WHEN I READ A BOOK, and x reader to be more specific, there's one thing that will mostly likely make me click off.

"Y/n blushed." "I must've looked like a tomato." "Red as this, red as that."

Blushing. Blushing in writing, is used to portray being flustered, embarrassed, shy, etc. Writers on this app love to use it. They also love to make other characters notice that y/n is blushing.

If you haven't already read the last chapter, I talked about Reader inserts being white coded / being viewed as white. This is what usually throws the whole poc friendly hope out of the window.

People with darker skin complexion do blush but it doesn't show so we just say "we don't blush" and throw the whole word away. It isn't the same for everyone but for the majority, it is.

Not only for BIPOC but it is also annoying. It is overused. There are other ways to describe the feeling of being flustered than blushing.

I am going to give you some now.

BODY LANGUAGE

- Wide eyes. When you're embarrassed, your eyes may get wider. You might not notice it yourself but others probably will.

- Shifting glances all over the room.

- Avoiding eye contact. Quick scenario, your crush compliments you, you get shy, you start avoiding eye contact.

- Exaggerated hand motions. You do something embarrassing or you're caught in a weird situation, as you try to explain yourself it is natural for some to have their hands move more and be all around the place.

- Biting/licking lips.

- Stuttering. PLEASE USE SPARINGLY. I don't need Y/n to be "B-b-b-b-b-b-ba-ba-ban-n--na-n-na P-p-p-p-pu-p-pud-d-d-ding" in this bitch. Yes, I do know some have actual stutters and they can't control it but when writing don't use it too much. I beg. Buffering is better. "Ban-...Banana pudding." Mixing words up, not completing a sentence before starting another out of nervousness.

- Some nervous quirks. Playing with your fingers or the hem of your shirt/dress/skirt, greater or smaller gestures, etc...

- Shifting weight from side to side.

- Scratching the back of your head.

- Taking a defensive stance. Crossed arms and shit.

- Voice cracks.

- Smaller voice.

- Clearing your throat a lot.

- Getting clumsy/clumsier.

- Gulping.

- Sweaty hands.

- Dry mouth.

- Uneven breathing.

- Taking in deep breaths.

- Holding your breaths.

- Laughing.

I'm sure there's more but I can't remember them all. Ask yourself, what do you do when you're flustered except blushing?

I hope this helped.

I'm tired af.

If you got any requests, just comment it here.

I'm tired. Oh, I already said that.

I'm gonna go try to sleep now.

Bye.

Daniel<3