No one likes feelings! Everyone has been trying to get away from "catching feelings". Whether it is feelings of love or feelings of disgust, feelings are definitely not opened with open hearts. So stick around to find out effective ways to avoid them!

1. Projection: "I don't feel this way, YOU do!"

"I know you are but what am I!" Ah, the mantra of childhood. This method is not only reserved for kids on the playground! You can use it as an adult trying to PROJECT (wink wink) your emotions to another. If you feel jealous towards a coworker and they confront you about being jealous, just turn the "jealousy" onto them! The feelings are now their problem.

2. Repression: "Oh geez, I don't want these feelings. LET'S LOCK THEM AWAY FOREVER."

The classic way to avoid feelings. If you have a memory that just makes you want to scream, bury that sucker in your unconscious. Personally, this way is the most effective...until someone says the trigger word. TOXIC!

3. Displacement: "My boss made me mad today but I'm gonna PUNCH THIS WALL INSTEAD."

This form of avoiding feelings is the most healthy of all of the ways to avoid feelings. When someone irks the living hell out of you, don't yell at them or injure them because that can cause more hurt than aid. Just take it out on an inanimate object that probably won't fire you for punching and/or kicking them.

4. Rationalization: "Man, I failed this test BUT, the TEACHER WASN'T GOOD ANYWAY."

This is the most common form of avoiding feelings. Naturally as humans, we make excuses for our shortcomings to avoid the possibility of it being our fault. So, blame someone else for your failings! You tried your best but it didn't work out but stuff happens. It just wasn't fault!

5. Reaction Formation: "I cannot STAND this woman, but I'LL BE HER BEST FRIEND."

This method can be used throughout your whole life. For instance, you have this coworker who is just SO. GIDDY. early in the morning. Deep inside, you may feel anger and hatred towards them, but on the outside they're your favorite person! Similar to method number 2, you hide your true feelings on the inside but you still know they're there. You just portray a different feeling so everyone can see!

Feelings in general have a bad rap, but now you can successfully avoid them!