Self-Control

[forsoothsayer]

How much of this reluctance to show emotion is cultural?

I’m not sure. I tend to express my emotions publicly but neither dramatically nor in a way that suggests a lack of self-control. I was once told not to cry/laugh hysterically, speak loudly, and the like in public, or else I might cause a scene.

I don’t mind using hyperboles when expressing my emotions, as it’s a part of everyday speech--"Everyone always tells me to change the subject" instead of "Many people I’ve encountered often tell me to change the subject."

[Valerie]

How much of this reluctance to show emotion is cultural? I come from a long line of stoic German farmers and showing emotion isn't really their thing. Other cultures are much more free to express their emotions publicly.

Decades ago I had a coworker, young Christian woman who had German heritage who shared with our women’s Bible study group that Germans are stoic. I sense that when observing Amish, I wondered why that is, how that came to be. I do notice no suppression of laughter though.

I wonder if being brought up this way, does one actually have to suppress emotions or are they just not felt due to years of suppressing?

I can think of a couple cultures I notice no restraint of showing grief publicly, even wailing-

[barnhart]

How much of this reluctance to show emotion is cultural? I come from a long line of stoic German farmers and showing emotion isn't really their thing. Other cultures are much more free to express their emotions publicly.

Decades ago I had a coworker, young Christian woman who had German heritage who shared with our women’s Bible study group that Germans are stoic. I sense that when observing Amish, I wondered why that is, how that came to be. I do notice no suppression of laughter though.

I wonder if being brought up this way, does one actually have to suppress emotions or are they just not felt due to years of suppressing?

I can think of a couple cultures I notice no restraint of showing grief publicly, even wailing-

I think the question is often where and how expression is culturally appropriate more than if it is appropriate. Healthy cultures have some social space where expression is allowed or even expected. If you are not "inside" you may never see it in practice. You will only see what outsiders are allowed.

[Bootstrap]

I think the question is often where and how expression is culturally appropriate more than if it is appropriate. Healthy cultures have some social space where expression is allowed or even expected. If you are not "inside" you may never see it in practice. You will only see what outsiders are allowed.

I agree.

But sometimes Christians need to learn to do things not considered appropriate in the secular culture around us.

[forsoothsayer]

But sometimes Christians need to learn to do things not considered appropriate in the secular culture around us.

I agree.

Self-expression, especially in clothing choices and mannerisms, is all the rage now--sounds rooted in vanity since it highlights one's uniqueness. I'm not a flapper, so I prefer not to deviate from the norm unless it goes against God's will.

[Valerie]

But sometimes Christians need to learn to do things not considered appropriate in the secular culture around us.

I agree.

Self-expression, especially in clothing choices and mannerisms, is all the rage now--sounds rooted in vanity since it highlights one's uniqueness. I'm not a flapper, so I prefer not to deviate from the norm unless it goes against God's will.

Now? Well I’m from southern California, that rage started in the 60’s and continues- even songs promoted it and Hollyweird influenced a lot as well.

[forsoothsayer]

But sometimes Christians need to learn to do things not considered appropriate in the secular culture around us.

I agree.

Self-expression, especially in clothing choices and mannerisms, is all the rage now--sounds rooted in vanity since it highlights one's uniqueness. I'm not a flapper, so I prefer not to deviate from the norm unless it goes against God's will.

Now? Well I’m from southern California, that rage started in the 60’s and continues- even songs promoted it and Hollyweird influenced a lot as well.

You’re probably right. I’m not the one to judge what’s the rage then and now due to my lack of life experience. I’ll try my best not to sound like I’m putting on airs - in other words, trying to sound older than I am.

[Valerie]

I agree.

Self-expression, especially in clothing choices and mannerisms, is all the rage now--sounds rooted in vanity since it highlights one's uniqueness. I'm not a flapper, so I prefer not to deviate from the norm unless it goes against God's will.

Now? Well I’m from southern California, that rage started in the 60’s and continues- even songs promoted it and Hollyweird influenced a lot as well.

You’re probably right. I’m not the one to judge what’s the rage then and now due to my lack of life experience. I’ll try my best not to sound like I’m putting on airs - in other words, trying to sound older than I am.

On an Anabaptist forum, it isn’t always easy to know what all people were exposed to, many were somewhat sheltered from secularism (they should be thankful) so I kind of thought either you to be very young, or kept from modern society. I grew up during the hippie movement and lived seeing them all over so they were all about individualism of expression while somewhat unified in other ways- but hey if you know about Schultz!

[forsoothsayer]

I’m certainly very young and rather ignorant of modern society. People look at me like I’m crazy very often--trying to read the local Sunday paper didn’t work; trying to listen to the radio didn’t work, but thankfully, it expanded my horizons; and so on and so on.

I’m Catholic, by the way.

[Tuvy]

It's definitely a balance. I think it's important to be genuine, but also to be mindful of the situation. There's a time and a place for everything, right?