#social-pressure

#social-pressure

Participants frequently described Brazilians as warm and expressive people. Many described their social contexts as centered on warmth, collectivity, and joy. Physical affection-greeting kisses and embraces-serves as social currency. Gathering around food, music, and dance isn't just leisure; participants described these as essential to connection itself. But when sociability is culturally prized, admitting loneliness feels like personal failure. One participant explained: "Loneliness is more camouflaged...it's wrong to talk about being alone, being unwell, being sad, it's disturbing."

As I stood staring at the screen, the tip buttons-20%, 25%, even 50%-blinked back at me like a test I hadn't studied for. Not knowing the answer, I felt a jolt of panic. A line had formed behind me, and I could practically feel the eyes on my back. In my mind, they were all silently judging, waiting to see which button I'd hit. I quickly looked for the button for "no tip," but, under pressure, guilt made the decision for me. I tapped 20%.

Sometimes, there are foods we're a little afraid to admit we don't like because they seem as if they're so universally loved. Cue the hateful eyes from my friends any time I pick the hellish nightmare that is cilantro off my food.

The desire to fit in is deeply human, leading individuals to make choices that may not align with their beliefs, especially in social settings involving alcohol.

Since then, I've learned to stop chasing gold stars.

It's human nature to compare, and on social media it can be toxic. Seeing that my friend's post got more reactions than mine was feeding unnecessary self-comparisons.