(For those of you who have actually come here to find out how to soothe a sore thumb, you may want to walk away because I’m not actually going to be telling you how. I’d head to WikiHow for that… but if you’re here for self-confidence boosting material, definitely keep your tab open!)
~ 👍 = you ~
No matter how red and glowing your sore thumb might seem, there is no way to hide the redness. I’ve tried multiple theories, from staring directly back at people, joining in with their laughing and just casually dying inside, but do you know what? Nothing works. Nothing soothes my sore thumb because there is no miracle cure. There is no spell or potion that can get rid of what ever is making your thumb look red, because it’s not you, your thumb, your hand, or body… it’s other people. It’s them.
I’ve had whole families stop their conversations, turn around and watch me walk past them like I have a giant sign above my head saying, “LOOK AT ME, I’M A BIG FAT SORE THUMB!”. I’ve sat opposite a table of young girls, who have laughed at me and pointed when I’ve obviously stared back. I’ve been walking down a road whilst a lady slows down, turns her head and stares… just an arm’s width distance from me. All because I’m not wearing what most people wear… or look a certain way compare to everyone else..!
It might feel like your thumb is throbbing and glowing bright red, but really, it’s just because they’re seeing something that they’ve never seen before, and in a weird way, that’s pretty cool! Don’t ever go changing who you are because other people see that sign above your head.
One way to help relieve the pressure is to flaunt the thumb you’ve got! You have to realise that it’s their problem that they think you’re “soooo funny” to laugh at. They’re more funny for thinking that you’re an odd-one-out! You have to realise that it’s their problem that they can’t handle seeing something unique, that it makes them stop and stare. Deal with it! In fact, embrace the attention because who doesn’t want people looking at them with intrigue?
The more you flaunt it, the more people will catch on to your awesomeness, which means in the end, more people will be flaunting their awesomeness, so nobody will have to feel like a sore thumb ever again.
How to soothe a sore thumb? Well, you can’t.
If you think you “stick out like a sore thumb” did this make any sense? Let me know in the comments and we can all get rid of the “sore thumb” label together!
13 Comments
Nice article but must say only reason the person in pic would stick out is because of being very pretty 👍🙂
I know you wrote this post nearly a year ago, but I just want to say how amazing and helpful it has been, time and time again! I wear Fairy-Kei, a pretty crazy Japanese street fashion that guarantees stares, even in its most casual form. Clashing pastels, fluffy tutus, candy shaped bags and the overall 80’s cartoon girl aesthetic is fairly odd, and when I wear it out I can understand why people giggle. Its not our (our being the blanket term for pretty much every alternative style!) fault that what we choose to wear isn’t usually sold in Primark. (even though they do sell some cute pastel oversized sweaters…) More often then not, they don’t dislike your style, and they don’t personally hate you. It’s usually the fact that what you’re wearing is different to the usual blend of adidas tracksuits and nike trainers. Their minds just aren’t used to that. Hey, they might even be staring or whispering because they like your clothes! I know I do that…
Anyway, essay over! Thank you so much for this post! xxx
Awww thank you SO much for this! I’m so glad it’s still helping people 🙂 I agree with everything you just said and I love the fact that you’re rocking your own kinda’ thing. GO YOU! No problemo <3
This is such a great post I’m glad to know I’m not the only one that gets funny looks! Some people stare at me but I imagine that they’re thinking ‘wow, is that alexa chung?’ even though I’m 100% sure that’s not what they’re thinking it makes me feel better. The other day I was wearing a smart outfit- culottes and a pink top and holographic shoes- and a woman said ‘what the f*** is she wearing?’ she then tripped over her own foot and landed flat on her face. I tried not to laugh, flicked my hair, held my head high and walked straight past her. Karma always comes back around ahahaha she didn’t look so cool on the pavement!! Xx
Hahahah, I am SO sorry for that happening but this did make me giggle! Thank you for sharing your experience… I like your thinking with “Is that Alexa Chung?” xx
such a clever post, it’s something I’m sure lots can relate to! As for you, they can’t handle your awesomeness x
Thank youuu! So glad people are enjoying it… has really made me smile! 😉 <3 XX
Ahh I love this post! I remember people laughing at me because of my “style” but honestly isn’t it wonderful to have the freedom to be creative in your clothing choice as well? As you said, if they laugh it’s their problem. As long as you feel comfortable in what you wear other people’s laughs shouldn’t matter 🙂
(You have a more interesting life if you wear impressive clothes. – Vivienne Westwood)
Aww thank you! 🙂 And yes it sure is! Great quote from Dame Westwood too! 😉 x
Hiya
I really loved how u wrote this article!! So clever and so right !!
Ari 💚💙💜💛
Thank you so much Ari! I’m so glad you liked it xx
Yes!! Great post. I can definitely remember feeling like this a couple of years ago when I dressed a bit more eccentric than I would now. Confidence is key! People may laugh but it’s their own insecurities holding em back. We only have so long on this planet, and you have killer style, so wear what you damn well please!
xxx
Thank you Amyyy! So glad you liked it x Definitely! I also think about the size of the whole universe and realise that these little things are just too darn small to get me down! 🙂 xx