I’m not a confrontational person, by nature. My family and co-workers would probably testify to that fact, but there have been certain occasions, such as on Saturday, when I’ve been so mad I could spit. Well, maybe not spit cause that’s gross, but I was definitely mad.
My problem is with people who have never met you, but think they have a right to interrogate you about every aspect of your life. When did it suddenly become appropriate for people to pre-judge you based on appearance and then question you to see if their judgments are correct.
On Saturday, I went to the mall with my mother and my baby for some frivolous birthday shopping. While we were waiting for the elevator a couple of nosey Nellies came up to us and began grilling us about the nature of our relationship. I felt like I was sitting under a hot spot light in a police interrogation room as they stared at me asking question after question.
They asked which one of us the baby belonged to, what that made my mother, if were raising the child together, how old I was. Even though I had been told earlier that very same day that I looked barely old enough to drink, I was still outraged. The questions continued as the elevator doors opened and on the long ride to the bottom level. Of course at the time, I just answered the questions, because I could think of no other response. I’m not good at those snappy come backs, but if my baby sister had been there, they probably would have left in tears.When the doors finally opened on the bottom floor, I made a quick escape, taking caution to travel in the opposite direction of the crazy couple.
From the questions I was asked, I assume they thought I was a young, unwed mother, but their assumptions mean nothing to me. I find fault with their very notion that they had the right to know what kind of family I am a part of. Even if I were younger and un-married and living with my mother, I don’t think anyone has the right to question me about my life choices when they have no possible way of knowing about the circumstances occurring in my life.
I know people make snap judgments all the time. As human beings we can’t help but make assumptions about people, but we don’t have the right to judge them based on something so flimsy as that. Really, we don’t have the right to judge them at all. I hope, if this highly unlikely situation ever plays itself out again, I have the presence of mind to tell these people exactly what I am telling you. It’s no one’s business but my own.