Flushing is one of the most bizarre and human expressions of all, as Charles Darwin once noted. It is a visible sign of our inner feelings, especially embarrassment or shame. So why do we blush when we feel these emotions? Why are humans the only creatures to experience these?
The flushing is due to the dilation of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the facial skin and creates a reddish color. This physiological response is triggered by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares us for fight-or-flight situations.
But strangely, unlike other animals, humans blush not when threatened or angry, but when judged by others.
Shame is a complex emotion that involves a negative evaluation of oneself in relation to social norms or expectations. It occurs when we perceive that we are violating some moral or personal standards, or when we feel that we lack the approval of others.
Empathy can also invoke embarrassment when we feel sorry for someone else’s misfortune or mistake. Shame is often accompanied by a desire to hide or escape from the situation, which explains why we lower our eyes or cover our faces when we blush.
This is the answer to why we feel the need to hide when we are embarrassed. So why are we embarrassed and blushing?
Blushing and shame are closely related to our sense of self and identity. As humans, we are highly social and cognitive beings who care about how others see us and how we see ourselves. We have a theory of mind that means we can imagine what others are thinking or feeling, and we have a self-awareness that means we can reflect on our own thoughts and feelings.
These abilities enable us to form complex social relationships and moral judgments, but they also make us vulnerable to shame and guilt.
Flushing and embarrassment are not universal across cultures and times.
Different societies have different norms and values that determine what is shameful or embarrassing and how people should react to it. For example, some cultures view blushing as a sign of humility or sincerity, while others see it as a sign of weakness or dishonesty.
Some cultures encourage people to openly express their shame, while others expect them to suppress or deny it. Some cultures see shame as a constructive emotion that motivates self-improvement or ‘repentance’, while others see it as a destructive emotion that leads to self-hatred or violence.
Flushing and shame are fascinating aspects of human nature that reveal a lot about our emotions and social interactions. They show that we are not only rational animals, but also emotional and moral animals.
They show that we are not only independent individuals, but interdependent members of a community. They show that we are products of not only nature but also culture. They show that we are a unique person.
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