Saying this because I literally haven’t heard anyone else do so, and because I really needed to hear it personally. And yeah, it’s less useful now, but I was scared to say it right when it happened, and so –
If you have low empathy, or alexithymia, or flat emotions/affect, or you just don’t emotionally respond strongly or at all for any reason – whether you’re diagnosed with anything or not, whether you see it as a medical condition or not – it’s okay to not have emotions about the recent shooting, or any other event.
If you have emotions about things personal to you but you don’t emotionally respond to external tragedies, it’s okay.
If you feel callous because you just want to post about your special interest or your fandom and can’t get emotionally worked up about the shooting, it’s okay.
If you feel frustrated and alienated because everyone else is showing strong emotion and other people’s emotional displays distress you or make you uncomfortable, it’s okay.
I know some people in these categories don’t need or want to be told it’s okay, either, in which case dismiss this. But I know some people do have emotions about specific things (often self-oriented or personal things, which can make one feel selfish) and also care about how others feel about them, but are unable to have emotions about world events or choose to distance themselves on purpose. And it’s okay if you are that way. Your not having a visceral emotional response to something does not cause more pain in the world, does not harm anyone or pick their pocket. Do not let people demand grief of you.
Tags:
#oh look it me #Orlando shooting #but really in general #thank you V #I often need to hear this
Brinens and Things 