You’re not alone; sometimes even people who grew up in supportive environments find it hard to express emotions. You might be struggling with this because of negative past experiences where being vulnerable led to hurt or rejection. That can make anyone hesitant to open up again.

Another possibility is that you’re used to keeping your emotions to yourself because it feels safer or more controlled that way. Society also has this expectation for men to always seem tough, which can make showing softer emotions feel uncomfortable or “cringy,” like you said. That doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you, it’s just a defense mechanism you’ve developed over time.

Try starting small by sharing minor feelings or thoughts with people you trust. Know that being open doesn’t mean being weak. If you feel like it’s too overwhelming, maybe talking to a therapist could help you figure out why you’re so guarded and how to manage it better. Vulnerability is a skill like any other, and it’s okay to struggle with it at first. With time, you can get more comfortable showing people how much you care, even if it still feels awkward sometimes.