Don’t you just hate it when someone makes a comment about your clothing preference, the way you say a certain word or phrase, or even about a minor idea you had? I know I do.

I know my wardrobe can be a little odd at times, but I like my “free flowing hippy pants.” I have a sweatshirt so big that it comes down to my mid thigh, so naturally I wear purple tights underneath. No, not leggings. Tights. I find the outfit comfortable. It’s also modest. So I wear it. Other outfits are less questionable, like my salmon and cream stripe skirt, black long sleeve shirt, and french beret. I have numerous compliments on this outfit and several questions and quite a few odd looks. I’d say it’s worth it. Then of course there are fandom related outfits, where every article of clothing is in reference to something from said fandom. Lastly there’s days when I’m just gonna wear my navy blue pants with black shirt, and people probably think I’m color blind, but that’s fine because I like this outfit too.

Most of the time I receive compliments. Once in awhile though, I’ll get a comment along the lines of “what on earth are you wearing?” These can get annoying. My first thought is usually ‘is my outfit offensive or indecent?” If yes, then I’ll consider not wearing the outfit again. If no, then when what was the purpose of the comment? If someone has an opinion, that’s fine. But do I really need to hear it? Especially if it’s rude? I know my outfit may not be normal, but is it s reason for negative remarks? Everyone has their own style and it should be a good thing to see that variety of expression.

Another aspect I’ve seen people being given a hard time about, is the way they speak. This can’t always be helped, and even if it can be changed, should it be? People say words and phrases differently than others. For example, “figure” pronounced “fig-er” or “fig-your.” Does it even matter? It can be fun to ask friends how they pronounce certain words and laugh at the comparison. However, a person should never feel bad about their speech. Something else that I have also seen being pointed out, is when a person says a certain word with a certain accent. When something as such is pointed out, it can be rude. Those are the words that make a person unique and different. It should be considered a gift. The last verbal choice that I have often seen commented on are various terms that are regional or old fashioned. For example, I personally use the term “I feel” a lot. It doesn’t really occur to me that some of the people I talk to have no idea what I mean. For those you don’t know what “I feel” means, it is essentially “I feel you,” “I get you,” “that makes sense.” Thus, I have gotten multiple question on that term, and that’s totally fine. However, when someone makes fun of the term or me, for using, the phrase, then there’s an issue. So if you find yourself saying something different than those around you, that’s okay, everyone is different.

Ideas that people have, that vary from each other, are also important to said person and should not be instantly judged or ridiculed. Their ideas, both big and small, have gotten them to where they are today. However, this topic is big enough to be its own article. Just keep in mind that everyone has their own style.