People want to talk about anything but feelings. Physical objects in the surroundings, changing the subject to a thing that is perceptible by the 5 physical senses.
They don't want to face what they are feeling now. Instead they detract and distract
themselves with material things to avoid feeling emotions.
Instead of feeling their own emotions and admitting to them, it is more
acceptable to "watch a movie", go to a sporting event game, watch someone else
show their emotions as if watching from a distance gives them permission to
express their own.

We are taught to push true feelings aside
told not to think or feel that way
ignore what your gut instincts tell you
do things that "everyone else" is doing
go with the flow, follow the crowd