The perks of being cringe
Why I started 'Cringe Tuesdays' and why you should be cringey too
Back in February, inspired by a conversation with my friend
, I decided to make 2024 my year of cringe.Step one: Cringe Tuesdays. Every Tuesday for the last several months I’ve been posting a ‘Cringe Tuesday’ video of myself on Instagram in which I talk about social wellness. I’ve spoken about what makes an event meaningful for me, prompts I’ve used for deep dinner table conversations, my efforts to build community in my neighborhood, and how no one high fives me at the UES SolidCore.* I share personal experiences and half baked thoughts, often asking people for input and ideas.
This might not sound cringey to you but it most certainly is for me.
Why am I doing it?
I suppose it’s a mix of exposure therapy and ‘building in public.’ It’s helped me get comfortable talking about myself and putting ideas into the world. Calling it ‘cringey’ gives me a sort of permission to do it. Making it a ritual has helped me stay consistent. At this point I also feel publicly accountable to my 856 followers and would not dream of letting them down.
A lot of cool things have happened as a result of Cringe Tuesdays. Here are just a few…
Someone I’ve never even met IRL connected me to a community builder I’ve been wanting to meet. ⚡️
An acquaintance who I’ve always thought was cool reached out and we realized we live right near each other so we’re going to hang. 🤩
A former classmate reached out, thanked me for being vulnerable, and told me I inspired them to try to overcome their own social anxiety. ❤️
Multiple people have come up to me at parties to say “I love Cringe Tuesdays!” and it always leads to amazing conversations. 🥳
I’ve gathered tons of helpful ideas and lots of good vibes for this ‘social wellness venture’ that I’ve been pursuing. 💡
Cringe Tuesdays is perhaps the first ledge on my Cringe Mountain.
If you’re not familiar with Cringe Mountain please watch this deeply important TikTok video.
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And guess what else can be on the other side of Cringe Mountain?! Social wellness.
Some of the best ways to make friends or deepen relationships with existing ones can feel a little cringey. Going to events alone, talking to strangers, asking deep questions, being vulnerable on social media…
As much as I believe we need better systems and tools to help us achieve social wellness, we also need a shift in mindset. It starts with rebuilding a certain social muscle that has atrophied as we’ve approached peak screen time and unbridled individualism.
Maybe we should each find the most palatable flavor of cringe we can and start the climb? 💪
The good news is, there will be plenty of people climbing alongside us! This was clear from the number of people who responded to my stories to tell me about unhinged ways in which they’ve made friends and how often they do, in fact, high five and befriend people in their workout classes.
Personally, I’m excited to keep leveling up the cringe and seeing where it takes me. I hear Tuesdays are a good day to climb. Join me!
*I’m very pleased to say that, since posting about this. I have received my very first SolidCore high five!
Aw I love this and you're helping me get over my scaredy online overthinking it hump with this framing.
Yes!!! So glad you wrote about this!!!!