Stop. Please Stop.
So I don’t know if I’ll actually post this or not. I’m writing that part because I’m actually unsure about whether or not to share my opinion on this.
But for now, I will …
I write comments and posts and try to be as generic, and middle of the road as possible. Even when I do share my opinion, I always say “please remember that this is my opinion, and everyone is entitled to their own”. I often also say “knowledge is power, so if you want you can read what I say and take it on board, or you can choose to ignore it; it’s up to you”.
I’m very inclusive of people and their opinions because I realise we are not all the same.
Sometimes, however, people nit-pick what I say; and before I know it, I’ve said something that has caused great offence. Even if it hasn’t.
Can I just be the first to say this: stop, please stop.
You have a choice in how you interpret words. You CHOOSE to react to them. You do not have to be offended.
I know that might not sound right, but it’s true; and it’s especially true when it comes to the stuff I post. Because I never mean to offend.
My whole personality and motto is all inclusive. I love opinions, and don’t give a sh*t what you do in your life. As long as you are not abusing your kids, I couldn’t care less.
So when I post something online and am dragged down because of the way I’ve chosen to word it, I get a little annoyed.
I know a lot of people will say “just ignore it”, or “don’t take it personally”: I get it. I totally get it.
However, I’m also about trying to encourage others to think outside of the square. Perhaps my words aren’t meant in an offensive way: I truly can’t please everyone, so perhaps we need to take a step back and think before commenting.
You do not need to be offended by inoffensive words.
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The other day I wanted to know what the split was between stay at home parents, and working parents. Innocent enough right?
I got a few comments and a few private messages telling me that my wording has upset them. That stay at home parents do just as much work as working parents (not the question I even asked).
I got told that I was perpetuating this idea that stay at home parents do nothing. I didn’t even say anything about that: I asked “are you a stay at home parent or a working parent”.
At some point I have to trust that adults will be sensible and not look too much into my wording.
Sure I could write “stay at home parent” and “away from home parent”. But that’s not what I mean: I’m literally talking about someone who’s working outside of the home.
That doesn’t mean I think stay at home parents don’t work – you all know that. I’M A STAY AT HOME PARENT: I do not take offence to these words.
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Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and of course all words are up for interpretation (especially on the internet). HOWEVER you can choose to not be offended.
Maybe I’m wrong. Heck, I’ll be the first to admit it haha
Maybe I could be the one to consider how I word things; maybe I could try to be more inclusive to everyone (although I think I do a pretty good job).
What do you think? Do I need to be more careful with my words? Or perhaps do we all need to take a step back before being offended?
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