i feel like a lot of the time 'cringe' is used as a catch all word for 'sincerity.'
to be sincere, to wear your heart on your sleeve - that IS kind of cringe! it's fragile, it leaves you vulnerable. but that's sort of the point - it's also infectious.
someone close to you explaining their niche interest? wonderful.
being at a party and getting embroiled in an hour long conversation about the development of the original pokemon designs? fantastic.
accidentally pulling an all-nighter because you stumbled across a hyperspecific video essay on youtube? an unparalleled feeling.
everything worth falling in love with is going to be called embarrassing by someone else. knowing it upsets someone to see you shining is part of the process. kill 'em with kindness.
apathy is boring is out everywhere now.
