Naming Emotions

  I wonder when it became weak, or “uncool,” to show emotions , to show care to your friends, the people around you, even strangers. I don’t think I’ll ever understand that shift. Because I’m not going to hold back what I feel. If I care about you, you will know. If I’m concerned about you, you will know. If I’m upset with you, you will know. Not because I need to say everything out loud, but because I don’t believe in leaving people guessing where they stand with me, or how much their presence weighs in my heart Why should the people I care about have to figure it out on their own? Why should they question their place in my life when I can make it clear? I would rather be understood than assumed. At least with me, there won’t be confusion about your value or your presence. I will make it known, in the way I speak, in the way I show up. And I don’t see that as weakness. If I see someone fall, I will go to them. I will ask if they are  okay. The concern will show on my face ...