NationStates Jolt Archive


What is the purpose of blushing?

Kramers Intern
02-01-2005, 04:09
I am really getting pissed off at blushing! Its pointless! Someone help me on this!
Peechland
02-01-2005, 04:15
what the heck are you talking about?
Lunatic Goofballs
02-01-2005, 04:17
The purpose of blushing is to let me know when I'm successfully embarrassing people. :)
Siljhouettes
02-01-2005, 04:18
I almost never blush anymore, I don't know why.
New Foxxinnia
02-01-2005, 04:20
I am really getting pissed off at blushing! Its pointless! Someone help me on this!It's to scare away enemies. It only happens when the body thinks you're being attacked.
Kramers Intern
02-01-2005, 04:22
Dude once back in my Middle School days, my friend bought in a porn magazine. A teacher found it right outside his door, he asked us whos it was, my friend wasnt in this class. I knew about it, and saw it so I started blushing. I was sent to the Vice Principles office. I was about to get a suspension, and would've gotten it, I didnt want to tatle, so I just worked up the biggest emotions I had, and, not because I was scared, just to get out of it, started crying. It was hilarious, she believed me, and released me! Right when I got out, I started laughing, and couldnt believe what had just happened.
Niccolo Medici
02-01-2005, 12:11
I know that at least one person has postulated that blushing is part of the body's sensual nature. Flushing of skin color is associated with arousal in many mammals. I haven't read any Desmond Morris in quite a while, his "Naked Ape" book went into considerable detail as to that function of blushing; you could check that out at least.

Now why one does it when they're embarassed I cannot say. Perhaps its a fluke by-product of the arousal blushing. Maybe its something else entirely.
The Alma Mater
02-01-2005, 12:13
Google's answer:
http://www.hhmi.org/cgi-bin/askascientist/highlight.pl?kw=&file=answers%2Fgeneral%2Fans_029.html

Summary: "we don't know" ...
FairyTInkArisen
02-01-2005, 12:15
Google's answer:
http://www.hhmi.org/cgi-bin/askascientist/highlight.pl?kw=&file=answers%2Fgeneral%2Fans_029.html

Summary: "we don't know" ...
i was just about to post that exact same link!
Eutrusca
02-01-2005, 12:22
I suspect it's a visual signal to others that we're experiencing some strong emotion. Perhaps as a warning? ( shrug )
Perisa
02-01-2005, 17:50
When the brain is overloaded with an emotion, bodily tasks get fscked up, like if you get too stressed, your stomach makes too much acid, when you're really sad, you cry, etc
Santa Barbara
02-01-2005, 18:29
Blush 2008!
The Gongites
02-01-2005, 18:38
Cuteness.
ProMonkians
02-01-2005, 20:13
General rule of thumb: If it's making them blush - keep doing it.