One day in college, I was chatting with a friend. In that
way that college connections seem to arise, he told me that he had just had
lunch with a woman in my Spanish class, and my name had come up. He said that she described me as “opinionated”. He saw no problem with this description. He
knew better than most that I am incredibly opinionated. However, my female
friend and I winced and giggled at the description. Girls, you get it. “Opinionated”
in the world of ladies is synonymous with… well, allow me to be blunt… bitch.
Now, if I ever write an autobiography, I want it to be
titled OPINIONATED (or opinion8ed… which will probably be typical
for book titles by this time). It would be an honor to be remembered as
opinionated. Now, this doesn't mean that I want to be perceived as a person
that just has to be heard, even if I have nothing valuable to add. But let’s
face it: opinions move us. They move the world.
I have worked with people-pleasers my entire life. These
people only have one opinion: yours. Oh! They are frustrating, but boy do most
people adore them. They provide the validation that so many seem to live on. I
just know that most people-pleasers have valuable things to say, but they spend
would-be constructive time nodding, smiling and back-patting.
I say it’s time for a revolution: down with people-pleasers!
Opinions need their time, and everyone needs to demand a little time to be
heard. I mean, say something of value. Think through your opinions. BUT BE YOUR
OWN ADVOCATE!
Oh, and for those times when no one wants to listen, I recommend this article from Tiny Buddha.
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