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Choosing to stand up for whats right is not the same as being someone who enjoys arguing

This sounds so stupidly obvious now I've realised it... but i just figured out that being a person who stands up for what they believe in is not the same as being someone who enjoys confrontation.

For years I've always felt a certain amount of shame and have been labelled as 'someone who likes arguing' because I will often speak out when I see something that I think isn't right. I have a real thing about always doing whats right. That often presents in a positive way... going out of my way to help others. But it also often presents in a more aggressive way in cases where i see someone harming or disrespecting others. Because of that... i got the 'likes causing drama and arguing label' that I've always been ashamed of.

However.... i recently had to stand up to a horrible person. (For HP fans... think professor umbridge). They have caused a lot of harm and upset to so many.... not by necessarily being a bad person but by being heartless and caring only about figures on paper. I was given an opportunity to have a meeting with her and because shes not my boss... I thought I'd take the chance to give a few home truths and tell her how her attitude is greatly harming others. I have been dreading this meeting for days, getting anxious about it at night and during the meeting i had to keep my hands pressed against my thighs so she couldnt see my hands shake. At some point i found myself wondering why i was so nervous because arguing "is what i do" and i had a proper lightbulb moment where i realised just because I choose not to look the other way and to stand up for what I think is right, is not the same as picking arguements because I enjoy it.

Its so stupid obvious now I realise it. I guess i just wanted to make the point here in case theres anyone out there who is the same and hasn't had their lightbulb moment yet. Maybe i can save you the years of shame I've felt about myself 馃檲 I'd love to know if anyone else is the same?
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FrozenWasteland61-69, M
Given what you wrote, I think you should accept that 'likes causing drama and arguing' label with gratitude and wear it with pride. It's a mark of strength, of steadfastness and courage, even if some people are in the wrong frame of mind to see it for what it really is.

There have been times that I've done similar things, sometimes even saying them to my boss. Not always well received -- which is maybe part of the reason I work for myself now.

I'm so glad your lightbulb went on -- it's ok to be proud of you.
RebelHeart36-40, F
@FrozenWasteland Thats very kind. thank you 馃槉

very ballsy to say it to your boss! although sounds like a good move if you're now working for yourself