We are humans. It is in our nature to speak and socialize, even if we identify as an introvert or an extrovert. We talk to our bosses at work to ask about our job promotion. We ask our local gym how much the membership costs. Some things can’t just be found on the internet even in this day and age where it feels like even our futures are written on a Wikipedia page.

If you already knew that that’s how the world operates, that’s great. But it isn’t just for inquiries or job promotions or whatever. It’s also for our personal relationships and ourselves.

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Expression is the one way ticket to clarity. We need to express how we feel to those closest to us so that way they can get an idea on what’s going on with you. You can’t just hide your problems all the time, especially if they have to do with said person. If you are having issues with the way your wife snores at night, why not just come clean and tell her? If it is something that keeps you up at night and truly bothers you, why not tell her? She is your significant other and she has the right to know what you are thinking about, both positive and negative. That doesn’t mean to be a complete asshole and call her a good-for-nothing cow. Problems can be solved.

This also applies to ourselves. Sometimes we are the last to know how we truly feel and it is only when someone tells us that we look sad whenever the McDonald’s ice cream machine is broken where we realize “damn, maybe I am sad that I’m not getting ice cream tonight”. Accept that it is OK. What isn’t good is keeping it in your mind without questioning why you are bothered. Say it to a trusted person. Say it out loud to yourself. Just say it. Express yourself.

Like I said, this doesn’t mean to commit atrocities. Simply question yourself in a healthy manner about said problem and see why it is affecting you. The same way your significant other, friend, or parent would.