It's 2019, So Why Are We Still Romanticizing Hardship?
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

It's 2019, So Why Are We Still Romanticizing Hardship?

That's just the way life is - ups and downs.

485
It's 2019, So Why Are We Still Romanticizing Hardship?
Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Regardless of background, everyone can look back on their lives and count one or more times that they regard to be lower points of their life. That's just the way life is - ups and downs. Some struggle more than others, and many are still fighting battles that they have been struggling with for years.

Modern society reflects people who surround their entire personalities with trials and tribulations, though. Glances at social media and even celebrity interviews reflect a variety of people who focus their decisions, personalities, and conversations around the worst parts of their life. My question is: why?

Allow me to be clear about the thesis of this article: In no way do I feel as though people's struggles and personal battles don't matter, or don't deserve attention. The point of this article is not to belittle anyone for having struggled.

What this article is saying, though, is that there is a lot more to you and your potential than just the times you have survived and lived through. There is a certain wisdom to be ascertained in forgetting.

Hardships and tough times come with lasting effects - from physical maladies to psychological trauma. It's not cute, it's not romantic, and it's not something to drag out of a person because it seems deep or poetic.

I entirely agree with the old adage: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

But I don't recall anyone ever quoting something along the lines of "People won't like you unless your life has been terrible." There is more to people than their low points. We are more than our worst fears.

Pity should not be sought out. Pity should not be covered, because it is instant gratification that doesn't last as long as we think it does.

Now, this isn't to say that you should brag (or "humblebrag") whenever you get a chance to either. It isn't either or, and truthfully, going into detail about either at a social gathering or first-date is in poor manners. Yes, people can often relate over tough times, especially when two people experience them together. But to center yourself around it, or to artificially insert it into unrelated topics makes someone seem robotic and as if they aren't well rounded.

It's okay to struggle. It's okay to not live or go at the same pace as everyone else. Life is weird and unique, and everyone is truly different. Your concerns and difficulties are obviously valid, and if you ever need help, you should reach out. But it's important to know that people will still like you, regardless of what you're going through. People that don't accept you for situations out of your control or mistakes that were made a long time ago are not worth your time.

Lead your life with the confidence and perseverance that has gotten you this far.

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.

59069
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?

38145
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.

959636
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.

196567
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