CSS is Emotional: A Series About Code, Feelings, and the Space Between

We tend to think of CSS as a purely technical tool — a means to an end, a way to make websites look pretty. But after years of writing css, debugging layouts, and battling with specificity, I've come to a different conclusion:
CSS is deeply, inherently emotional ✨

I'm not talking about the frustration of centering a div (though we'll get to that) or the css-in-js library everyone knows 🙃
I'm talking about how CSS, at its core, reflects fundamental human experiences. Every property, every declaration, every cascade mirrors something deeply personal about how we interact with the world and each other.

Think about it 🤔

What is the box model if not a metaphor for personal space? What is inheritance if not a reflection of family dynamics? What are media queries if not lessons in adaptation and resilience?

Over the next 10 weeks, we'll explore these parallels in detail. We'll dive into how flexbox teaches us about compromise, how z-index reflects our desire for attention, and how debugging CSS can be an unexpected journey of self-discovery 💫

This series isn't just about becoming a better CSS developer (though you will 😎). It's about understanding how our technical tools reflect our human experiences, and how acknowledging this connection can make us both better developers and more empathetic humans.

Here's what's coming up:

1. The Box Model of Personal Space
2. Inheritance: The Family Drama of CSS
3. Flexbox & Grid: A Love Story About Compromise
4. The Psychology of Specificity
5. z-index and the Hierarchy of Needs
6. Media Queries: Adapting to Change
7. The Hidden Emotions of CSS Animations
8. CSS Custom Properties: The Art of Self-Expression
9. Debugging CSS: A Journey of Self-Discovery
10. Technical Debt: The Emotional Baggage of CSS

Each week, we'll explore one of these topics in depth, drawing parallels between technical concepts and emotional experiences. We'll share stories, examine code, and maybe even learn something about ourselves in the process 🥹

Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your journey with CSS, I invite you to join me in this exploration of the more human side of our stylesheets. Because at the end of the day, CSS isn't just about making things look good — it's about understanding the invisible boxes, relationships, and feelings that shape our digital and emotional worlds 💫

Welcome to "CSS is Emotional" — New posts every Sunday.
Subscribe to follow along.
I'd love to hear which topic you're most excited about! Drop a comment and let me know 😊

See you next week for our first deep dive — the emotional world of The Box Model 🎉

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Here's the CodePen used to design the banner 😊

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About the Author

Emmanuel Imolorhe (EIO) is a Frontend Engineer passionate about CSS.
Check out my CSS videos on YouTube.

Connect with me

Twitter • Bluesky • LinkedIn • Website

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Did this post help you? Have thoughts to share? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below!

Comments

[Ingo Steinke, web developer]

I know much about CSS, but your post adds a new perspective. I am looking forward to reading the upcoming parts!

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

I'm so glad to hear this!
Thank you.

[vigneshiyergithub]

Love this approach!

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

I'm glad you like it!

[Sir Muel I 🇳🇬]

🙌🏾

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

🙏🏾

[Wizard]

Can't wait for Sundays 🙃

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

Me too actually! 😁

[Ashutosh_dev]

Even the banner was made with css 👏 👏

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

I'm glad you're impressed! 😊

[Kolade Olusola]

This is awesome 👏👏👏

[Ayomide Akinremi]

This is such a beautiful read 👏

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

Thank you!

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

Thank you!

[Yinka Adeoye]

Beautiful read! Well done EIO

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

Thank you!

[Blessing Afolabi]

Lovely approach
Now I am beginning to gain interest in CSS.
Kudos!

[EIO • Emmanuel Imolorhe]

I am glad!