(Even Though You Think You Do)
I absolutely love these points!
I know how much social pressure there is to conduct yourself a
certain way. Some people they know what’s best for you and the whole
world. But remember…
1. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your living situation.
It doesn’t matter what kind of living situation you’re in, whether
you have housemates, live alone, live unmarried with a partner, or live
with your ex still. You don’t need to explain to anyone why you live the
way that you do.
2. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your life priorities.
Want to open a business? Become a pastor at your church? Sell all
your belongings and backpack through India? Go for it! And remember, you
don’t have to explain your priorities to anyone. They are yours, and
you don’t have to try to impress people with them.
3. You don’t owe anyone an apology if you are not sorry.
If you’ve done something that someone else doesn’t like but that you
don’t regret, you don’t owe them an apology. An apology is to try to
rectify a mistake and the impact it’s had on others.
4. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for requiring alone time.
If you need alone time, you’re not being rude, introverted, or
unfriendly. You just need time alone. You don’t have to explain your
need for that. Just enjoy that precious time alone.
5. You don’t owe anyone your agreement on their personal beliefs.
When people share their personal beliefs with you, it’s often a sign
of trust that should be cherished. It’s a window into their souls and
the way they think. But just because someone has shared their personal
beliefs with you doesn’t mean you have to nod in agreement. Also, see
#3.
6. You don’t owe anyone a yes to everything they say.
I know it can be hard to say no to the hard ask, but just know that
you don’t have to say yes to everything everyone asks of you. Know your
limits and what you’re willing to do for others.
7. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your physical appearance.
If you’ve lost weight, gained weight, changed your hair, grown a
beard, or done anything with your physical appearance, you don’t owe
anyone an explanation for it. You’re just doing you. They can deal with
pink hair.
8. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your food preferences.
We all like different types of food. If someone tries to judge you
over it, don’t engage. You don’t have to explain what kind of food you
like to eat. You just eat what you want to.
9. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your sex life.
Whether your sex life doesn’t exist or does with another consenting
adult, it’s no one’s business but your own. People will try to judge you
for who you sleep with or what your sexuality is, but what they think
generally doesn’t matter.
10. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your career or personal life choices.
When it comes to the direction you’re going in life, you don’t owe
anyone an explanation for your career or the direction you’ve opted to
go. Just go for it! The people who truly care for you will back you up.
11. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your religious or political views.
Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Catholic, Protestant or
Muslim, it’s your choice and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for it.
If someone wants to have a fun, candid discussion with you and you also
want that, have at it! A good debate or exchange of ideas is a lot of
fun.
12. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for being single.
It doesn’t matter if you’re single by design or by accident – you’re
single! Chances are, you’re pretty happy with it too. You might get
pressured to go find a partner and get married, but you march to the
beat of your own drum.
13. You don’t owe anyone a date just because they asked.
This is such an important thing to remember. You don’t have to say yes just because someone asked you to go out with them!
14. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your decision about marriage.
Want to get married at 18? Don’t ever want to get married? As long as
you’re an adult making decisions of your own accord, your decision
about marriage is yours alone.
15. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your relationship choices.
Did you forgive a cheater? Did you get back together with your ex?
Did you say no to a marriage proposal? These decisions were made by you
for your own set of reasons, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation for
that.
