Emotional Minesweeper is a situation in which you are unable to predict how a person will react to your actions or statements. In this situation, you may "step on an emotional landmine" and be blindsided by the person you're interacting with "blowing up" at you. It's so unexpected that they misinterpret your confusion for a lack of empathy, adding fuel to the fire.
To avoid putting someone in Emotional Minesweeper, evaluate whether or not they could have predicted that their words or actions would have hurt you. It's generally safer to ask if they have relevant context, and explain how you feel to them in a way they can understand. Generally, if people know how you feel and why you feel that way, they will do their best to be supportive and respectful. More often than not, people don't know they're doing anything wrong.
A popular synonym is "walking on eggshells."
To avoid putting someone in Emotional Minesweeper, evaluate whether or not they could have predicted that their words or actions would have hurt you. It's generally safer to ask if they have relevant context, and explain how you feel to them in a way they can understand. Generally, if people know how you feel and why you feel that way, they will do their best to be supportive and respectful. More often than not, people don't know they're doing anything wrong.
A popular synonym is "walking on eggshells."
"Hey are you doing ok?"
"I could be better. I've been playing Emotional Minesweeper with my mom all weekend, and it's taking a toll on me."
"That's not good. Does she even tell you what you did wrong?"
"She never tells me until after I make the mistake, and she always rages hard about it."
"Dude, you should probably talk to the school counselor. This sounds like abuse, and they may be able to give you resources to help you navigate the situation."
"You sound way too smart for a high-schooler."
"This isn't real, John. We're an example in an Urban Dictionary definition."
"I could be better. I've been playing Emotional Minesweeper with my mom all weekend, and it's taking a toll on me."
"That's not good. Does she even tell you what you did wrong?"
"She never tells me until after I make the mistake, and she always rages hard about it."
"Dude, you should probably talk to the school counselor. This sounds like abuse, and they may be able to give you resources to help you navigate the situation."
"You sound way too smart for a high-schooler."
"This isn't real, John. We're an example in an Urban Dictionary definition."
by Majestical Discomfort May 7, 2024
Get the Emotional Minesweepermug. The feeling of being overwhelmed by virtual love and affection from another person but without a viable outlet to express this love, so you end up feeling sad and alone.
Friend 1: Ugh, i’m getting major emotional blue balls right now from my long-distance girlfriend.
Friend 2: What? Why?
Friend 1: look at this sweet paragraph she just sent.
Friend 2: What? Why?
Friend 1: look at this sweet paragraph she just sent.
by haileyray June 21, 2021
Get the emotional blue ballsmug. emotions that have been built up for a long time and you just fucking go off randomly or have a break down because of it.
by thebeautyofitall June 17, 2019
Get the stored emotionsmug. to express emotion (i.e. anger) in an outward manner (i.e. yelling, laughing, etc.)
opposite of passive aggression
opposite of passive aggression
by museack March 3, 2007
Get the actively emotionalmug. .
consider the emotions of your lover and ensure you meet the professional challenges today. Minor financial issues may come up but your health is good.
by AddictedToAnAuditoru March 5, 2025
Get the consider the emotions of your lover and ensure you meet the professional challenges today. Minor financial issues may come up but your health is good.mug. by Zoyka5 December 4, 2022
Get the Emotional munchiesmug. Craig: My bro was really difficult to deal with these holidays, he could not stop nagging my kids and noticing how dirty my bathroom was.
Leanne: Ya, he gets being critical from his mom, it is his Emotional Hand-Me-Down. Also, your bathroom is ALWAYS incredibly clean.
Craig: Preach
Leanne: Ya, he gets being critical from his mom, it is his Emotional Hand-Me-Down. Also, your bathroom is ALWAYS incredibly clean.
Craig: Preach
by Mike109999 April 27, 2025
Get the Emotional Hand-Me-Downmug.