Being Offended Is A Choice
Start writing a post
Relationships

Being Offended Is A Choice

We are all human, and will all get upset and offended at times.

1692
Being Offended Is A Choice
Focus on the Family

If you have ever seen “Princess Diaries,” you are probably familiar with the quote that Joe tells to Mia as she is getting into the limo: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” This quote actually comes from Eleanor Roosevelt, but a lot of people still remember that Joe the limo driver said it to Mia after getting mocked for her new look by her best friend.

Similarly, being offended works the same way. No one can offend you without your consent. You will only be offended if you allow yourself to be offended. In our society, nowadays, everyone is offended by everything. Simply turn on the news and you can find something that will make you mad. If you go on social media, I can almost guarantee that you will find something that you won’t like. But being offended is a choice we each make, and one that can greatly impact our lives.

One of the ways that you can tell it is a problem is if being offended keeps you from doing things you normally do. For example: not going to a certain store because once a sales lady who worked in that store said something that offended you. Or not attending church because someone who is in your congregation has offended you in some way. Or even not going to your best friend's party because someone who is invited has offended you in the past. If you are living your life around those who have offended you, it is time to re-evaluate your priorities.

Was there ever a time when you and a friend were in a fight, and only when you sat down to resolve it there was a realization that no one had intended to offend the other? This happens more often than people think. Often times when we are offended, the person who offended us did not even mean to! Yet we let that anger simmer and fester inside of us until we are convinced that the person who offended us is the worst kind of person. We need to be better at being slow to anger and slow to judge.

My husband is a great example to me of this. He is extremely patient with me (which is saying something because being 38 weeks pregnant makes you very irritable) and hardly ever gets offended by others. I once asked him how he did it, and he told me that when someone does offend or upset him, he says to himself “I forgive (insert name here).” Once he says it to himself enough, he truly does forgive that person and can move on. When I have been offended, my husband will have me say that saying out loud several times, and at first I want to scream: “This does nothing!” But the more I say it, the truer it becomes. I don’t write this article to say that we should never be offended by anything ever because that simply won’t happen. We are all human, and will all get upset and offended at times. What I am suggesting is being better at handling those feeling of anger and being better at choosing to let them go.

We live in truly disturbing times in world history. Bad things happen every day. Every day we make basic choices that affect our day. Choices to be happy instead of sad when it is raining out. Choices to be productive when we feel like being lazy. But we must remember that being offended is a choice. Being angry and upset is a choice. And once we start choosing to give someone the benefit of the doubt, to let our anger go, and to forgive those who we have let offend us, the world will be a better place. Maybe not the whole world, but our world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49702
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31661
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955233
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180433
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments