Feelings?

When my feelings try to pop up

like a surprise guest on a reality show,

I shut that down

with the speed of someone

who has *been through some shit*

and refuses to add “crying in public.”

to her résumé.

A feeling whispered,

“We need to talk and explore.”

And I said,

“Bold of you to assume

I’m accepting walk‑ins.”

Another one tried to get my attention

while I was minding my business

eating snacks I didn’t even want.

I swatted it away

like it was a mosquito

With a degree in psychology, just trying to annoy me.

People say,

“Your emotions are trying to help you.”

Help me do what—

ruin my makeup?

Make questionable phone calls after a couple of glasses of wine?

Start journaling?

Absolutely not.

My coping strategy is simple:

If a feeling approaches,

I immediately become busy

with something extremely important

like reorganizing the junk drawer

or alphabetizing my exes.

And if a feeling gets too close,

tries to corner me,

tries to get me to “open up,”

I just put on my sunglasses indoors

and say,

with the confidence of a woman

who has survived family gatherings:

"I said what I said.

And I’m not feeling that today".