We have all been victimized by this involuntary act. And frequently at the most inopportune moments. I haven’t blushed in years. Or if I have I most certainly denied it, as all who blush are bound to do. Whatever the age, whenever it is pointed out, the armor goes up and recriminations run riot.
“I did not”, you hear them cry. “It’s just hot in here!”
Yes, I’ve told that lie too, knowing all the while how ludicrous it sounds. But you stick to your guns when your dignity is so very clearly in harm’s way. You handily debase yourself without hesitation. Looking the fool is, after all, far better than owning up to even the faintest flush of authentic emotion.
The alternative of course is too grim to consider. No one in a civilized society wants a thing to do with any weasel who so obviously wears their emotions on their sleeve, let alone parades around in them like a holiday hat. Admission to a blush is tantamount to pariah status – at least that’s the internal spin we give it.
In point of fact there is a sweetness in a blush, in even the most unattractive among us. It is one of the great ironical stigmas of the modern era. A reddening of the features betrays the facade of staunch and worldly confidence that has taken decades to command. To lose one’s social footing would be horrific on so many levels. God, please don’t let it happen in a business environment!
And while I am a fan of the blush, a keen and effective reminder that a tiny breath of innocence and purity still hides in all of us, I am of two minds about it. No one contests that it has its charm. But when you fall in love at my age, it’s rather like being sea sick – you think you’re going to die but everyone else just thinks it’s funny.
The blush may be the great betrayer. But it is also one of the finer points of being truly human.
Damn it.
.
.
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Nouveau Scarecrow 
“But when you fall in love at my age, it’s rather like being sea sick – you think you’re going to die but everyone else just thinks it’s funny.” fantastic line!
wonderful stuff Michael 🙂
I thank you kindly for your generous comment. I get lucky now and then but this particular turn of phrase is a variation of something I heard many, many years ago. I just applied the being-in-love-at-my-age-spin. Nonetheless, it was grand of you to appreciate the way I employed it here. Best.
So true! The blush is such a vulnerable, embarrassing thing for the person who is blushing, but (can be) so charming to the one who views the blush.
Aw, this post makes me smile.
Alana, thanks for your kind remark. Happy to have made you smile. Man, I’m going crazy trying to keep up with 2 jobs, writing my A to Z posts on time, and exploring my fellow bloggers in the Challenge. Lots to review and so little time. Or sleep. Thanks for your encouragement.
I like your B is for Blush post. Wonderful writing and an interesting topic. I blush very easily and yes, I’ve used the `It’s warm in here’ line to disguise my blushes. It never works. Happy A to Z!
Amelia (wordsfromsonobe.wordpress.com)
I’m at a loss as to how I missed your comment until now. I’ve only just started blogging six days ago and am still learning the ropes. Thank you kindly for your glowing remarks.
Lovely use of language! When my cfs was at its worst I lost track of what people were saying, talked rubbish back and blushed with embarrassment all the time; now I’m much better and I don’t mind having the occasional blush because it is just an occasional blush.
Any blush for me these days becomes a cause to celebrate because it means I’m still somewhat human. Thank you very much for your gracious and glowing remarks. Much appreciated.
I takes a lot to embarrass me, but when I do blush, I usually follow it with a laugh.
I like that. Of course, you can usually get away with most anything if you follow it with a laugh. (Except for shooting someone, that is.) May you blush often because it makes you adored by others. Thank you for stopping by.
Some people blush so easily. I’m not sure if I do or not. It’s been many years since I blushed.
Thank you for stopping by my blog. Much appreciated.
This is fantastic! You have such a way with words. Could you just go ahead and do the whole alphabet today so I can hurry up and read it? I’m really looking forward to more posts from you!
Okay, you’ve got me blushing here. What a wonderfully glowing remark. Thank you kindly.
I’m not a compulsive blusher, but I feel for those who are.
Damyanti, Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2013
You may feel for me, then. I still blush, though not as often as I would like. It embarrasses. But I makes me feel alive as well. Thanks for reading.
While I feel the flush of it, I am not one who turns rosy while blushing. It’s always been something I felt was lacking. Great post! I agree with Teresa… that last line is fabulous!
Corinne, what a lovely thing to say. So happy we connected. I’m looking forward to more of your posts similar to the armpit revelation you posted yesterday. cheers.
“The blush may be the great betrayer. But it is also one of the finer points of being truly human.” Lovely! Nice post!
You’re very kind. Thank you for your welcome remarks.
Indeed! This is a wonderful line!
A kind remark and a welcome comment. Why did I not investigate the community of bloggers sooner. Thank you.
Blush is a great B word. It brings back some happy memories, embarassing moments, and the picture of pink cheeks.
And Friend is a great “F” word. I’m so happy to be meeting so many new ones through blogging. Thank you for finding me.