To "wear your heart on your sleeve" means to openly show and express your emotions and feelings rather than keeping them hidden or guarded. It implies being emotionally honest and vulnerable, allowing others to see what you truly feel inside.
This phrase has origins that may date back to medieval times, where knights would wear a lady's token on their sleeve to show their affection, and the figurative meaning was popularized by Shakespeare. Today, it refers to someone whose emotions are transparent and visible, often making it easy for others to know how they feel.
People who wear their hearts on their sleeves often share a truer version of themselves, showing both their vulnerability and their capacity to connect deeply with others. While it can make them more open to emotional hurt, it also reflects courage and authenticity.
