for people to take a shot at something, risk being embarrassed, or not fit the mold.

Cringing makes it worse. Think of being out with your friends, cold approaching some girl, and getting rejected. I'd much rather they were laughing or just shrugging it off than cringing at the situation.

Post: #10

I guess I'm lucky, I don't cringe unless it's for a family member or something. I did nothing to prevent cringing but I guess you just have to remember the awkward guy is a stranger, it doesn't affect your life whether he's a good speaker or not.

Post: #11

My cringe inducing moment.

"we love each other so much" - Boy and girl in relationship and the girl has been sucking other guys off behind his back.

PDA's in places other than bars, clubs etc. If you're going to facehug each other do it in the car and not in front of me eating something at a restaurant.