A Trip Down Memory Lane
Ever felt like you’re on trial just because you don’t like something? “Wait, you don’t drink coffee?” or “You don’t watch that show?” Suddenly, you’re being interrogated like it’s a crime. It’s exhausting! But when did this all start? Ah yes, it goes back to childhood.
Childhood: The “Why” Interrogation Squad
Remember being a kid? Every time you didn’t like something, adults would bombard you with questions like you owed them an explanation. “Why don’t you like broccoli?” or “Why aren’t you outside playing with the others?” They asked “why” so many times you’d think you were under investigation! Did they really expect a magical answer that would make you love spinach?
As kids, things were simple—you liked what you liked, and didn’t like what you didn’t. But for some reason, your parents acted like your refusal to eat brussels sprouts was a grand mystery that needed solving.
Growing Up: The “Why” Gets a Judgy Makeover
Fast forward to adulthood, and surprise! The why questions didn’t disappear—they just got worse. Now, people don’t just ask why you don’t like something—they judge you for it. “Wait, you don’t drink coffee? What’s wrong with you?” “You’d rather stay in than party? Are you even human?”
Suddenly, if you’re not part of the herd, you’re labeled the weirdo. Like, sorry for not loving loud, crowded spaces—Netflix is my jam. I didn’t realize I needed to submit a formal explanation for it!
The First Time You Got Judged for Your Choices
Think back to the first time someone made you feel weird about your preferences. Maybe you were the only kid who didn’t watch that popular cartoon, and everyone looked at you like you were from another planet. Or maybe you were more into reading than sports, and somehow that made you the “odd” one.
Those little moments? They stick. They plant the idea that you need to “fit in” to avoid getting grilled about your choices. And guess what? We drag that feeling into adulthood, like baggage we didn’t ask for.
High School Dilemma: The Humanities Drama
And if you think this stops as we grow older, think again. Case in point: high school. You’ve just aced your 12th-grade exams, and now you’re telling people you want to pursue…gasp…humanities! “Wait, you scored so high—why not become a doctor or engineer?”
Suddenly, your academic success is used against you, like scoring well means you must choose a “respectable” career. Because apparently, liking literature or sociology after being a good student is some sort of crime. Sorry for wanting to study what I actually enjoy!
Why Do People Care So Much?
It’s funny, right? You’d think as we grow older, people would care less about our likes and dislikes. Nope. It’s just the same old “why” questions, now wrapped up in snarky comments. “You don’t like pineapple on pizza? What kind of monster are you?” Well, I didn’t realize I needed your approval on pizza toppings!
Here’s the deal: you don’t have to explain anything. You owe no one an explanation for why you love staying in, hate parties, or—God forbid—aren’t obsessed with coffee. Your preferences? They’re just that—yours.
How to Handle It Like a Pro
- Own It: Seriously, you don’t need to justify your choices. “I don’t like parties” is a complete sentence. End of discussion.
- Laugh It Off: The next time someone asks “Why don’t you like chocolate?” just hit them with, “Because my taste buds are rebels.” Lighten the mood and move on.
- Change the Subject: If the questions keep coming, just smile, switch topics, and carry on. Their curiosity doesn’t need to be your problem.
Let’s Go Back: Channel Your Inner Kid
Take a page from your childhood self. Back then, you liked things just because. No need for lengthy explanations, no pressure to fit in. So next time someone hits you with that annoying “why,” just shrug and say, “Because I don’t.”
And you know what? That should be more than enough.