In a recent LinkedIn post, Leslie Venetz challenges the conventional negative perception of “cringe,” arguing that embracing activities often labeled as such can lead to greater personal joy, stronger communities, and even professional success. Venetz suggests that the fear of appearing “cringe” often stems from a lack of confidence in others to embrace their own unique sources of joy.
Venetz opens by defining “cringe” as a term often wielded by those who lack the courage to be “silly and lean into whatever makes them feel joy even when it’s not ‘cool.'” This perspective sets the stage for an exploration of three personal areas where Venetz actively embraces what others might deem “cringe.”
“I think cringe is a term used by people who are jealous that they don’t yet feel confident enough to be silly and lean into whatever makes them feel joy even when it’s not ‘cool.'”
The Power of Fandoms and Community
The first area Venetz highlights is her active participation in fandoms. She shares her involvement in two distinct fandoms: the fantasy novel series “Stormlight Archives” by Brandon Sanderson, where she engages in cosplay, and attending Phish concerts, which she describes as a “very different kind of fandom” but equally committed and “nerdy.” Venetz emphasizes the benefits these communities provide.
As Leslie Venetz notes, fandoms “bring community, a sense of belonging and shared joy.” She openly shares her dedication, including dyeing her hair for a cosplay event, underscoring her commitment to these passions despite potential judgment. This embrace of fandom, she argues, is a source of personal fulfillment.
Leveraging ‘Nerd’ Endeavors for Skill Development
Secondly, Venetz reflects on her high school and college experiences in competitive debate, Model UN, and Model Arab League. While acknowledging that these “nerd, cringe endeavors” led to her being “made fun of, especially in high school,” she asserts their significant positive impact on her professional trajectory.
She states with conviction, “I am 10000% certain that spending a decade practicing research, critical thinking and rhetoric had a direct positive impact on my professional success.” This point illustrates Venetz’s belief that activities often dismissed as “cringe” can be instrumental in developing crucial life and professional skills.
“Although, in retrospect, I am sure the teacher was supposed to be more present and TAs aren’t supposed to literally teach the class.”
Art for Joy’s Sake
The third aspect Venetz discusses is her creation of “bad art,” characterized by her use of “an absurd amount of tape and stickers” and “a concerning amount of glue.” She clarifies that the objective is not artistic merit but personal joy and creative expression.
Venetz observes that those who are critical of creative endeavors are often those who do not create themselves. She aligns this sentiment with a quote from Brené Brown, stating, “If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.” This perspective highlights her view that personal creative output, regardless of external validation, is valuable for the creator’s well-being and can even inspire others.
“It reminds me of the famous Brene Brown quote, ‘If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.'”
Ultimately, Leslie Venetz encourages her audience not to let the fear of being perceived as “cringe” prevent them from living authentically and “wholeheartedly.” Her post serves as a call to embrace personal passions and activities that bring joy, regardless of societal judgment, as they can be pathways to community, skill development, and a more fulfilling life.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Leslie Venetz on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 6, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →