For each of us, it is a natural human response to be curious about those around us. Some people are intrigued about celebrities in magazines, some enjoy gossiping about people they personally know, whilst others comment on strangers they’ve encountered in passing. But sometimes these behaviours go beyond what is deemed appropriate and acceptable.
Life is so full of ups and downs, it’s often hard to know whether you’re making the right decision at times. But to have others question what you’re doing and pass judgment on the decisions that you make, is often too difficult to handle.
As a stay-at-home mother, I know perfectly well how judgmental people can be. Many assume the level of my abilities based on my age; believing that a 23 year old could not possibly raise 3 children. But boy are they wrong. My husband and I have looked after our children every single day for the past 5 years, with absolutely no help from anyone. We are dedicated, loving parents; who always put their children first.
People often find it easier to judge and assume than to view a world beyond ‘black and white’. But to base your opinion of someone on ignorance and stereotypes, can be very harmful to the person involved.
Every person deserves the right to be understood and not to be unfairly judged. When you take the time to give people a chance, you might see that they are not at all like they seem. And then maybe the judgment you feel towards them… might later become acceptance and understanding.
Thuy Wood (formerly known as Thuy Yau) is a freelance writer, resume/cover letter writer and Youth Worker living in Perth, Australia. She loves to share her own personal experiences about overcoming adversity, as she believes that human beings are more capable than they realise. She writes to make a positive difference in the world and to inspire others to learn from themselves and their own experiences. Her writing has been discussed on radio, won writing contests, appeared on The Huffington Post UK and major Australian sites such as news.com.au, SMH, Kidspot and Essential Kids. She has just completed her first book – a memoir - and is on the search for a publisher.
So well said. I was a young Mum, by choice and we raised our 3 young kids by ourselves, without help or handouts. My husband worked hard, we provided for ourselves, there was no government handout or assistance. And yet we were judged. Some looked at me and assumed I accidently got pregnant. Many assumed We were idiots who had no clue. When we decided to have a 4th blessing a few years later it was assumed she had a different Dad, or she was a mistake. So sad that people wasted their energy judging, rather than taking the time to get to know the true story, the love story and our family story.
xxx
That is a wonderful story about your family. It is a shame that people are too ignorant to realise that there is always more than meets the eye. I think what you and your husband did was something to be very proud of. For me, if I ever come across a situation I haven’t been through myself, I keep an open mind and remind myself that different things work for different people. Thank you for sharing your experiences! xox
[…] we were young and unmarried, the judgements came pouring in. One of the worst comments came from my closest friend at the time. I used to spend […]