Imagine you’re sipping your morning coffee. Suddenly, an embarrassing memory from high school blindsides you like a caffeine jolt, and you crumple a bit inside, cringe seeping into your bones. While this reaction is a universal experience, have you ever wondered why these “cringe attacks” over things from years ago still plague us? Let’s explore the psychology, delve into common triggering scenarios, and uncover how we might transform this uncomfortable feeling into something positive.