Will B. “Judged”
Nobody likes to be judged by others, in general. Although some critiquing can be a good thing to help us improve on our shortcomings if presented positively.
We get upset when others judge us but are we really upset at their judgment, or are we upset that there may be some truth in their judgment we may not want to face?
I am generally not a fan of others’ opinions of myself as I am sure most aren’t but recently, throughout the past three or four years, I have resigned myself to grow spiritually and as a person in other ways as well. So now I attempt—I say attempt because I am not always receptive to others’ judgments and opinions of myself—to take a deeper look at what others see when they look at me or my behavior. There was a time not too long ago I would quickly brush aside others’ opinions of me with the mantra, what others think is not important.
Some situations do call for brushing aside from what others think of you, only in some instances when the opinions or judgment are genuinely wrong or border on bullying. When did we become a society of people who are just so delicate, we cannot even stand to hear constructive criticism anymore? The Anti-Culture, helicopter parents, Dr. Spock followers, and self-help over-doers have turned society into a quivering bunch of scare-dy cats who are afraid of having our feelings hurt or hurting others’ feelings even at the other person’s peril or personal growth.
When I was a young whippersnapper, if I stank, I was told I stank, and I learned to shower more. If I was being mean or rude, I was told so and had best correct my attitude. The list is long with what used to be. My generation drank from a hose when we were thirsty and got lost on adventures all day with one rule—when the streetlights came on, it was time to come home. We played in the dirt, swam in the ponds, rode in the back of pickup trucks and by God we were told when we were acting like an idiot.
It’s time to wash away the distaste of the anti-culture and the thoughts of trying to make everyone safe for our own good. Entire generations survived not being careful and playing in the mud. The human body and nature are stronger than what this current society believes. So be kind with your words but let those you care about know their faults, and let’s help one another become better neighbors, friends and family. This is Will B. saying, tell me how you really feel!