“I love being a dental hygienist—but when I clock out, I disappear into my other life.”
— A dual Gemini RDH

✨ Welcome to the duality: clinical precision by day, complete recluse by night.

I love being a dental hygienist. I love the patient care, the precision, the flow of a good appointment. I’m kind, I’m efficient, and I’ll even make you laugh a little while scraping literal plaque off your existence.

But when I clock out?
Don’t call me. Don’t ask me to hang out. Don’t even think about small talk.

Because here’s the truth: I live in duality.

I’m both soft-hearted and socially depleted. I give my all to my patients—genuinely—but the price is my emotional battery, and I guard it like my last piece of dark chocolate during PMS week.

Must be a Gemini thing.
Ruled by Mercury, I can charm a room full of strangers… but don’t expect me to answer your text after 6pm. I’ve shape-shifted back into my homebody form.

✨ Clocked In: Compassionate Care Mode

When I’m working, I’m on. I listen, educate, support, and connect.

I know what it feels like to care deeply about people who might not even floss for you in return.

Here’s what that looks like:

• I’ll catch early signs of inflammation.
• I’ll gently coach you through better home care.
• I’ll remember your dog’s name and ask how your anxiety’s been.
• All while balancing a tight schedule and making sure you leave feeling better than when you walked in.

But…

✨ Clocked Out: Post-op, Peace Preferred

Once I leave the op, I become a different person.
Not mean. Not bitter. Just… done.

• Done peopling.
• Done performing.
• Done absorbing everyone’s energy like an unpaid emotional sponge.

This is the side most people don’t see.
I love humanity. But I also need a full reset—quiet, alone time, comfort food, a soft hoodie, and absolutely no social obligations.

You Can’t Be On 24/7

Burnout doesn’t wait for your consent.

We don’t talk about it enough. Especially in hygiene, where the pressure to emotionally regulate while maintaining constant precision is just… normal.

I used to feel bad about this duality.
Like I had to be “on” all the time or I wasn’t professional enough.
Now? I honor both sides of me—the healer and the homebody.
The cheerleader, and the “please don’t text me back” queen.

✨ If You’re Like Me…

You’re not broken. You’re not antisocial.
You’re a deeply caring person with very real limits.
Protecting your energy is professional.

So go ahead and be amazing at your job.
Then go home, take your bra off, throw your phone across the room, and eat something crunchy in peace.

You’re still doing great.

✨ This is what healing looks like.

Me, Bryan, a warm mug, and the soft hum of nothingness.
Just two introverts recharging from a long day of being everyone’s favorite extroverts.

️ Dual Life, Activated: My Recovery Rituals After Clocking Out

I don’t crash—I ritualize. After giving my all to the world, these are the cozy things that pour back into me. And if you need your own version of the soft life starter kit? These are mine. Not sponsored—just sharing what I love.

• Dental Hygienist Mug – 20 oz of floral peace, caffeine, and quiet vibes
• Paleovalley Superfood Golden Milk – warm, cozy, turmeric-infused dreams in a mug
• Calm Essential Oil – my scent sanctuary after being ‘on’ all day
• Bedsure Fleece Blanket – fluffy enough to cancel your next 3 obligations
• Evening Indie Chill – for soft-shutting down, not full shut-off
  

  These are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support lets me keep creating with heart—thank you

Because duality isn’t weakness.
It’s balance.
And I’m finally learning to live in it.