It’s easy to think you’re the only one feeling awkward, overwhelmed, or strangely emotional sometimes.
Of course, the truth is, so much of what we beat ourselves up for feeling is actually just part of being human. You’re not broken; you’re actually totally normal. Here are some common feelings everyone experiences (even if they don’t always admit it). The more we accept and embrace these emotions, the better we’ll feel about them.
1. Feeling left out even when you’re technically included
Sometimes you can be sitting right in the middle of a group and still feel a little invisible. It’s not because you’re weird or doing anything wrong. It’s just that emotional connection doesn’t always match physical presence. Most people have moments where they feel like an outsider, even among friends. It doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It just means you’re human enough to crave real, deep connection instead of just being part of the background noise.
2. Feeling overwhelmed by tiny decisions
Choosing what to eat, what to wear, or even what text to reply to can feel weirdly stressful sometimes. It’s not laziness or indecisiveness—it’s mental fatigue catching up with you in small, sneaky ways. Everyone hits moments where their brain just taps out on tiny choices. It’s your mind’s way of asking for a breather, not a sign that you can’t handle your life.
3. Feeling annoyed at people you love
No relationship is sunshine 24/7. Feeling irritated with your partner, family, or friends sometimes is completely normal. Loving someone deeply doesn’t mean you have to like everything they say or do every second of the day. Real relationships have moments of friction. It’s not a sign of doom, most of the time. It’s part of learning how to navigate two full, messy human beings sharing space and time together.
4. Feeling jealous even when you’re happy for someone
It’s possible to genuinely feel joy for someone’s success and still feel a pang of envy at the same time. Emotions aren’t clean-cut, and one doesn’t cancel out the other. Feeling jealous doesn’t make you a bad friend, partner, or person. It just means you have dreams and desires too. Noticing jealousy is normal. It’s what you do with it that matters.
5. Feeling like you’re faking adulthood
Most people, even the ones who seem impossibly put together, have moments where they feel like they’re pretending to be a “real” adult. The truth is, no one actually has it all figured out. Getting older doesn’t automatically flip some magical switch that makes life easy. Feeling like you’re winging it sometimes is part of the deal, not proof that you’re failing at life.
6. Feeling regret over harmless choices
You might obsess over a text you sent, something you said at dinner, or a decision that in hindsight feels slightly off. It’s normal to second-guess yourself, even when there’s no real harm done. Regret is part of how we process decisions, not a sign you’re constantly screwing up. It often fades faster than you think if you let yourself acknowledge it without spiralling into shame.
7. Feeling relieved when plans get cancelled
You can love your friends and still feel secretly thrilled when plans fall through. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person; it just means you need more rest, more quiet, or more time to recharge than you realised. Needing downtime is normal, and feeling relief at having unexpected breathing room is something almost everyone experiences (even if they pretend otherwise).
8. Feeling awkward after opening up
Being vulnerable often comes with an emotional hangover. You open your heart, share something real, and then spend hours wondering if you said too much or if people think differently of you now. That vulnerability hangover isn’t a sign you shouldn’t have shared. It’s a sign you did something brave. Opening up feels risky because it is, but it’s also how real connection grows.
9. Feeling unmotivated even when you care deeply
Sometimes you care about something with your whole heart, and still can’t muster the energy to take action. It’s not because you’re lazy or don’t care enough. Burnout, fear, and emotional fatigue can all block motivation, even when passion is still alive underneath. Motivation isn’t a constant; it comes and goes. Having days when it’s harder to access doesn’t erase your intentions, your drive, or your worthiness.
10. Feeling resentment over things you agreed to
Sometimes you say yes to something out of kindness, guilt, or habit, and then quietly resent it later. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s human. Boundaries are learned, often by stumbling over moments like this. Feeling resentment isn’t proof you’re a bad friend or partner. It’s a sign you need to check in with yourself and start honouring your “yes” and “no” a little more intentionally moving forward.
11. Feeling disconnected even when life looks good
On paper, everything might be fine—you’ve got the job, the relationship, the friendships. And yet, you still feel a little empty sometimes. That feeling doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful or broken. Happiness isn’t just about ticking boxes. Feeling disconnected is often a quiet sign that you’re craving something deeper, more meaningful, or more aligned with who you are now, not who you were when you set those goals.
12. Feeling like you don’t belong anywhere sometimes
Even with strong support systems, it’s normal to have moments where you feel out of sync, like you’re not fully at home in any one place or group. Belonging isn’t always automatic, even with people you love. These moments don’t mean you’re destined to be lonely forever. They’re just reminders that belonging isn’t about fitting in everywhere—it’s about finding the rare spaces where you can show up fully and still be held.
13. Feeling numb when you think you “should” feel something
Whether it’s excitement, grief, anger, or joy—sometimes the feelings you expect don’t show up right away. Numbness happens. It’s the mind’s way of pacing itself when emotions feel too big or overwhelming. Not feeling on cue doesn’t mean you’re heartless or broken. It just means your system is doing what it needs to cope. The feelings often arrive later, in their own messy, imperfect time.
14. Feeling like everyone else is doing better than you
Comparison is practically hardwired into us—and sometimes, it makes it feel like you’re the only one struggling while everyone else soars. Social media and highlight reels only pour fuel on that fire. The truth is, everyone has invisible battles you can’t see. Feeling behind is normal, but it doesn’t reflect your real value. Your journey is allowed to move at a different pace than the one your brain keeps trying to measure against.
