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A Series Of Unpopular Opinions (12)

A series of unpopular opinions. Share a thought, no matter how crazy or critique the ones other people have chosen to share. The point is to have fun provided we all keep an open mind and respect each others views. Healthy debates are welcome, extended discussions even more so.

<< Held (almost) every Friday >>

For those curious as to why I don’t do this every single Friday, well, sometimes the “unpopular” opinions I find are popular. Which defeats the purpose.

Takes a while to find really unpopular opinions.

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I shared three unpopular opinions in the last post. Thank you to those that participated.

Unpopular opinion #2 I just want a simple boring life by u/newCoder250

Response(s):

Anne Leueene “#2 A Simple and boring life. Whaaaaat ? Who would want that? You might as well be dead from the start. Life is not simple! and it can only be boring if you are an exceptionally boring person”

Raw Earth Ink “#2 – I completely agree and actually somewhat similar to my own life decisions. Other than the 9-5 bit. Or only living 40 years. But living a “boring” life? Check. Not caring about superficial shit? Check. Doing the quiet things that bring me peace and a smile? Check”

O.D. “Anything that gets me as far away from drama as possible is a win. And if the absence of drama is boredom, then so be it lol”

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Unpopular Opinion #3 It’s perfectly acceptable to break up with someone with mental health issues by u/LokiiVegas

Response(s):

Raw Earth Ink “#3 – I agree that it’s okay to break off a relationship for ANY reason. Yes. I said it: any. When you go into a relationship, it’s not a binding contract. It’s at-will. If it’s working, great. If it’s not, great. If it works for one but not the other, great. No one should feel guilty for walking away from a relationship. With or without a reason. Staying with a person BECAUSE they have a mental illness, in my opinion, is more disturbing. Because you are together for the wrong reasons and creates an unhealthy relationship for BOTH”

O.D. ^^”Everything Tara said”^^

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Thanks to Anne Leueene and Raw Earth Ink for participating and sharing their thoughts. Very much appreciated.

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As for today’s unpopular opinion(s) We have four. Check them out:

(Note: These opinions are in no way reflective of my personal views or biases; just ones I think will spark interesting dialogue in the comment section) 

Unpopular opinion #1 I love when old men stare at me at nude beaches by u/krunkou

Honestly I love when crusty ass old men stare at me at nude beaches (I’m female btw) People complain about it but nothing beats having an old dude come up to you to awkwardly chat while half chubbed

and no I’m not tryna get with these men or egg them on, I just eat up that kind of attention. feels good getting compliments no?

Unpopular opinion #2 If profanity offends you, you shouldn’t be working in an adult work environment by u/decayingprince

Seriously, if hearing the word “fuck” hurts your feelings, you have bigger problems than someone else’s vocabulary. I could understand if someone directed the word at you, but when someone just uses it as emphasis, there’s really nothing to be upset about. Just put on your big kid pants and deal with it.

Unpopular opinion #3 The death of a pet should be socially accepted and given vacation from work to grief your loss as with any family member that passed away by u/Honestless

As per the title. I hear a lot of people going through the loss of a pet and not being able to take a vacation for a few days so they can properly grief.

You spend years of your life with your pets, they’re closer to you than most family members and still, some bosses would not give a vacation for the fact that “The death of your pet is not an important enough event for which you would not be able to work.”

I know for certain that when and hopefully not soon my dog will die, I would be devastated. Going to work would be the last thing I would like to do in that case.

Unpopular opinion #4 It is not romantic/cute to take food from my plate by u/MinuteEconomy

This goes especially to girlfriends. There’s nothing wrong with sharing food, the part that is annoying is when you take food from my plate without asking and then not apologizing for it by smiling at me especially if it was something that I was saving to eat for last. By doing that, you have ruined my psyche and my whole meal because I usually plan my bites and how I’m going to eat it.

If you want some, order some for yourself or just ask, it’s not that hard.

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What are your thoughts and opinions? Let me know in the comments. I’ll be sure to link your contribution to your blog for all the credit.

See you in the comments(?)

 

– O.D. ©2021

 

Art by: snatti89

 

 

 
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For The Coming Darkness.

Of course I love the light.

But I’ve learnt to also appreciate the darkness.

I mean …

How else will I see the stars?

 

– O.D. ©2021

 

Art by:  snatti89

 

I’ve got an update for the Series of Unpopular Opinions later today. I hope you’ll participate; helps the series… it’s also a lot of fun.

……… mostly fun.

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Why I Left.

I want to cut to the bone and say “I left because I was tired”. But that’s a lame answer; hardly indicative of what was going on in my head.

If you’ve been an avid reader of mine I feel I owe you this much. One doesn’t just drop this bomb and not at least offer a reason why.

I left because I was getting too close to my writing. It’s hardly a secret how much I love creating but… it was a getting a little too, unforgiving — to myself and others.

I still believe in writing for myself, speaking what I believe to be true — but I don’t believe in being masochistic about it. I know some people enjoy that I leave no filter (that’s not going anywhere) and others enjoy my poetry without the accompanying soliloquys. I get that too.

I noticed I was getting a little too absorbed in my work when I stopped giving warnings about the rants that would follow. The reason I give warnings to my rants is to inform readers of what’s to come. And because I was blinded by rage or a depression spike, I stopped doing that. Totally my fault, I’m sorry. I should have been more responsible, and I’m certainly better than that.

Writing is my outlet, and when my diary entries have the capacity to instill anxiety in others I should –at the very least warn them that there is some unsettling stuff I’m about to talk about. 

As for why I left…

The above reason is one of them — I was becoming too reckless. The second? I was losing control. All I was channeling in my poetry was anger. That needed to stop. Now, that’s not to say you’ll never see me angry again, but, I prefer to channel all my emotions and not *ahem* specialize.

The third. My father was ill. Found myself distracted often and in some ways the pressure from home was making me even more unsettled. Fourth? Probably the hardest one … which I hope I can eventually have the courage to share. 

I’m not going anywhere, so I ask you to be patient with me whilst I find a way to clearly express the last one. It certainly hit me harder than I initially expected. Nothing fatal, just… reality breaking. If that’s even a phrase.

I’ve got poems lined up. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I did writing them.

Bye.

 

– O.D. ©2021

 

Art by:  snatti89

 

 

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Sweet Spot.

Never confuse proximity to being perfect,

With the principle of perfection itself.

 

– O.D. ©2021

 

Art by: snatti89

 

Good to see not much has changed. Apart from the tags section (I’ve noticed that much). I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Couldn’t help myself but write even during my short break. I suppose there is no ‘break time’ when you’re a writer/creative. 

<<I even wrote this piece a week ago>>

The world is simply too ripe with opportunities to use our imagination. I hope you’re okay, wherever you are. You’ll be hearing from me a lot *ahem* I’ll try and pace myself.

 

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Hikikomori.

I don’t see the sun rise,

I hear it.

– O.D. ©2021

Art by:  snatti89

I love this place. But the honest truth is, there are times I just want to disappear and never come back. Nothing to do with the community; its full of lovely people — sometimes I just can’t deal with all of it. I’ve already isolated myself from pretty much everyone I held dear — and I wish it was for attention, I really do. ‘Cause at least I would know what to do next.

But the truth is I can’t stand most people. Call me what you want, but there is no statistical evidence that says everyone has healthy people around them. And maybe you do — good for you. If I have healthy people around me I sure as hell want to know where they are. And if they are healthy, I suppose they don’t meet my standard.

Maybe I just enjoy being alone.

Am I the healthiest person? No. But I work damn hard to keep my mouth shut unless I have something I feel needs to be said. I’ve been petty, I’ve been vindictive, manipulative and narcissistic. I’ve also been on the receiving end. I know where to start and stop. I know who has my best interests and who doesn’t.  Because when you don’t have many people to talk to and you listen (like actually listen) you see patterns very clearly.

I can’t even handle calls anymore. Prolonged exposure to peoples voices tends to get under my skin.

If someone isn’t badgering me for being a recluse they are trying to tell me the “best” way to live. Giving me solutions — all the while skipping the part of how they are miserable and are constantly whining to me. If you have it all figured out, why do you come to me for unprompted therapy?

It’s funny. I never thought I’d be such a recluse. But I get it now — more than ever. I could say I’m isolated because when I choose to care, I care too much. And when someone steps on my toes it hits a lot harder. That’s what happens when you put your heart into a moment. But other people can’t be expected to understand that. 

There is no way I can say anything I want to say without offending someone — so I’ll just leave it at that. I’ll just come across as abrasive.

I suppose the best way to get anything across is to give “10 tips on how to stay positive” or work SEO algorithms to my benefit. But I’m not that person — as I’ve said, time and time again.

Or maybe under it all I’m just a horrible human being. If this all sounds too complicated I suggest you go with this one. Lord knows its too hard to think these days. Categorize sh*t to make space for other less strenuous tasks. Let’s pretend all the heavy hitting stuff doesn’t exist until it knocks on our door. 

Do whatever you want, It’s your life. All I know is I need a break.

Bye.

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Sophistry.

You don’t have to like me.

You don’t even have to listen to what I say;

But if you’re going to make assumptions about me —

At least be correct.

– O.D. ©2021

Art by: FreeMech

Someone told me my blog is a cry for help. That I’m saying words hoping someone saves me. LOL.

Usually I’d go into it and break it down to make it easier for those who share a similar view to realize how off they are but… they can have this one. If that’s what you think, run with it. I just have no tolerance for bullsh*t; and when I say what I say and leave people feeling uncomfortable they think there’s something in me that needs fixing. Classic rationalizations and straw man tactics.

I learnt long ago that even when you try and explain yourself, people will continue to form conclusions that may or may not be in your best interest. So why bother?

Most people have a natural inclination for irrational conclusions formed from emotions and feelings. And it makes sense when the same people  can’t get their own sh*t in order and want to fix everyone else’s problems. Its a diversion from their own issues.

All I’m saying is… if I really wanted attention. The internet is hardly the best place for that. Not unless it was the year 1990. When using the internet was an adventure for all involved. People on the internet can be real brutal, and you can leave here feeling worse than you did before.

The point I’m driving to with this is… just because someone “calls” you out, doesn’t make them correct. Just as much as being louder doesn’t make anyone correct. Be careful of projections, conscious or subconscious. Not everyone is careful with their assumptions.

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A Series of Unpopular Opinions (11)

A series of unpopular opinions. Share a thought, no matter how crazy or critique the ones other people have chosen to share. The point is to have fun provided we all keep an open mind and respect each others views. Healthy debates are welcome, extended discussions even more so.

 

<< Held (almost) every Friday >>

 

For those curious as to why I don’t do this every single Friday, well, sometimes the “unpopular” opinions I find are popular. Which defeats the purpose.

Takes a while to find really unpopular opinions.

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I shared three unpopular opinions in the last post. Thank you to those that participated.

Unpopular opinion #1 Stop acting like depression is cool. by u/Uxogh

 

Response(s):

 

Ramone “As for the first one about depression, I am pleased that more characters are depressed or show signs of dismay. This isn’t a new thing either. The Breakfast Club which came out in the 80s –I think– is all about mentally disturbed teens. However, it is true, or I feel it is true, today that mental illness is becoming a saturated niche. In the end, corporations care nothing about the culture. They just take advantage of whatever people are willing to consume. The culture today has a lot of depressed kids who rarely enjoy interacting with each other sexually or socially. We watch movies or T.V shows while living vicariously through them. The corporations understand this and provided relief in the form of relatable characters.
My opinion is coming from a man that has been depressed his whole life. I don’t think I know what happiness feels like”

 

Anne Leueene “Depression is cool? What? Depression is a mental illness. It is a hideous thing that causes so much pain for some people that they take their own lives and choose darkness over that pain. Sometimes I feel like I have lived too long to understand the younger generation who would think a serious mental illness is “cool” “

 

Raw Earth Ink “#1 – I’m not sure if I was getting exactly what they were saying, but my take is: it sure seems like EVERYONE has a “mental illness” with depression being the big one. I just don’t think that many have it. I believe that people are misinformed and uneducated about depression (and other things like OCD, etc). It’s not “cool” to actually have these. It can be debilitating. How is that “cool”?? A person can be depressed, for a while. Or go through a season of depression… but it shouldn’t be a lifestyle. It’s almost like, especially amongst artists, I’ve observed an almost addiction to the depression. It’s strange. I don’t think we should pretend it doesn’t exist… but also… we shouldn’t glorify or deify it either”

 

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Unpopular opinion #2 Ignoring a phonecall or text message is not rude , it is a necessity for a healthy lifestyle. by u/HibiscusRosa

 

Response(s):

 

Raw Earth Ink  “#2 – I’ve never felt that ignoring phone calls or texts is rude. This seems more of a generational issue… I have only had a “smartphone” (or a cell phone for that matter) for four years. You can survive JUST FINE without constant bombardment of electronics and other people’s lives. Also, don’t be so impatient. It’s OKAY to wait. That includes responses. I think it’s more rude to be face to face with someone and have them rudely cut you off, talk over, or text over you due to a phone notification. Like the person in front of you is less important than the phone person”

 

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Thanks to Ramone, Anne Leueene and Raw Earth Ink for participating and sharing their thoughts. Very much appreciated.

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As for today’s unpopular opinion(s) We have three. Check them out:

(Note: These opinions are in no way reflective of my personal views or biases; just ones I think will spark interesting dialogue in the comment section) 

 

Unpopular Opinion #1 There is nothing noble about choosing to keep a pregnancy knowing it will end with a genetically disordered child. by u/ShugarShorts

I am a special needs parent whose son’s disorder is so rare that they couldn’t detect it in utero. He was diagnosed at almost 1 after, in addition to the many other problems he was having, he began to have seizures and thus genetic testing.

I am currently pregnant and on a parent forum where so many parents post about not knowing if they would do the early genetic screening and it’s followed by even more parents saying it would matter what the results are they wouldn’t do anything about it.

Life is hard. Life as a special needs parent is even harder. I’ve lived both ways and I hate the naivety and toxic positivity that dwells among these communities.

I hate that my son was born with his issues. It has taken a toll on every aspect in my life. There is no real specials needs child care. The amount of procedures, doctors appointments, surgeries, extensive therapies, equipment is ungodly expensive and exhuasting. He suffers in ways that I can’t do anything about. My relationship has gravely suffered, we never get to spend time without him and when we do it’s brief.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish this wasn’t my life. I see too many people on instagram etc. Posting in matching clothes with inspirational quotes and nobody is being honest. It sucks. It’s not fair to me or my family.

It’s isolating as hell. People act like you’re an amazing parent just because you’re going through this when half the time I’m falling apart.

Does any of this mean I don’t love and cherish my son? No. But, If faced with results of another genetic disorder or something similar, I would absolutely terminate.

 

Unpopular Opinion #2 I just want a simple boring life by u/newCoder250

I don’t care about making a ton of money. I don’t care about politics. I don’t care about changing the world. I just want a simple 9 AM- 5 PM job where I get paid average and then go home and eat and sleep. I’ll be fine doing this for 40 years and then die. I just want to watch the sunset near the pond at my old house I grew up in. I want a simple life. I don’t care about showing off a car on Facebook to old classmates. I don’t care about the newest play station. People say this is sad and depressing but I just want to live life like this.

 

Unpopular Opinion #3 It’s perfectly acceptable to break up with someone with mental health issues by u/LokiiVegas

Not everyone is equipped to deal with everything that comes along with your issues, and no one is obligated to. You deserve someone who can handle it, and that’s not everyone.

People who would rather steer clear aren’t monsters. They just want to protect themselves from issues they can’t relate to and cant fix. Accept that.

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What are your thoughts and opinions? Let me know in the comments. I’ll be sure to link your contribution to your blog for all the credit.

 

See you in the comments(?)

 

– O.D. ©2021

 

Art by: snatti89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Love After Dawn.

Another break from Spoken Word and Poetry. We haven’t talked like this in a while.

 

Following up on my post from yesterday I’m going to explore some of the reasons why I don’t pursue romance — or children. Despite previously being an avid supporter of romance, it wasn’t heart-break that stopped me from pursuing. It was, in fact my pursuit that stopped me. It was getting ridiculous.

 

My personal interpretation of love far surpasses anything found in reality. Of course it does, have you looked around lately? You’ve got people entering relationships with wildly different values and only figuring each other out years later ….then claiming the other person “changed”. No one changed, few people show who they are until they are certain you’re not going anywhere. People don’t change, their priorities do and you’re probably not one of those priorities anymore.

 

I was born in a generation that valued tradition and all the gimmicky lovey-dovey stuff. Grew up believing in “the one” which is obviously an illusion depending on how you view romantic relationships. And even though I’m relatively young, I feel like a dinosaur because I don’t see how I fit in the modern dating scene and all it’s rules. It’s become so dogmatic.

 

See, I’m not the type of person who goes on a date with someone to “gauge where we stand” or to see if I actually like them. I’m the type of person who commits to action and conscious decision making. If I’ve decided to go on a date with you, I obviously like you. That’s what a date is to me.

Believe me, If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t be going on that date. But the modern dating scene allows people to opt out even after a single date. As they should, it’s their choice. Just like it’s my choice to not be a part of that circus.

 

My capacity for feeling is not something I can easily navigate and mold to be so free-form. I suppose the easiest way I can put this is… when it comes to romance, I’m the all-in or nothing kind of romantic partner. But that only applied when I was still searching.

 

But that’s just one thing, there are many other things I can’t handle in romance …

 

Gender roles (at least in my culture) just completely drain me. I remember one of the break-ups I had was over an ex saying I wasn’t doing enough. That I wasn’t ambitious and shooting high enough…

 

Okay, let’s decipher this …

 

Within the span of our relationship I had moved to a foreign country in pursuit of work.  I was earning more than I had ever done in my entire life — sending her money when I could –and in the meantime she was busy complaining and failing her degree. Listen, I’m not saying failing makes you a complete disaster, what I AM saying is if you know you’re contributing nothing to a relationship apart from simply existing; have the decency to open your eyes before making a fool of yourself.

 

The gall to say I’m not doing enough when they were doing nothing but watching me progress from the sidelines. I’m not the most gifted mathematician, but I know her abacus was tracking bad numbers. She expected me, as the man, to save her… to earn enough so she sits pretty while I bust my a**. No thanks honey. That’s not chivalry, that’s being an idiot — or, according to the urban dictionary. A Simp. 

I don’t usually judge. But when someone is so brazen to call me out when I’m doing my best… tsk

These are the gender roles I’m talking about. Being expected to do something because you’re a man or a woman. I preferred  partnerships, working as a team; but even that wasn’t enough. I broke it off cause I wasn’t having none of that sh*t. For crying out loud, some of these people didn’t even know what they want.

“Good guys finish last” because they think it’s their job to wait lol that waiting makes them honorable or something. Yeah, have fun with that.  

 

The fact that when I meet someone new I have to prepare myself for yet another theme park of distractions and misadventures hardly gets me excited. Everyone is scarred in some way and I honestly just wince, thinking about how much baggage I have yet to uncover. But that’s it for romance, I’m not trying to convince people of my worldview. I just value precision and that sometimes gets in the way of everything.

 

As for children. lol

Children, children, children …

If I’m being completely honest (and I have to be, because I’m all about that authenticity) I’m 80% sure I don’t want to have kids. The remaining 20% is reserved for a future that remains uncertain. There are far too many likely variables for me to hammer the gavel here.

 

I’ve always been of the belief that If you have kids, you have to love them with every single thing you have, otherwise you’ve failed. That means forgetting who you even are and sacrificing your time to give that child your attention.  In my case, that would mean my writing, who I am. I’m not ready to make such a sacrifice nor do I see myself doing that without feeling like I’ve lost something.

 

The kid (if I ever decide to have one) never asked to be born; it would be my job to keep that kid happy, I’m not entitled to their respect. Currently, I’d probably push the percentage of wanting kids to 0% because I’m not thinking about having a child during a damn pandemic. But that’s a topic for another day…

 

You know… I hear testimonies of ladies saying they look for particular qualities and genes (in men) they wish to have children with. It may come as surprise to some ladies but — some men also want kids with a lady that carries specific qualities. And I don’t mean to be an a** when I say this but… no lady I’ve met even remotely compels me to want kids with them. 

 

And that’s mostly because my ideal relationship is so fictional. No one could ever compare or come close to it. As such, I won’t allow myself to settle. I’ll pull my hair out of boredom and resentment. People are fundamentally boring when we get down to the brass tacks. I’d rather save myself and the other person the misery of discovering what I’ve already discovered before.

 

That said, I love seeing people in love. I love seeing TV shows that have romance (like Outlander). I think love is beautiful, and it should most certainly persist. I just don’t have the patience for it. I love those I call friends, and I can appreciate beauty but now I passively have an ascetic quality to romance. 

 

Ending on somewhat of a high note: I believe love is about finding someone whose baggage and annoying traits are easy for you to live with. Honestly? I think anyone who can hold a marriage is gifted in ways I have yet to understand. 

See you in the comments (?)

 

– O.D. ©2021

 

Art by:  CamilleNat

 

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Looking Forward To Yesterday.

I haven’t posted in a while. It’s probably been one week — but by the end of it, I practically felt naked. I’ve been posting consistently every week for a while now but — last week, I just didn’t feel like it. 

It probably has to do with how I’ve started ghost writing. Capturing peoples’ voices is a tad bit exhausting (but it’s good practice though). Posting here started to remind me of work, so I had to take a step back before building resentment.

There’s a thought that’s been at the forefront of my mind lately.

“If something was to happen to me, how would all my readers know I’m not coming back”

In fact, I’ve thought of this question before (2015) but I didn’t dwell on it. My girlfriend at the time had insisted I give her my password lol in hindsight, not giving her was a good idea. 

One of my students asked me why I don’t want to get married and have kids. I told her “It’s not for me”.

She almost teared up worried, saying “people are not made to be alone in this world”.

I agreed. And reminded her that I wasn’t alone, after-all “I have all of my students”.

She persisted, saying “Yes. we’re here. But what if you ever get sick, or get injured, who will take care of you? Or when you get older, who will be there for you?”

“I don’t know. But I won’t have kids because of that” pause “When it’s time to go, It’s time to go. Let’s enjoy the time we have together. Because these are the good ol’ days”

My students called me stubborn lol they are sweet. I asked them to invite me to their weddings and they said they would.

Dear reader, truth is I don’t see myself giving anyone access to this account. Not in the near future at least. I don’t know what the future holds.

What I can say with full certainty is that if you see me absent from this blog for an entire year. Well, best to assume I’m not coming back. I’ve been doing this for so long that I literally feel weird when I haven’t said anything here. It’s obviously not some kind of moral obligation that drives me to come back; I just enjoy this, and I definitely don’t see my life moving without it.

Despite everything I’ve said, this is also an appreciation post to everyone who has read my work and listened to my Spoken Word poetry. To those that stayed open minded and didn’t judge, those who were kind and willing to talk despite having no incentive to do so. 

Thank you.

– O.D. ©2021

Art by: W33DZO

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Poiesis.

(Spoken Word) I won’t lie, I’m enjoying doing these.  I might occasionally post written poems. It’s good to change things up every once in a while.

 

Adjust your volume and use earphones.

 

Did you enjoy this?

You can find more of my Spoken Word here

 

– O.D. ©2021

 

Art by:  Kanamm

Instrumentals: Pandaraps