At least once in our lives, society has judged us for doing something utterly normal. From body image to expressing our emotions, certain everyday things receive the cold shoulder.
Additionally, social media has polarized our expectations of what’s normal- leading to trolls that make us feel guilty no matter what we do. When it comes to our life choices, should we be ridiculed for making decisions that make sense for our situations? Not really. Yet, that’s the reality we live in.
Let’s reveal 18 things that, in all honesty, should be free of taboo. It’s time to change the norm!
1. Not Wanting Children
People, especially women, who decide not to have children are often demonized or criticized. Not wanting children is sometimes seen as bizarre, claiming they lack the ‘normal’ maternal instinct. However, it’s completely okay if someone doesn’t want to have children. There could be many reasons, like needing to be financially sound, health concerns, fear of responsibility, etc. We should respect their personal decisions instead of being judgemental.
2. Enjoying Alone Time
There is a difference between enjoying “me time” and being lonely. If people enjoy their company, it doesn’t mean they are socially awkward or weird. Many people find it enriching and essential for their mental and emotional health, particularly people that are more introverted in nature.
3. Not Being on Social Media
Today, someone who is not active on social media is deemed an alien. As if being absent from social media means going against the flow or missing out on life. However, not everyone is a social butterfly. It’s all about personal choice. We need to normalize that there is life outside the screens, and many people know and value the perks of unplugging rather than being glued to their phones.
4. Discussing Payrolls
Talking about money is considered taboo even in modern times, but breaking that stigma is essential. Discussing your salaries helps you understand your worth, bridge the gender pay gap, and promote fair wages for all. Never fear these difficult conversations; they often lead to positive outcomes.
5. Taking Time Off
The hustle culture has become increasingly popular, and if someone takes a breather, we instantly label them as lazy and unmotivated. But taking a break from work or responsibilities is not laziness. Everyone deserves to take a vacation or personal day to boost their productivity and well-being.
6. Not Wearing Makeup
As a society, we expect a lot of women’s appearance, with makeup being seen as a necessity by many. But the truth is, there’s nothing wrong with going all-natural and embracing your natural beauty. Makeup should be a choice, not a requirement.
7. Men Showing Vulnerability
Sadly, for men, opening up and showing vulnerability can sometimes seem like breaking some hidden laws. However, bottling up your emotions is detrimental to mental health. Let’s normalize guys being vulnerable. It will be the first step to ending toxic masculinity and moving towards equal emotional expression.
8. Life Without Monetization
We live in a world that has led us to believe everything must have a monetary value, including our hobbies and personal relationships. However, only some things must be monetized or turned into a business venture. It’s okay to have activities and relationships that bring joy without the pressure of financial gain.
9. Enjoying ‘Childish’ Hobbies
While some grown-ups like sports and classic literature, others enjoy hobbies that others might see as childish. Whether comic books or video games, these activities can bring happiness and help unwind. Fun has no age limit, and being an adult doesn’t mean being serious 24/7.
10. Being Private at Your Workplace
In today’s open-door workplace culture, being too private may appear secretive or deceitful. However, everyone has a right to personal boundaries and privacy. No one should feel obligated to spill all about their personal life outside of work.
11. Eating Alone in a Restaurant
For some reason, people assume you are lonely or awkward when you are dining out solo. But when was the last time your hunger pangs heard society’s opinion? Eating alone is a part of self-care, where you can enjoy a meal at your own pace without worrying about what people think.
12. Rights of Employees
In most countries, workers/employees are expected to work long hours with little to no breaks or time off. This can lead to burnout, stress, and overall mental and physical health decline. Normalize acknowledging employees’ rights for improved work-life balance.
13. Seeking Therapy
Have you found yourself in a situation where your mental health wasn’t at its best, and you wanted to try therapy but felt hesitant due to people’s opinions on it? Despite the growing awareness of mental health issues, some still demonize seeking help and talking about mental health. Society must break down these barriers and prioritize mental well-being as much as physical health.
14. Being Sober
It’s strange how choosing not to drink alcohol at a party or social event can make you the center of attention. It is a personal decision, and no one should be judged or pressured into drinking. So raise that glass of water, and cheers to making your own decisions.
15. Saying No
While saying “No” to someone frustrates the interpreter, it’s high time we all learned this invaluable skill, which helps personally and professionally. It allows you to prioritize your needs, manage your energy better, and engage in activities that truly matter to you. It’s not selfish; sometimes, it’s necessary to say no.
16. Talking to Yourself
If someone catches you talking to yourself, he might consider you crazy or out of your senses. However, chatting with yourself is normal human behavior. It can help you focus and sort out your thoughts. It’s called private speech – which shows that the person is just trying to figure something out rather than having mental problems.
17. Being Good in Studies
Strangely enough, some students get a bad rap for being seen as “nerdy” or “uncool” because they do well in school. This perception can put people off from following their academic passions. We need to appreciate and support education openly and without any bias.
18. Body Hair for Women
While hygiene is important, there is no right or wrong way for women to maintain their body hair. Society often puts pressure on women to be hairless and shames those who don’t fit this standard. However, it’s time to accept that body hair is a natural part of our bodies, and no woman should bow down to societal expectations.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
