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Apr 24Liked by Ryan Delaney

This is rich, articulate, and greatly appreciated. I enjoy how you have explored the issue of “cool vs. uncool.” It’s a subject I have often pondered. It’s amazing how it (the need to be perceived as “cool,” “hip,””with it,” etc) runs so many of our lives, often in the background, but it’s still there. Ultimately, the need to be seen as “cool” often shuts people out and causes us to create all sorts of ways of being in the world that don’t reflect who we truly are. “Coolness” is an epidemic! I “suffer” from its afflictions myself, and I’m happy you have reminded me of this. It’s ironic how, while the need to be cool is indeed rooted in the desire for love and acceptance, it actually often circumvents love and acceptance entirely. Thank you, Ryan!

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I agree with everything you wrote, Anu. The desire to be cool is pervasive, and it is amazing how much it dominates our behaviors, even when we're unaware of it. I still find myself wanting to perform in a new group or with a stranger I'm challenged to build rapport with. As you said, the tragedy is that it leads us astray and ultimately doesn't give us what we want. A steep price for emptiness. I'm so glad you took the time to leave a comment, and I hope you do again whenever you feel moved.

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