STORIES

In years past I have said things along the lines of judging people’s parenting and life choices without knowing the back story and it really is zero of my business. It didn’t effect my life in any way so who was I to say what I did - once it was a comment about someone rehoming a pet and another time was not agreeing with part of someone’s religion. I believe both of these instances were on Facebook as it was a newish platform at the time. I remember being angry and writing what I thought made sense when really it just made me feel good for a minute or two then afterwards just angry and irritated again / didn’t make me feel any better after posting it. I wouldn’t do anything like that now as I’ve been on the other side of them. It changes nothing and the receiver usually feels crap already. When you have a conversation with someone you can hear tone and this can show empathy… I am now a true believer in voice messages to people or an old school phone call. It can truly show someone that you are voicing your opinion but not attacking them… I’ve become really aware over the years that I need to re-read what I’m saying as if I’ve not written it to be sure it’s not coming across hurtful… My test is: Should I say something… would I appreciate it my way?... We are all human.. we all have feelings… none of us know what others are going through or been through which has made them who they are today and we need to respect each other and just be kind.” – Female, 32, SA - Kora