Is it weird to fake excitement when telling others about your success?

Not at all. It's common to feel a disconnect between internal feelings and external expectations, especially when sharing personal achievements. Sometimes, the pressure to appear thrilled can overshadow genuine, more complex emotions about your success. Many people put on a show out of politeness or to meet perceived social norms, even when they feel indifferent or even a little empty inside.

Research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that up to 60% of individuals report feeling an emotional disconnect or 'achievement emptiness' at some point after reaching a s

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Am I the only one who fakes excitement when telling others about my success?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone feel fake excitement when telling others about their success?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel fake excitement when sharing your successes?

Is It Normal?

Why do I feel fake excitement when telling others about my success?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

For a bunch of dead flowers? …

achievement emptiness

i feel so bad like REALLY bad and i dunno who to even tell this to like nobody gets it i got married last weekend to my boyfriend we been together like forever since college or whatever and everyone… …

achievement emptiness

Am I the only one who got married to my long-time boo yesterday, like, all fancy and stuff, and woke up today just… sad? …

achievement emptiness

The big fancy award thing. …

achievement emptiness

You spend your whole damn life doing everything by the book, working hard, saving up, so you can have that little slice of the American dream. …

achievement emptiness

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel empty after achieving a major goal?▾
Many people experience a letdown after reaching a long-sought goal. The chase often provides more motivation and a sense of purpose than the achievement itself. This feeling can stem from the lack of a new challenge or the realization that the success didn't bring the expected internal fulfillment.
What if I don't feel happy about my accomplishments?▾
It's perfectly fine not to feel ecstatic about every accomplishment. Your emotional response is unique. Sometimes, hard work leads to exhaustion, or the success feels less significant than anticipated. Focus on what truly brings you satisfaction, even if it's not the conventional 'happy' reaction.
How can I genuinely enjoy my successes more?▾
Try to connect your achievements with your personal values and what truly matters to you, rather than external validation. Reflect on the effort you put in and the skills you developed. Celebrating small milestones along the way can also help foster a greater sense of appreciation for the entire process.

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