Maybe it's just me, or the situations I have been in lately, but I've been noticing an increased amount of misplaced animosity; a seeming need that some people have to put down the actions or choices of others in order to validate their own. I'm not talking about big, theological or moral issues. Instead, I'm talking about simple everyday choices like where we live, how we raise our children, how we spend our free time, how we eat, and on and on. It seems ridiculous to me that if we really feel secure in our choices that we still engage in such pointless negativity just to make ourselves either feel or appear superior.
I absolutely love where I live. That's no secret to anyone who knows me, and I will gladly tell anyone who asks me the many reasons why I do. However, I would never put down another persons chosen location in order to glorify my own. Similarly, I take my parenting choices very seriously, and hopefully I'm making the choices that are best for my son. That does not entitle me to disregard or insult other methods or choices, and I would not presume to know what is best for another family.
So please, let's remember that we are capable of sharing our passions and opinions, and even our dislikes, without attacking those of another.
(please forgive any typing errors. This was composed on my phone)
I was literally just thinking the same thing. Now that the world knows we've got a baby on the way, everyone seems to take it upon themselves to tell me how I need to do it. I just keep thinking that Chance and I are intelligent people. We will research, discuss, ask other people their experiences and then we'll make the choices that we feel good about. And if I end up having an epidural or a c-section I'm not going to have guilt that I failed or did something wrong. I have six months before the baby even comes and I'm already getting harassed about breastfeeding vs. bottle, cloth diapers vs. Pampers, continuing to work vs. becoming a SAHM. AHHHH!! Why can't we all just be kind to each other?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you're going through something similar. It feels horrible. :(
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteThat was one of the hardest parts of becoming a parent for me, the unsolicited advice and judgment. As someone who made several "unpopular" choices I totally understand what you are saying.