Running Out of Lip Balm? Let’s Buy a New One!
How often do you respond to the question “How are you?” with a simple “I’m fine,” “Good,” or “Not bad” almost reflexively? Everyone says it so often that it’s become a social script—safe, quick, and easy. But sometimes, it leaves out what’s really going on.
Maybe you’re carrying more than anyone knows. Still, you smile and say “I’m fine,” keeping the mask in place because you believe it’s safer that way. But beneath it all, you’re tired—tired of pretending and holding on as everything inside slowly slips away.
But what if there’s another way to say “I’m not okay” without saying it outright? That’s where the Lip Balm Code comes in—a quiet, creative way to express what words can’t. In this code, lip balm is a symbol of survival. It represents your will to live, the small reasons that keep you going.
The Language of Lip Balm
Saying “I’m running out of lip balm” isn’t about cosmetics—it’s a subtle, small signal wrapped in normalcy. It means you’re running low, not just on lip balm, but on energy, patience, or hope. It’s a way of telling someone, “I’m struggling, but I’m still here.”
This code has quietly taken over social media, especially among today’s youth, who use it as both a coping mechanism and a reflection of what they truly feel. Some hide behind this coded language because they’re not yet ready to open up; they’re waiting for the right time, or for someone they trust enough to listen. Others use this code as a way to protect themselves, fearing that opening up directly might only lead to being misunderstood again.
You might wonder, why lip balm? Think about it: lip balm heals what’s cracked, what’s dry, what’s hurt—just like how people try to heal the invisible wounds they carry inside. It’s about healing your pain slowly and gently, until it hurts a little less.
So, when someone says they’re running out of lip balm and they don’t want to buy a new one, it means they might be losing their will to keep going. It’s their silent cry for help, a way of saying they’re tired, that hope is slipping away, and they no longer see a reason to hold on.
Why This Code Matters
The Lip Balm Code isn’t just another social media trend, it’s a lifeline for those who struggle in silence.
Data from Acta Medica Philippina reveal that about 12.5 million Filipinos are living with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Yet, many still find it difficult to talk about what they feel. In the Philippines, conversations about mental health often carry stigma—people fear being judged, misunderstood, or labeled as “dramatic.” Some are even told, “kulang ka lang sa dasal,” as if faith alone could heal what’s deeply hurting inside.
That’s why this code matters. It gives people a way to reach out without having to explain everything. When someone says, “I’m running out of lip balm,” they’re not asking for solutions. They’re asking to be heard.
Be the One Who Buys a New Lip Balm
Simple words like “Kumusta ka?” or “Tara magkwento ka, makikinig ako” might seem small, but they can already refill someone’s lip balm.
When someone you care about says, “I’m running out of lip balm,” don’t just scroll past it or reply with a laughing emoji. Listen, really listen. Remember, you don’t need to fix everything. Sometimes, your presence alone is enough—a message, a small gesture, a reminder that they matter.
You can’t pour happiness into someone’s soul, but you can help them find the strength to refill it. Be the one who helps them see that there’s still warmth, still beauty, still reasons to stay. Be the one who buys a new lip balm, not literally, but through kindness, patience, and care.
For everyone who’s running out of lip balm, remember that your emotions don’t make you weak; they make you human. Every tear, every pause, and every breath you take is proof that you’re still trying. But don’t forget that when you’re ready, reach out, even if your voice trembles.
Somewhere out there, someone is willing to listen and remind you that you are not alone. And just like how lip balm soothes what’s broken, that simple conversation can slowly heal what hurts inside.
