Blushing is overused.

Seriously, I hardly even read stories anymore but I'm getting tired of the constant blushing whenever some two people are involved in a romance.

I even remember a phrase about Yumi that went something like "I was blushing so hard my cheeks were purple." Which at that point I would recommend a doctor.

Writers, can you explain to me why this cliche is good again?

It's funny because CL itself does a lot of blushing between two characters as well. I've been watching early episodes of CL and Jeremie blushes a lot in front of the computer because Aelita is supporting his efforts and telling him what she has learned.

I don't really use it often in my writing, but I can see why writers are influenced to write characters blushing to indicate romantic interest.

Is this a CL fandom specific pet peeve? As far as I can remember, in most stories I read (which, well, are outside of the CL fandom...), I don't see a lot of blushing. And when I do, it's handled skillfully so my attention isn't drawn to it.

Barring medical reasons, purple is just an unattractive cheek colour. No matter what MAC says, stick it to your eyelids or nowhere at all.

Because it's the easy way. It's found in both good and bad stories. Some capable authors also tend to use it. Obviously there are better ways to deliver the message without reverting to old tactics.

The only reason I'd use blushing is the same reason I use frowning, shrugging, sighing, and lip biting.

It conveys what you're trying to say, blushing brings to mind embarrased, frowning is puzzled, sighing is tired...

but I can see why it'd get annoying. Especially when Aelita will blush darker than her hair. That happens so often, but I've always found blushing highly unattractive, and just ugly, so I hate when it gets overused.

I fall into this trap every time. I think I picked it up from the show though, where blushing/general awkwardness is basically mandatory in every shippy scene. However, now I'm aware of it I've been trying to cut it out.

That's what the show usd to show romnce, so a lot of authrs use it too...The purple thng dosn't sond norml, thogh. If that ever happns in rel life, I'd suggst callng 911...

Jane Austen uses blushing to show character development. When a character is growing emotionally there's usually a lot of blushing (or sweating, which causes flushing, so yeah, blushing.)

Also the CL cast are preteens and then teenagers- hormones, embarrassment, general awkwardness equals blushing.