Public Service Announcement: If you ever find yourself in a psychological experiment where a “teacher” instructs you to administer increasing voltage shocks for incorrect answers, brace yourself—it’s about to get intense.
I have an almost unquestioning respect for authority. If you wear a lab coat, sure, hand me the antibiotics. If your wall is adorned with diplomas, I’ll nod along, even if I’m secretly frustrated with my parents for sending me your contact information while they babysit my kids. And if you’ve authored a book, well, that must mean you’re an expert, right? Spoiler alert: I’m in a few books too. Apparently, the bar is quite low.
Admittedly, I’ve matured and gained confidence over the years. I’m now more inclined to trust my instincts, do my own research, and voice my disagreements with so-called “experts.” However, the internet remains relentless in its quest to dictate my choices. Here are nine things I wish the online world would just stop nagging me about:
- Stop telling me to avoid these five foods as if my life depends on it. Seeing them pop up in my newsfeed every 37 minutes makes it even harder to resist.
- Wrap It! I’ve seen the results, but unless someone invents a device that wraps itself around my mouth, effectively stopping me from eating, those thighs aren’t going anywhere.
- Infuse water with fruit. Seriously, do you realize how long it takes to chop up that much fruit? Plus, who wants to lug around an 11-pound jar of mushy fruit they can’t even eat?
- Get more sleep. No kidding! My kids aren’t toddlers anymore, so I can’t orchestrate the perfect dinner-bath-bed routine. Between their activities and our TV time together, going to bed early would mean I’m on the same schedule as my kids. Talk about lame!
- Drink wine. I’ve never liked wine, so please stop suggesting it as a miracle drink that can cure everything from cancer to global warming. Now, if you have recommendations for whiskey, I’m all ears.
- Cut out K-Cups. I do my part for the environment—my house is practically in darkness to save energy! I only drink one cup of coffee a day. Can’t I enjoy the convenience of a quick coffee fix? (And now I’ve switched to a reusable K-Cup. If someone tells me that’s harmful too, I might lose it!)
- Toss everything from my pantry because it’s supposedly poisoning me. I’ve navigated life for 41 years; I know how to read labels and understand the food system. Not everything is a conspiracy against my health.
- Buy fancy jewelry. I can snag four pairs of hoop earrings for $5 at a discount store! Sure, they might make my ears a bit discolored, but I’ll call it a fashion statement. And those earrings? They look fantastic with my $20 workout pants!
- Stop worrying about my kid’s self-esteem. Have you spent time with a 12-year-old boy? They think they’re invincible, convinced they know everything. While I want to protect their feelings, I’m less concerned about their ego when it comes to chores. Sometimes, a firm voice is necessary, and frankly, they probably didn’t even hear me in the first place.
So, dear internet, I’m more than capable of making my own decisions.
For more helpful insights, check out our article on boosting fertility supplements at Make a Mom and learn more about prenatal health at Salud Prenatal, an excellent resource. Additionally, visit IVF Babble for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the internet’s advice can often feel overwhelming and unnecessary. Trust your instincts, choose what works for you, and don’t get caught up in the noise.