I treated myself yesterday to Bella Grace Magazine. It's expensive, but I really enjoy it. Barnes and Noble had sent me a $10 you've-spent-a-lot-this-year thank you gift card (that's what I call it lol) so I used it as part payment for this beautiful magazine. There's always a little editors story/note in the front and this one got me thinking. It was about feeling the need to apologise for what you like, or clarifying why you like something. The example given was that she (the editor) was sitting in a brewery tasting room reading a book. Her friend, who was working, came up and asked what she was reading. The book she was reading happened to just be a fun mystery book. She was a little embarrassed to hold up the book and felt the need to explain why she was reading it - that she had just finished an intense book and wanted something a little light. She really didn't want to just say she enjoyed it.
I must admit that I do that sometimes. Why can I not just say I enjoy/like something without feeling the need to explain it? Different people like different things. We shouldn't feel the need to apologise or be embarrassed by what we like/enjoy. Sometimes when I'm posting photos of the same thing several times on Instagram I feel I should apologise. Why can't I just stand up and say I take the photos because I enjoy taking them? Or when I was at work in the lunch room I was rather like the editor - not wanting to show the book I was reading. I think it's all about being comfortable with yourself. I've been thinking a lot about it and want to make it a goal next year to be more comfortable with myself and less apologetic.
Good post! I know just what you mean.
ReplyDeleteI thinbk maybe that's something that gets easier as you get older. I know exactly what you mean but the need to justify has faded hugely over the last decade so I only feel I need to do that when i feel 'challenged' about it - and I'm usually not challenged.
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I too know what you mean. I am learning also that No is a sentence and doesn't need an explanation.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling.
ReplyDeleteHugs-x-
I know exactly what you mean and I think it is a brilliant goal to have. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking post!
ReplyDeleteI have felt that way at times too, partly because I tend to want to "please" people and make friends. Very good post.
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