What’s something you didn’t realise was optional until you saw someone not doing it? – 17 parts of life nobody tells you you’re free to ignore
10.
‘Answering a question. Just because someone asks you a question, doesn’t mean you have to answer it.’
-Mountain-Match2942
11.
‘I think I was 15 when I realized that I didn’t actually have to start smoking. Ever. Every adult I knew smoked and they always talked about it like obviously I was going to start at some point, they just recommended not to do it too young.’
-colaman-112
12.
‘I grew up Mormon, and it’s expected for children to get baptized when they turn 8 years old. This creates a membership record that is kept for the church forever (some have needed the help of lawyers to get theirs erased after leaving the church). It’s pretty much forced in every way except they tell you “it’s your choice.” A girl I knew turned 8 and decided NOT to get baptized, and all of us kids in the same primary were shocked that you could actually say no and not burst into flames. Looking back, I am so proud of her! Anyways, I’m not Mormon anymore.’
-Kikicutie
13.
‘You don’t have to go to all family holidays. You can start new traditions.’
-Commercial-Act-9297
14.
‘Clicking no to website cookies. I always accepted because I thought I couldn’t view the page otherwise. One day I watched my friend decline, and they just continued as normal. I was silently mindblown.’
-IndicationPretty4395
15.
‘Realizing that I don’t have to be responsible for other people’s emotions.
‘Like, I am, of course, responsible to behave like a decent human being and treat everyone lovingly and with integrity, but… it’s up to them how they FEEL about my actions, and it’s their job to manage those emotions, not mine.
‘The flip side, though, was also realizing I am responsible for my own emotions, and that I can’t put those on anyone else.’
-Koupob
16.
‘Answering the door. If I don’t know you, I’m not answering. I get a lot of solicitors who can see me sitting on the couch, but that doesn’t mean they are entitled to my time (not to mention breach of safety).’
-ludlowdown
17.
‘Finishing every book you start. Dropping a book you’re not enjoying is elite adulthood.’
-RestDayDenier
Source: Reddit, Image: Screenshot