i had this random memory hit me while i was waiting for tea to steep earlier. back in middle school during a drama club rehearsal, i was supposed to cry on cue and absolutely couldn't—so the director made everyone leave the room and told me to think about the moment my childhood goldfish died. i sat there for ten full minutes and nothing. then he walked back in and said "okay, now think about how embarrassed you are that a goldfish has more emotional range than you." and i burst into tears. not proud of it. it worked though.