Why It's Time to Stop Commenting on People's Lives
... for realsies.
Lately, something has been weighing on my mind, and I have a hunch I'm not the only one. You see, despite the perception that I'm a strong, independent woman who's got it all together, something has been bothering me. It's the unsolicited comments, the well-intentioned but ultimately hurtful words, and the constant stream of opinions about how I should be living my life, especially when it comes to motherhood and the choices I make. Contrary to what many believe, these comments haven't made me tougher or more resilient. Instead, they've nudged me into a realm of uncertainty and anxiety.
Picture this: you're scrolling through your social media feed, sipping on your favorite latte, and then it happens—the dreaded comment that makes you cringe. You know the one I'm talking about, right? The unsolicited advice, the judgmental remark, or the outright nosiness that just makes you shake your head and wonder, "Why do people do this?"
Well, you're not alone. We've all been there, and it's high time we had a little chat about why it's essential to stop commenting on people's lives. Let's dive into this relatable topic and explore some reasons why we should just hit pause on the comment button.
1. Privacy is Precious
We all value our privacy, right? Well, so do others. Just like we cherish our personal space, boundaries, and private moments, it's crucial to respect the same for our friends, family, and acquaintances. Remember, not everyone wants to spill the tea on their life, and that's perfectly okay.
2. We're Not Mind Readers
Ever get a comment that makes you think, "How on earth did they come to that conclusion?" Yeah, me too. Assuming you know what's happening behind the scenes can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. So, instead of playing detective, let's keep our Sherlock hats in the closet and embrace a little mystery.
3. Everybody's Journey is Different
Life is like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book—everyone's story unfolds uniquely. What works for one person might not work for another, and that's perfectly fine. We all have our paths to follow, and comparing or commenting on someone else's choices won't change that.
4. Empathy Wins Every Time
Imagine if we all practiced a little more empathy, especially when it comes to interactions. Instead of rushing to judgment or criticism, let's pause and ask ourselves, "How would I feel in their shoes?" Empathy can create kinder, more supportive virtual spaces.
5. It's All About Consent
Consent isn't just for physical matters; it extends to our words and comments too. Respect someone's consent to share or not share their life details. If they want to spill the beans, they'll do it in their time and way.
6. Be a Positive Force
Remember the golden rule: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.**" Let's focus on being positive, uplifting, and supportive. Compliments, kind words, and hugs can go a long way in making someone's day better.
**And this is a tricky one, I know, because I teach my kids that each of their opinions in valid but I guess it’s in how you phrase it. So just be mindful of how hurtful words can be.
7. We've Got Our Own Lives to Live
Last but not least, our lives are like epic novels, filled with plot twists, character development, and cliffhangers. Let's be the authors of our own stories and allow others to write their chapters without interruption.
So, the next time you're tempted to comment on someone's life, let's take a moment to pause, reflect, and maybe send a virtual high-five or a heart emoji or tell them they’re doing great. After all, life's too short for unnecessary drama and unsolicited advice. Let's keep the positivity flowing and create a world filled with kindness and support.
