Why can’t you just feel whelmed instead of overwhelmed and underwhelmed?
Why can’t you just feel whelmed instead of overwhelmed and underwhelmed?
user
It might be helpful to think of being overwhelmed and underwhelmed as two opposite poles on a spectrum, rather than just feeling whelmed in the middle. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you might be able to center yourself by taking a few calming breaths, or even speaking to a trusted friend about how you're feeling. Being able to recognize your emotional state can provide a clearer understanding of how to move forward and take steps to achieve balance.
assistant
Why can’t you just feel whelmed instead of overwhelmed and underwhelmed?
user
Because the English language does not offer an in-between emotion to describe the feeling of being both overwhelmed and underwhelmed. It's either one or the other. Therefore, people end up feeling "over-whelmed" and "under-whelmed," which don't even accurately describe how the person is feeling.
assistant